Newspaper Page Text
2
Mr. Kin* nid his purpose to bring the 1
bill before the Hoose, so that a rote by yeas ■
and nsys could be had on it- Hg did not care
when the bill should be reported so much as he
cared for a certainty that it should be reported.
Mr. Ash mu n begged Mr. K. not to eompli
cate the matter by pressing it at this time.
Mr. King stated that on the 13th inst. he had
offered a reaol ution—
The Chair said the subject was not debatea
ble.
Mr. King then raised a point of order, that
the decision of the Speaker was an after
thought—an artifice to prevent a vole on the
bill.
After some interruption Mr. King charged
that the journal of the 13th had been mutilated
He had offered a resolution on that day to stop
debate on the California bill, but the journal
showed he had offered to stop debate on the
President’s Message.
Mr. King being asked who mutilated the
journal, said he was informed by the subordi
nate clerk that it was done by the Speaker’s
order.
After a great deal of confusion, the Speaker
called Mr. Winthrop to the Chair Mr. W.
said it was the duty of the House to appoint a
committee of investigation.
Mr. King submitted his charge in writing as
follows
"1 Charge that the journal of the House has
been mutilated by erasing a motion that 1 did
make, and substituting by an inter ineation
one that I did not make, in the journal of the
13th instant. My motion was to close debate
on the California bill. These words are chang
edand messagesubstituted.”
After much confusion, the journal was read
as follows: _
Resolved, Thai all debate in committee ot
the whole House on the srnte of the Union on
the bill for ths admission of California and the
President’s Message of the President of thk
U- States transmitting the Constitution
of California on the same subject, no* pend
ing in the commi.tee of the whole House on
the state of the Union, shall cease at 2 o'clock
on Wednesday next, (if the committee shall
not sooner come to a conclusion upon the same)
and the committee shall then proceed to vote
on such amendments as may be pending, or
offered to the same, and shall then report it to
the House with such amendments as may have
been agreed to by the committee/'
[The words in small capitals are the words
said to be inserted by the Speaker The words
in italics are said to have been stricken out by
him.]
A motion was made to appoint a committee
of nine.
M r Cobb then said:—
Ido not wish to be understood as interpos
ing any objection to the resolution which has
been moved, but it is important, as I conceive,
that a simple statement of what has occurred
should go before the public in connection with
the charge which his been made by the gentle
man from New York, On the day indicated,
the gentleman rose to a privileged question
under the rules of the House, to offer the usual
resolution co stop debate on the question pend
ing before the Committee of the Whole. As
you, sirs, as you and the House are aware, it
is a resolution very frequently offered, and re
solutions to terminate debate, in blank, are al
ways kept on hand. When the gentleman from
New York rose and offered the resolution, he
had not reduced it to writing, but requested
the clerk to *o so. I directed that it should be
done by the clerk. The gentlemen immediate
ly made a motion to lay the resolution on the
table The House voted before the blank had
been filled up by the clerk. Subsequently, 1
sent word to one of the clerks that the resolu
tion must be read so as to stop debate on the
California message, and so directed The en
grossing not bear the direction to the
reading clerk, and the resolution was filled up
by him. You and the House know that it is
my du'y as Speaker to correct the journal of
the House. It was read to me the morning as
ter the adjournment. When the journal was
read the succeeding morning, the resolution
was to stop the debate on the President s Mes
sage and the California bill, then pending be
fore the Committee of the Whole on the state
of the Union. I instructed the clerk to strike
out bill, giving him my reason for not entertain
ing ihe motion to include the bill, namely : that
it was a privileged que.-tion to move to stop
debate un the message, because it had been re
ferred to the commit ee by the House. But as
the bill had not been before the House, and the
House had no parliamentary knowledge of the
pendency of the bih, it could not entertain as
a privileged motion a resolution to recriminate
the debate on it. This correction was made in
mv room, and (he journal as corrected was read
the next morning to the House. The circum
stances occurred just as I have narrated them.
1 have nothing more to say.
After further debate, Mr. Holmes said there
was no need of a committee, and would with
draw nia moioin for the appointment of one.
Mr. Stantly moved to lay the wnole matter
on the table.
Mr. Schenk wished a resolution of acquit
tal to be passed.
Mr King was asked to withdraw his charge,
and numerous propositions and motions were
mad< • midst great confusion. Finally the
previt question was demanded, and the
House decided to appoint the committee, 81,
nay* 69.
Mr. Winthrop, acting as speaker appointed
the following committee, viz: Holme**, of
8 C ; Vinton, of Ohio; Boyd, of Ky 4 Ash
man, of Mass; Doty, of Wisconsin; rflephetiw,
. f Ga.; Strong, of Penn.; Gentry, of Tenn.;
Richardsou, of ill.
The House then resolved itself into Com
mittee of the Whole on the State of the Union
(Mr. Boyd in the Chair.)and
Mr. Harris, of Illinois, having the floor from
yesterday, addressed the Committee m favor
of the admission of California.
Mr. Ashman obtained the floor, and the
Committee rose
The House then adjourned-
In Senate • March 27.
After petitions, Mr. Benton rose and
asked to be excused from serving on the eom
miitee.nf hixautn relation*. ——
Mr. Benton called attention to the report, in
the National of the altercation be
tween him and the Senator from Musissippt,
(Mr. Foote ) His own remarks were correct
—the remarks of the Senator incorrect. The
report of the Senator was a lying report—a lie
from beginning to end. It was not parlia
mentaryio alter words used in personal slter
cationx. Tbe reporters brought their notes to
him and he refused to look at them.
The allegation of the Senator that ho (Mr.
B.) had openly disavowed obligations to the
laws of honor, was utterly false. He made no
such disavowal. It the Senator chon-, he
would bring that matter to a lest He would
like to know how long language was t<> be
tolerated here that was worse than the vocabu
lary of the Five-Points —language that would
disgrace a brothel
f claim no privilege, said Mr. 8., of insulting
anyone. I never have done it. I bear with
insult a long time But if I notice it at all.
one party or the other shall not stay here. If
tqe Senate will not protect me, I will protect
rayself—coat what it may. Here is the news
paper report of the Senator's speech. I brand
it with lalsehood, and t will prove the fdse
hood any where, at any time. A newspaper
can’t call me to order. I brand thia report
as a falsehood. Henceforth I will protect
myself.
Mr Foote said he must be allowed to de*
lend himself from this indecent attack which
was made on a newspaper. He courted no
hostility. Ho was a plain man, and spoke
plainly- This report —the same in both pa
pers—was said to be false. These reports
were as accurate as reporters could be He
wasin the hahit of writing out speeches from
the reporter’s notes. The Senator had always
followed the same practice. Yesterday, in a
stormy debate, the reporters could not catch
every word. There were chasms in the notes
presented io him. He admitted that there
might be some slight difference—some etuis
•ion* or changes of words
He had alluded yesterday to an affair of
honor between tbe Senator and a Senator
from South Carolina, h was stated to me
that it was an improper allusion, and I admit
ted it—and therefore left out that matter. One
other very harsh remark 1 made, on some
stories resting on the Senator's character in
early life—and that I admitted. But, if in
sifted on, I can give the reporter’s notes.
H«s remarks were as brief, as spoken as
they were written. If any thing past was
omitted, he now repeated it He was done
with the qnarrel Wre He had said all that
ha wished to say He had spoken bis senti
ments ol the Senator very often—and once in
a published tetter. What could he do more.
He was willing, as he said yesterday, to call
the Senator to proper punishment, if he made
no claim to any privilege.
He wished to know whether the Senator
considered himself responsible to the law of
honor. I own myself so responsible. if he
let him avow it, and at a proper time, &c ,
the matter can be settled.
Mr. Renton sneered and so the matter drop-
ped.
A message of an Executive character was
received from the President of the Untied
Bute*.
The Cahfiirnia rnrwitr was taken up. and
Mr Chase concluded bis speech in lav or of
the admission of California and of the Wil
moi proviso.
Mr Foote urged that hia motion io raise a
select committee should ba voted on to-tnor
row.
Mr. Foote'a revolution waa taken up. and
postponed till one o’clock to morrow.
The Sonata went into E>< entire session for
a few miuutee and sdjourmd
House.
Mr. Winthrop took the Chair and ex Med
the House to order.
Ou motion hr Mr Holmes leave wa« cran
ed to the comini tee appointed to mvestica e
the charges made by the Hon. Preson King
against the Hon. Speaker Cobb, to ait during
the aitiinro of the House.
Mr Morton introduced by unauimoua con
vent. a resolution instriicung the Committee
on the Judiciary to inquire into the expedience
of establishing a District Court of the United
S alee for the Eastern District of Virginia, in
die town of Alexandria. and of authorising
the present Judge to hold the name The re
solution was pawed.
Mr McLane made a mo-ion that the House
go uno Committee of the Whole on the Cali
forma measure Not agreed io.
The Speaker announced that the first bust
new in order was the motion o f a,, gentleman
fn» : New York yMr. Congeri io reconsider
the vole by which the bill lo extend the patent
for a ploughinc machine here ofore granted to
WiHiam Woodworth, waa commuted io itw
Commntee of the Whole.
Mr Otis occupied the morning hour in oppo
sition IO a further catena on of the patent.
Mr. Brown, of Miss , moved to Uy the mo
t ion to reconsider on the table; which raobon
was decided in the negative—yeas 64. nays 103.
Mr. McLane moved the previous quoetmn
on the motion io reeowider II was seconded,
and the main question was ordered. The
question was then taken, and the vote was re
cee’idvred
On mour n of Mr. Jones the bill was then
laid on the table.
On motion of Mr. Ashssun the rules were sue
] pended and the House revolved Itself into Com-
• mittee of the Whole on the State of the Union,
(Mr. Boyd in the Chair) and resumed the con
sideration of the bill to admit California as a
State into the Union, and the special message
of the President upon the subject.
Mr. Asbmnn, who was entitled to the floor,
addressed the Committee for an hour.
Mr. Averet, of Vt., next obtained the floor
and spoke an hour.
The Committee then rose, when
The Speaker laid before the House a mes
sage from the President of the United Slates
transmitting the report of Thomas Bu er
King, the special Agent to California, upon the
condition and character of that country.
The report was ordered to be printed, also
a motion to print 20.000 copies extra was re
ferredto the Comnittee on Printing.
The House then adjourned.
la Senate March 28
The committee on finance reported the de
ficiency bill from the House, and Mr. Bontoti
moved to amend by inserting a provision for
the payment of the California claim.
Mr. Benton gave notice that he would to
morrow ask leave to introduce a bill to con
struct a national highway from St. Louis to the
Pacific-
Various petitions were presented.
Mr. Hale reported a bill granting a pension
to the widow of the late Gen. John McNeil.
A discussion followed, in which Mr. Rusk
Mr. Hale Mr. Benton, Mr. Underwood, Mr.
King and others, took part. The bill was
read, and ordered to a second reading.
Mr. Clarke introduced a bill to refund to
the State of Rhode Island advances made to vo
lunteers and enlisted soldiers.
Mr. Borland reported a joint resolution con
cerning the printing.
Mr Webster called up his resolution respect
ing the Public and moved that it be
made the spec al order for Monday fortnight.
Mr. Clay’**resolution okrecting Se-
nate shall ’gotadjourn in consequence of he
death of a member of Congress, unless he di*
during the session of Congress, was taken r.p
Mr. Dav s. of Massachusetts, opposed the re
solution I ir reasons which he gave.
After s< me conversation, the resolution was
adopted.
The Senate resumed the consideration of
the motion to refer Mr. Bell's resolutions to a
select committee of thirteen.
Mr. Baldwin spoke at length in favor of the
admission of California. Mr. B. did not con
clude, but gave way.
Mr. Beadbnry moved that bis resolution re
specting removals from office be taken up and
made the order for Tuesday—agreed to.
Mr. Badger objected to sitting on Good Fri
t day, to-morrow. He mentioned the anecdote
that a Judge in England refused to adjourn the
j court on notice, and declared that he would
, hold court, though it was Good Friday. Then,
roy Lord, replied the counsel, you will be the <
first one who has ever held court on that day,
except Pontius Pilate.
Mr. Badger moved that the Senate adjourn
over. x ' /?'
i Mr. Hale would vote for it, but not because
L tp morrow was Good Friday. The world was
governed too much, and the less of legislation
the better. He was, therefore, always in favur
! of adjournments.
j The motion was agreed to.
I After a short Executive session, the Senate
. adjourned to Monday.
House,
Mr. Wellborn, from the Committee on the
j Judiciary, to which was referred the subject of
I providing punishment of agents and others
who refuse to pay over the moneys which may
be obtained for the Government by any indi
vidual. reported a bill to define certain oflen
, ces and to provide adequate punishment there
' for; which was read and referred to the erm-
4 mittee of the whole.
p He also reported a bill to lay a tax on alien
passengers crossing to the United States, and to
( provide for its collection. Read twice and re
( (erred.
Mr. Grinnell reported the following bills from
the Committee on Commerce, which were ap
propriately committed, viz:
' The bill to compensate and reimburse the
owners and crew of the whaling ship for loss
r es and expenses in rescuing the crew of the
ship Columbia ; and
The bill supplementary to the act for the re
' lief of sick and disabled seamen.
? Messrs Evansand Kerr, of Md., made sev
g eral reports from the committee to which they
n belong, of no public importance.
Mr Schenck reported back from the Cotn
' mit;ee on Naval Affairs witn a recoinmenda-
I tion that it do pass, the bill providing a re
tired list for the Navy, and a reduction of the
number of officers. It was committed.
Mr Waldo, from the Committee on R<*vo
, lutionary Pensions, reported a bill explanatory
' of the acts of 30ih July, 1838, March 3d, 1843,
and June 17, 1844
Mr. W. explained that the act was to re-tore
the practice of the law of 1838. ft pro\ ides
that where the husband died since the passage
of these acts, the widow shall be entitled to a
pension, if she be in other respects entilh d to
} the pension.
9 The bill was finally passed.
5 A joint resolution was reported from the
Committee on Revolutionary Pensions by Mr.
’ Freedly, explanatory of the act of 1849, grant
j ing pensions to widows of those officers and
soldiers who died in Mexico. The bill re
lieves the widows from the necessity of mak
ing proof of the death of their husbands in ac
’ tual service, or of disease contracted in the
• service, when the proof is to be found on the
files of the Department.
The previous question has been moved on
the bill. The questions pending are a motion
to refer the bill to the Committee of ihe Whole
( to reier me uni to me voiumiuee ot tne wnoie
on the state of the Union, and a motion that it
be read a third time and passed.
Mr. Bayly, of Va., from the committee on
Ways and Means, reported a bill for the sup
port of the Military Academy at West Point,
which was read twice and referred.
On motion of Mr. Inge, the rules were bus
i pended and the House resolved itself into
- Committee of the, Whplu, (Mr Boyd in chu>
Chair) and remr fried*' the (toristderffuon of the
i California Message and Bill.
- Mr. Averett finished hie speech against the
, admission of California.
i Mr Chandler then obtained tbe floor, and
> spoke an hour on the slavery question. Aller
i he concluded the Hoose adjourned.
Washington, March 29.
The Senate did not sit to day.
House.
On motion, the House agreed, when it ad
journed to adjourn tih Monday next-
The Speaker (Mr Winthrop) announced
that this was private bill day.
The House accordingly resumed the consid
eration ol the hill for the relief of the captors
' of the frigate Philadelphia.
[’l'he history of this cast is this: The frig
ate Philadelphia, lying under the guns of the
* caaile in tbe harbor of Tripoli, was, in the year
1 1804. at the suggestion of the then L'. De
catur, and under the official order of Com.
Preble, recaptured and burned. The bill now
1 under consideration was to allow SIOO,OOO as
. prize money to the captors or their heirs
and legal representatives, j
Messrs. Thomas. Sackett and Hubbard op
r posed the bill, on the ground that it was gratui
-1 tons, and was not founded on legal right.
1 Messrs. Sunton. of Tenn., Schenck and
McLane, of Md., advocated the justice of the
claim.
1 Mr Hubbard moved to lay the hill on the
’ table. The House laid the bill on the table by
a vole on yeas and nays of 104 in the rffinna
tive and 58 in the negative.
Mr. Holtues. of the select committee ap
’ pointed to examine into the charge made by
1 Hon. Preston King against the Hon. Howell
‘ Cobb, of a mutilation of the journal, made a
1 report exonerating the Speaker from ail
blame in the matter, and also relieving Mr.
King from all censure for the course he pursu
ed in bringing the matter before the House.
The resolution was then unanimously adopt
ed.
The report, which was signed by the com
mittee. and accompanying testimony, was or
dered to be printed. The House then ad
journed over till Monday next.
Mannfacture of Brogans.
We were surprised to observe a statement
in the New York Courier that even in that
city, where manufactures of all sorts are so
extensively carried on, they have been de
pendent for their supplies of coarse brogans.
upon the same sources as ourselves. Massa
chusetts has deluged the South with this arti
cle, in fact enjoying the entire monopoly of
the trade In tbe city of New York too, she
has been. tHI now. without competition. No
wonder they are able to give employ rnent to
srx’y thousand people, and receive for the
products of their labor the round sum of
twenty millions of dollars per annum.'
We perceive from tire Courier that New
York has resolved to strike for independence
of this branch of New England manufactures.
A jointstock company has been formedin that
city io introduce the manufacture of brogans
( and similar articles, aud the hope is expressed
, that it may be the means of giving emp'oy
ment to youths of both sexes who are now
j feeding a life but little removed from vagrancy
C in that city. It is also tube hoped the effort
wilt succeed. Indeed it can hardly be doubled
that it will. It is succeeding in the South.
But it will necessarily be a long time before
we shall be entirely emancipated from our de
pendence opou the Lynn shoemaker* for our
I supplies of brogans.
Il appears from investigations instituted into
the Massachusetts manufactories of shoes that
noys ten years old and under, earn from 31 to
4icents a day, boys from 10 to 17, tn the ini
tiatory stages, earn from 50 to 75 cents, and
1 after two month's training, one dollar to two
aud a half per day. according to their expert
ness ; girls, from 10 to 16. earn 31 to 50 cents
per day, and women 75 sents, and frequent
ly mure.— SfaMt Rtgitltr.
Txr Soothwkstxrh Roan —Mr. Reynolds,
the President of 'his Company, has just return
ed from the North, where he purchased the ne
cessary engines and machinery, which will be
p seed upon the road the moment the track is
in readiness for their reception. The iron for
the entire line, as far as Oglethorpe, is now be
ing delivered by the Central Cars, in this city,
and we understand that arrangements have I
been made to press the work to completion ,
with all possible despatch.
Il is eerta-uly important to the stock-holders- ' r
that the road should be opeu to the Flint River
m time to convey the next crop to market. If t
completed by the Is. of November, the road ,
would have at once a heavy freighting business
—amounting 10, say, 50.000 or 60 000 bales of ‘
eouon, together with corresponding back •
freights, travel. Ac. If the completion is de- I
fayed lo spring, all this business would be lost. (
and ibe stock holders would be compelled lo
W * lt * year for a dividend. These are ’
‘••‘•'derations, which are so obvious, that we i
have no doubt they will induce both the officers ,
•’ lhe Company and the stockholders to tse
every possible vdbrt to secure the early eom-
i plvtion of the road.—Jour. Jr .Mrs* '
Ptxvx Roans—Large gangs of bauds are ,
already at work on the Central Plank Road.
, and also on the Montgomery and Wetumpka '
i Road. A company of surveyors are engaged '
in locating the South Plank Road. The stock v
is taken, or nearly all taken, in all of these en
terprises, and they will be pushed forward to *
an early completion. Some twenty steam en
gines for saw mills have been completed at the «
manufacturing works of Gindrat 4 Co., in
this city. This company, we learn, from the
perfection of the arrangements, are able to
turn out two finished engines per week. j
The South Eastern Plank Road, among the
most important of all, has as yet made little
progress, owing, we presume, to the absorp- s
tiun of the attention of gentlemen in the other q
enterprises. This Road ought to be built, and f
can be built before the next crop, if the pro
ject was taken vigorously in hand.— Mont
gomery Journal, 28th inst.
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AUGUSTA. GA.=
WEDNESDAY MOHNING, APRIL 3.
Death of Mr. Calhoun,
“A great man has fallen in Israel." One of the
brightest intellectual lights of the age has been
extinguished! Jon* Caldwell Calhoun is
no more. He died at his lodgings in Washing
ton, at half past seven o’clock Sunday morn
ing the 31st ult.
For this sudden termination of the long and
eventful career of this eminently distinguish
ed American, we were wholly unprepared ; for
we had indulged the hope, from the latest pre
vious accounts, that he would ere long be res
tored to health, and long live to enjoy the
blessings of those institutions, to the building
up of which much of his life and energies had
been devoted. But an all-wise Creator has
ordered otherwise, and the nation mourns one
of her brightest and most brilliant ornaments,
whether we contemplate him for his high and
varied intellectual attainments* or his pre-emi
nent moral rectitude and elevated integrity in
. all the relations of social and private life.
Mr Calhoun was born in Abbeville Dis
trict, South Carolina, on the 18th of March
1782, and had consequently just entered his
sixty-ninth year. His early education and
subsequent preparation for College, was en
trusted to that eminent and successful precep
tor : Dr. Moses Waddel, from whose School
he went to Yale College, where he joined the
Junior class in 1802, and graduated with the
highest honors two years afterwards. The
study of the Law was commenced by him un
r der Judge Desaubsure, of South Carolina,
and completed at the Law School of Judges
Gould & Reeves, at Lytchfield, Connecticut,
in 1806, and in 1807 he entered upon the prac
tice. He was soon returned to the Legislature
of his native State, in which he served for two
sessions, during which he took a prominent
part in its deliberations, developing that high
order of intellectual superiority which has so
eminently marked his subsequent course.
In December, 1811, he took his seat in the
House of Representatives of Congress, from
which he retired in 1817, to enter upon the du
ties of the Secretaryship of War, tendered him
by President Monroe ; which be continued to
fill till 1824, when he was elected Vice Presi
dent. Os the eminent ability displayed by him
* in bis career in Congress, and as Secretary,
we need not speak. History has already pro
nounced its highest eulogiums, and the era ac
knowledges the influence of his genius and iu-
• tellect.
In 1828, he was re-elected Vice President,
which office he filled for four years, and was
immediately after his retirement in 1832, re
turned to the U. 8. Senate, in which he re
mained (with but a single intermission, from
1842 to 1845, during which he accepted the
office of Secretary of State, under Mr. Tyler,
and discharged its duties one year.) till his
death.
He has, therefore, devoted his great talents
and indomitable energies for over forty years
of his eventful life (save two, from March,
1842, to March, ’44, when he was m retire
ment,) to the service of his country. That
country, the world, and posterity will mark the
history of such a man, and do him ample jus
tice.
Public Sentiment In Georgia.*’
i Under this imnosinv head the Charleston
i under mis imposing neau me vnarießton
1 Mercury copies the following paragraphs from
the Macon Telegraph:
We publish in to-day’s paper, the proceedings of a
number of Southern Rights Meetings, held in differ
’ ent parts of the State We have been compelled to
exclude others for want of room. They shall, how
ever, meet with the earliest possible attention.
' The proceedings of these meetings all breatheriia
k right.rjddLx “ n d j>how«? ..notwithstanding th* otmrta
; made in certain ‘quarters to' demoralize this Southern
movement, that Georgia is sound to the core from the
t sea-board to the mountains. We question not the
patriotism of any man who doubts the propriety of
I sending delegates to the Nashville Convention, and
who al the same time is in favor of some other plan o
Southern action in defence of onr rights, but we have
no respect far those aubmit«ioniftU> among us who are
using the cast-off* twaddle of our enemies against the
Convention.
The obvious purpose and tenor of these
paragraphs, and their publication are to make
the impression on the minds of persons not
familiar with the facts, that Georgia is moving
forward in support of the Nashville Convert
( lion. The truth is precisely the reverse, and
if the writer had set out to indite a paragraph
designed to misrepresent the state of public
feeling in the State, he could not have more
successfully accomplished his purpose than in
this instance. It cannot be denied that the
whole movement is an entire failure, a misera
-1 ble abortion, and is so pronounced by every
candid man who values his character for ve
racity—who is familiar with the actual state of
things. The pretended meetings have been
like Angels’ visits, “few and far between,’
and not one of them in any section of the
Stale have been even respectable, in point of
numbers. Indeed, such has been the total in
difference with which the whole thing has been
received by the people, that several instances
have occurred in which warm advocates of the
Convention have declined a nomination to
serve as delegates, alone upon that ground;
that public sentiment seemed not to favor the
project—or was totally indifferent to it.
Since the foregoing was prepared we have
received the following notice in the Southern
Banner, of a Convention held in Gainesville,
the published proceedings of which seem to
have studiously avoided any allusion to the
number of counties represented, or the dele
gates in attendance. Rather an ominous fact.
The Banner says:
“ The Gainesville Convention. — An account of
tbe proceedings of this body will be found in anoCi,er
column of to-day’s paper. Only four couuties of the
nine composing the 6th C<digressionnl district were
represented. They were Walton, Jackson, H4l
and Habersham. The whigs were represented only
from tbe counties of Habersham and Hall. Tbeie
was not a quorum of the district present, and hence
Mr. Thurmond of Jacksnn was opposed to a nomina
tion. The members, however, proceeded lo the
nominal ion of delegates to the Southern convention,
no doubt considering their action altogether recom
mendatory, and not obligatory in a party sense upon
either of the two great political divisions. In this
light we are willing to consider it, and to accept the
nomination as in accordance with public sentiment.
We do not doubt that both of the distinguished nomi
nee® are entirely acceptable to the people of the dis
trict.”
We have also received the reply of Dr.
Millkr of Cass, to (be Committee who in
formed him of bi* nomination by the Cassville
Convention, from which we make the follow
ing extract:
“ I am very sensible of the distinction conferred
by the reieerinn, and regret that I cannot accept it
frankly and without reservation. But the fact that
only a portion of the counties composing the dis
trict was represented at ('assville and some of thorn
but partially, justifies the inference that the people
<4 tbe remainder either desire no representation in
the Southern Convention or are quite indifferent Upon
the subject.”
So much for "public sentiment in Georgia ”
Thk Movement in .Mnuwipri.—A few
days since we published the proceedings of a
great meeting of both political parties in Natch
ex, evincing the conservative views of that
community, and we now have intelligence of
another in Hinds County, one of the most
populous, and wealthy cotton growing conn
ties of the Slate. The Hinde County Gazette
informs us that “one of the largest and most
respectable public meetings” ever held in Ray
mond. convened there on the 9th in st. to ex
press approbation of the position taken by tbe
Administration on the California question.—
The '-oldest and most influential citizens”—
these most "deeply interested in the peculiar
institutions of the South”—were present from
every part of the country. The meeting was
addressed by Messrs. Dabney, Mayes, Baine.
McComb, Johnson and other gentlemen—all
of whom, says the Gazette, emphatically de
clared themselves in favor of sustaining Presi
dent Taylor io his coarse m relation to Califor
nia.
Resolutions were offered by Messrs. John
son and A. L. and Thoe 3 Dabney. They
are eminently able and appropriate and were,
very properly, adopted by tbe meeting. One
of tnem declares that it is now evident that
will not pass the Wdmot proviso and |
yiat, therefore, the proposed IN ash vine conven
lion ought to be abandoned That resolution
expresses precisely our sentiments in regard ’
to its porticolar subject "
Admission of California.
The Franklin Democrat recently asked the
Huntsville Advocate/ 1 whether it was in favor 1
of the admission of California with its pre
sent Constitution and boundaries as a separate
question. To which the Advocate made (he
following pertinent reply :
“ Without arguing the question, we answer, we
believe in the right of self-government—we believe
the people constitute a Slate and not Congress—we
believe Congress can admit but not create States
we believe that the people of a territory when in
convention alone possess power over their institu
tions—we believe Congress has no jurisdiction in re
ferencs to the provisions of a State coostitutiou farther
than to see that it is of a republican character. As a
separate proposition, we would, therefore, favor the
admission of California into the Union : But, con
nected, as it is with the slavery question, we would
not separate this from the other issues. We would
use California as u means to an end —the s ttlement
of the whole matter. Bills for the admission of Cali
fornia and for tho compromise of the territorial and
othsr slave questio s should be linked together and
proceed through Congress together . On principle,
then, we hold that California has a right to be nd
mitted as a State : This is Southern ground, and we
can’t see how Southern men can oppose it without
conceding jurisdiction over the whole question to
Congress. Still, we hold that it is good policy to
defer the admission of her until a settlement of the
whole controversy is effected. Is the Franklin Dem
ocrat satisfied
Not content, however, with this very suffi
cient response, the Advocate returns the com
pliment, and propounds the foliowing ques
tions to the Democrat, the study of which may
not be unprofitable to some of those who are
very zealous in their opposition to the admis
sion of California:
“ Does it oppose the admisaion of California for the
reason of its slavery restriction? Would it have
Congress reject on that account ?
“Doesthe Franklin Democrat oppose the admis
sion of California because of its boundaries? Would
its division benefit the South—give her more strength
in the Senate?
“ Does it now approve of the Nicholson letter and
Gen Cass’ views, as expressed in that letter and re
centlv so emphatically reiterated imhe Senate?
“ Will the Franklin Democrat point out the clause
in the constitution requiring the previous assent of
Congress to be given to the call fora convention to
frame a constitution for the people of a territooy about
to become a State ?
“Would tbe Democrat favor the admission of
California, under present circumstances, with a con
stitution permitting slavery ?”
Among those who oppose the admission of
California, tbe fear is frequently expressed
that the power of the firee Slates is rapidly be
coming too great in Congress, the conse
quences of which, with the rapid strides ol
free soilism, may be disastrous to tbe South
and her institutions. And yet, strange as it
may seem, the very same parties object to the
admission of California “ with her present
boundaries," alleging that she is too large!
How consistent! They object to the admis
sion with her present boundaries, because she
is too large—want her dimensions curtailed to
make other free States, and yet affect to fear
the rapid increase of power in Congress of the
free States. Suppose California was rejected,
because of her present size, and cut up into
four Slates, as some of them assert she ought
to be, what would be the effect upon the Sen
ate of the United States? Would it not place
in that body eight free-soil Senators, instead of
two, if admitted with her present boundaries?
Most assuredly it would. What, then, be
comes of their pretended fears fur the safety of
the South? Is it not apparent to the common
est comprehension that they are insincere in
the one or the other case, and that their pur
pose is alone to keep the question open to
afford them agitation? To our mind, such a
conclusion is irresistible, and we think will be
equally so to all dispassionate men who give it
a moment's reflection.
Congrcßs--Mr. Calhoun.
Through the Charleston Mercury of yes
terday, we have received a very long and full
telegraphic report of the proceedings of the
Senate on the occasion of Ihe announcement
of the death of Mr. Calhoun. Judge Butler
introduced the customary resolutions, which
he prefaced with an eloquent eulogium upon
the character and services of the deceased.—
Mr. Clay briefly and eloquently seconded the
adoption of the resolutions, and Messrs. Web
ster, Rush, and Clemens united in bearing
testimony to his numerous virtues, eminent
abilties, and devoted patriotism.
Io the House the same resolutions were
adopted, and Messrs. Holmes, Winthrop and
Venable addressed the House.
No other business was transacted.
Messrs. Benton and Foote.
No true lover of his country can contem
plate the late display of blackguardism in the
“ Senate, between these two Senators—an ac
-11 count of which on Tuesday, we publish this
morning—without a profound sense of indig
a nation. It is a lamentable fact that such exhi
o bitions are becoming more frequent, and it
- behooves the press and the people, lo speak
out in strung terms of censure.
’» effusion of Senatorial billingsgate, which we
e think the Senate should have promptly arres
f ted:
d The rude and personal controversy in the Senate
‘ of tbe United States, between Messrs. Fuote and Ben
6 ton, has painfully affected the public mind. 'The
e Senate of the United States is regarded in such high
6 estimation, not only from the wisdom and experience
of its members, bat also from tbe dignity and deco
e rnm which have marked its proceedings, that any un
becoming exhibition of passion or petulance in that
body cannot take place without exciting a deep feel
>t ing ol regret throughout tbe country. It ought to be
regarded as impossible that any Senator could say or
do anything in that assemblage of illustrious st a les
r" men, to wound the feelings of a brother Senator or tu
d offer insult to any body. They do not sic there for
> any such purpose; and the public at large have the
right to ref use a recognition o r any language u tered
c there which carries with it the expression of private
9 or personal animosity.
In times of the highest political excitement, tbe
r* judgment of the Senate always commands respect.
B The people are accustomed to look to that angust body
with full confidence in its patriotism, its wisdom, and
its integrity. Nothing can disturb or destroy that
K confidence, except the forgetfulness of Senators to their
. own dignity. Il is no private matter when Senators
f insult one another ; it is a public concern. The busi
ness ol the nation is not only interfered with by such
1 outrages, but its honor is compromised
> into the n erits of this personal leud between
Messrs. Benton and Foote, we do not choose to enter.
3 The country can judge; and as for the parties them
f selves, the best thing they can do in the matter, in our
opinion, is to forget it. The agrereor, whoever he
may be, will find in hisown regrets a severer punisb-
1 went than an adversary could indict upon him ; and
g the injured one will gain lucre honor by forbearance,
than he could possibly acquire from vindictive retribu-
3 tion.
j
; The Vicksburg Whig says: *• There can be
j no union of the South in favor of preventing
the admission of California. There is, how
» ever, so much unanimity in regard to one view
i of that question as to justify us in declaring
that the opponents of the admission are in an
j almost microscopic minority. They are. how-
> ever, potent enough to be doing the South
. great wrong and injustice, and to be gradually
driving liberal Northern men from positions
where they might and would do much to place
, Southern rights upon a secure basis. Such
unwise or designing agitators ought to be every
where denounced and repudiated.”
l So Tar a. the action of the Georgia Legisla
ture was concerned, we believe the majority
did not deaire a union and concert of the peo
ple of the State, but were influenced by a
miserable spirit oi demagogueiam to make
political capital out of the question, and we
rejoice that the people are disappointing their
hopes.
South Csrolisa Institute.—lt affords u.
pleasure to call the attention of tbe public to
theadvertiaenient of this institution, proposing
to introduce Southern producers to the great
Fair of the World’, industrial exhibition in
London in the early part of the year 1851, of
which our readers are already advised. In
speaking of this purpose on the part of the
Institute, the New* says: The committee on
Premium, of the South Carolina Institute nave
very properly determined to offer honorary
rewards at their annual meeting in November
next, in addition to premiums for specimens in
the arts and in mechanism, for tbe best samples
of successful culture in those products which
are peculiarly of Southern origin. These
samples will be forwarded lo the “World's,
Fair.” and the effect in stimulating improve
mont in the various departments of Southern
agriculture, cannot but be. in the highest de
gree. beneficial, as honorable incentives lo in
dustrial e't'ort and inventive talent.
A Nplendid Buggy.
Those of our cilicene who like to see a su
perior piece of workmanship, the handiwork
of our own mechanics, will do well to call at
the Carriage Shop of Mr. Jas. Hulbert, and
examine a splendid Buggy, just finished,
which we think is not surpassed either for ex
cellence of workmanship, or beauty of finish,
by any thing we have ever seen from the
manufactories of the North.
The late Snow Storm on the 27th uIL,
seems to have been very general, and the frost,
we fear, has been very destructive to fruit.
A gentleman from Troup county writes u
under dale the 98th March, as follows:
“ W e had a vwy cold day ymwday; jow at night
it eommeneul hailing, fallowed by coowdmble snow.
This morning 1 foand ice half an inch thick ; the
snow lay on lhe ground in the shade until one or two
o'eteck. But few ot live farmer, bave as yet com
menced plantinc cotton; last year al this dale most all I
were done, tbe first time.”
“ 29th —Li nd saow oo the ground this morning,
and have no doubt some will be until 12 o'claek.** I
Skies Brightnlng.
The intelligent and usually well informed
Washington correspondent ot the New York
Journal of Commerce, holds the following lan
guage, in a recent letter, in reference to the
prospect of a favorable adjustment of the agi
tating question growing out of the Mexican
conquests :
“Much has been done witbin a few days among
the Senators but in private, to prepare the way for a
compromise of the pending question. Mr. Clay,
Mr. Beil, Mr. Cass, and Mr. Dickinson, have, in
conjunction witjj Mr. Foote, been chiefly instru
mental in bringing about this state of things.
‘‘The gentlemen above named think that the time
has come for the reference of tbe whole subject to a
committee of thirteen, according to Mr. Foote’s pro
position ; and they have canvassed the Senate, and
fourd that they have a majority in favor of a com
promise; and the committee, there is every reason
to think, will be able to offer a scheme.
‘ The juncture is believed to be favorable to the
effort. It is believed that Ihe idealists and fanatics,
as Mr. Horace Mann and Gov. Seward, have over
shot the mark of any reasonable sentiment in the
North : and that, in opposition to their views, tho
whole mass of Northern people will adhere to the
obligations imposed by the constitution.
“As to the views of Mr. Calhoun, we are not yet
aware that anyone in the South unites with him, in
the demand lor a change of the Constitution. Every
wherein the South—as we have beard—Mr. Web
ster’s speech is accepted by the Southern people as
a platform on which they are to unite with the
North.”
The agitation has evidently passed the cul
minating point, and fanaticism and ultraisin
are retiring before the powerful influence of
rational and moderate counsels, a result that
must gratify and cheer the heart of every pa
triot in the coimtry. That such wonld.be the
result, we have never permitted ourselves at
any time to doubt, and we rejoice that the
discreet, patriotic and conservative men of
Congress are uniting to secure a harmonious
adjustment.
What that adjustment will be, we cannot
conjecture, but that it will be satisfactory to the
moderate and temperate men, the patriots of
the country, and equally honorable to all sec
tions, we have entire confidence. We are,
however, inclined to the opinion, either that
Mr. Bell's proposition will be accepted, or
will form the basis of a project which will be
ultimately passed by both Houses of Congress.
Such a measure will satisfy the country—save
the fanatics and ultraisls, and no true patriot
cares or desires to please them—and give peace
and quiet to the public mind upon this ques
tion. . ■
Lik*e a'tnßf litriot* Jud agacious atatea’innii,
Mr. Bell has takan a broad and comprehen
sive view of the whole question, and has pre
sented a proposition for its adjustment which
will forever settle it, and put an end to agita
lion. His proposition yields nothing which
can afford just cause of complaint to any sec
tion of the Union, and is preferable to the plan
suggested by Gen. Taylor, in this: that it con
templates giving to the people of the Territo
ries a civil government; while the President
advised that they remain under their present
military control. This we regard as very ob
jectionable, and not at all congenial to our no
tions of government; for, in all ages and coun
tries, a military government has always been,
and will continue to be, a mere despotism; we
care not whether it exists by permission of a
. republic or a despotism.
New Books.
Mbkoiss op ' irx Lips and Waitings op Da. Thom
as Cualmkrs, d. d., l. L. d. By his Son-in-law,
Rev. Wm. Hanna, l. l. d., in three volumes.
Vol. Ist, Bvo. } pp. 514. Harper & Brothers.
Whatever pertains to the elucidation of the
life and character of Dr. Chalmers, cannot
but be highly interesting to the intelligent
Christian and philanthropist. The memoirs
of a man, whose life was consecrated to the
cause of Christianity, whose sphere of useful
ness was so extended and who so stamped the
age in which he lived, with the impress of his
genius, should form a text book for all those
who can admire an exemplary and truly pious
walk through life. The volume before us is
rendered doubly valuable from the fact, that
the eminent divine is frequently his owu biog
rapher, thus imposing upon the author little
more than the duty of collecting, arranging
and weaving into a continuous narrative the
materials at hand. Tbe Book is for sale by
T. Richards & Son.
Sxstobbs op Minbbota, with Incidents of Troxel,
&c , l 'y E. S. Sbtmouk. 8ro. ( pp. 281. Har
per & Brothers.
This volume is designed by the author to
afford useful and reliable information on tbe
history, topography, climate and the agricul
tural and commercial resources of the Terri
tory of Minesota, which he thinks is destined
to become one of the most flourishing States
in the Union; and we confess he has succeed
ed in making a very reauablo and interesting
book. It may be had of T. Richards & Son.
9 Csohos : A tlkctch of a Physical Dtscriptlon of
the Universe: By Alexander Von Humboldt.
Translated by E. C. One. 2 vols., Bvo. Harper
& Brothers.
t This work of the learned author has been
i designated by one of the Literati of the days,
"the age," anotheruus.
v Sliding a “eroWniiig laurel io that wreath with
> which Europe will always delight to surround
- the name of AtExaiitieti Vos Humboldt.”
This is indeed very high praise, the jus-
> tlce of which the reader will scarcely ques
. tion, even without a perusal of the volumes,
i when informed that the subject has engaged
' more or less of the author's attention for quite
half a century, and that now in the evening of
1 life he has “felt himself rich enough in the ac
cumulation of thought, travel, reading, and
experimental research, to reduce into form and
reality, the undefined vision that has sc long
r floated before him.”
’ It would be impossible, in the brief space of
1 a passing newspaper notice, to do even partial
justice to these thrillingly interesting volumes,
! and we can only enjoin it upon the reader to
call on Richards &. Sos, purchase the work,
1 and enjoy the rich repast it affords.
t
r Tits History or Psmdshnis— No. 4. Hy W. M.
• Thackeray: From the same publishers,
Is also on our table. The reader of the first
three parts will want no other incentive than
1 its own pages have afforded to induce an eager
pursuit of this interesting story. T. Richards
&. Son have it for sale.
' The Lire and Correspondence or Robert
! Sovthby—Purt 2. Harper & Brothers.
Tne admirers of the poet, as well as the gen
eral reader, who feel an interest in his history
and correspondence, will find much to enter
tain and instruct in this compilation. For sale
by T. Richards &. Son.
Thb WiLMiNOTONs: A Novel, by tbe Author of
“Norman’s Bridge,” "Mordsunl Hall,” Ac. Ac.
This forms No. 137 of Harper’s Library of
Select Novels, which the reader must take
upon lhe faith of the publishers and the reputa
tion of lha author, (high guaranty, by the way,)
for we have not had leisure to taste its quality.
Richards A Son.
Mexican Burr ar Panama Cotten Seed.
Bv reference to the advertisement of Messrs.
Dawson &, Crocker it will be seen that they
have on hand a supply of this seed, which has
been introduced into this State by Dr. Wm. P.
Beaslev, of Troup county. This variety of
Cotton is represented by some thirty intelligent
and respectable planters of Troup as being
“ far superior in yield and quality to any other
kind of Cotton they have ever cultivated.”
The following letter commends it in strong
terms:
Hilubobourb, Ua., Dee. 7th, 1849.
Dr Hm. f>. Beasley Dear Sir—Your tetter
directed lo me at Clinton, desiring information rela
tive lo lhe experiment I have made with the “ Mer
man Burr Coiton (sen: me by youraeK last
year) reached ms * few days since, and 1 take plea
sere m statingtbst, notwiibrtanding the quantity of
seed sent me by you, was amell, t have, at length,
succeeded in raising, not only enough to plant very
near a crop for myself, but bare furnished some of
my friends in Hancock, and in Jones, who are ready
to testify, ‘ that it is lar superior to any Callon
they have raised—it bolls heavier—matures earlier—
bears longer, and in easier to pick out, and is lees
subject lo lhe ravages of the worm,' than any Cotton
I bare ever made—and this year particularly, when
I am making scarcely half a crop from my other seed,
l am making a very falleropof lhe “ Mexican Burr.”
Very respectfully, yours, C L. Rtblrt
Overflow at Nashville. —The Banner of
lhe 23d ult. has the following notice of the
late overflow of a portion of that city: The
Cumberland is now largely ont of its banks
and is still rising, threatening a greater inon
dation than any since the great rise of '47. It
has come up so suddenly, toe, that much
damage must necessarily be the result, as those
exposed could not have time to remove proper
ty. lhe lower part of our city is already
deeply submerged, lhe poor people residing in
the section so visited having been compelled to
flee precipitately, much to tbe inconvenience
of some, and tbe distress of others. As lhe
weather is still lowering, and heavy rains have
fallen, almost to lhe time of writing this para
graph, we have but little hopes of chron- I
iciing a better condition of things.
Good Dividends.
The Mechanics' Bank yesterday declared a
dividend of ten per eent from the profits of the
last six months.
The Bank of Brunswick also declared a
dividend of fifteen per cent.
The Virginia Legislature adjourned sine die
on Friday night after passing 365 sets. Tbe
bill concerning the city of Wheeling and tbe
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was passed by ,
the Senate on Thursday, and io a law. I
Mr. Benton—Mexican Law.
Thx speech of Mr. Bentos which we pub
lish this morning, will attract the reader’s at
tention. The Senator has given to the coun- ■
try the laws of force in Mexico, in relation to ■
the abolition of slavery, at the period of the
conquest and ratification of the treaty with
Mexico. By these extracts, (we have only
given the Senator’s translation, omitting the
original Spanish text,) it will be seen that
slavery was certainly abolished, throughout all
Mexico, by a fundamental law of the land, in
which the whole people acquiesced. If this be
true, and we presume no impartial mind will
gainsay it, after reading the speech, then the
legal principle that the laws of the conquered
territory remain in force, until altered by the
conqueror, applies in all its force ; and conse
quently slavery cannot exist in California and
New Mexico, without the repeal of that law
by the competent authority. That this is a
well established principle in the jurisprudence
of thia country, we propose to show by an
extract from the decision of Chief Justice
Marshall, of the Supreme Court of the
United States, in which the entire bench con
curred in the case of the American Insurance
Company and others, vs. Canter. First Pe
ters, pages 522—’4.
“The usage of the world is, if a nation be not en
tirely subdued, to consider the holding of the con
quered territory as a mere military occupation until
its fate shall be determined at the treaty of peace.
I fit be ceded by the treaty, the acquisition is con
firmed, and the ceded territory becomes a part of the
nation to which it is annexed; either on the terras
stipulated in the treaty of cession, or on such as its
new master shall impose. On such transfer of terri
tory, it has never been held that the relations of the
inhabitants with each other undergo any change.
Their relations with their former sovereign are dis
solved, and new relations are created between them
and the Government which lias acquired their ter
ritory. The same act which transfers their country
transfers the allegiance of those who remain in if;
and the law, which may be denominated political, is
necessarily changed, although that which regulates
the intercourse and general conduct of individu
als remains in force until altered by the newly
created power of the State.”
Judge Marshall declares “it has never
been held that the relations of the inhabitants
with each other undergo any change,” that it
is only “ the political law’’ that is changed,
and what the court defines to be political law
will appear by the following extract from the
same decision:
“ It has been already stated that all the laws which
were in force in Florida while a of Spain,
those excepted which were political in their charac
ter, which concerned the relations between the people
and their sovereign, remained in force until altered
by the Government of the United States.”
This doctrine has been repeatedly re-affirm
ed by the Supreme Court, and would have
1 been ngain under the Clayton compromise—•
or under the non-intervention policy. So well
1 established is this legal principle that Senator
Butler, .after having investigated the question,
recently, in the Senate, refused, in reply to
Senator Phelps, to be satisfied now with the
L Clayton compromise, although he was a warm
advocate of it at the last session. And it is
said of Mr. Burt, in Washington, that he po
sitively denies having ever been in favor of the
’ compromise.
! Our purpose however, is not to expose the
1 inconsistencies of these men, but simply to il
lustrate the disastrous consequences to the
South of assuming positions which cannot be
- maintained, and from which those who advo
» cated them, are compelled subsequently to re
tire.
> Mr. Speaker Cobb.
t It gives us great pleasure to make the fol
t lowing extract of a private letter to the Editor
; from a gentleman in Washington. We knew
5 Mr. Cobb was incapable of any act such as
charged, and we rejoice to think that the
, House will do him ample justice, and hope
9 at the same time, it will expose the baseness
» of his accuser.
j Washington, I). C. March 27, 1850.
Dkar Sir : You will notice the extraordinary
* coarse of Preston King in the House yesterday.—
t His attack upon Mr. Speaker Cobb was one of the
most groundless charges that ever was made. It
was without even color of pretext, and showed
3 moHt clearly the baseness and infamy of his own na
r ture. The report of the committee which was raised
’ will not only be a complete vindication of Mr. Cobb,
9 but will exhibit the conduct and baseness of King
f in such light as will deserve the just indignation of
all honorable men. His only motive seems to have
been to got up an excitement, which would prevent
, the general adjustment ot all the questions of con
’ troversy now between the North and the South. —
The prospect for such a general adjustment has been
increasing for some time, and no expedient was too
> low or despicable for King to resort to for the pur
-3 pose of accomplishing bis object. He acted upon
the principle that desperate cases require desperate
remedies. But hie efforts thus far, have most signal-
- ly tailed; there are but few, even <»fthe most rabid
j of bis own “free-aoii sect,” who do not look upon
his movement, in this mat.er, with scorn and con
s tempt. You will, however, see the whole facts of
. the case developed in due lime, by the report of the
committee, when you may expect an almost unani
» mous vote of the House (King, perhaps, alone ex-
• cepted) that Mr. Cobb did nothing but what it was
his duty to do as Speaker of the House. And the
f whole affair, in the end, may have a tendency quite
different from that intended. There is a strong <iis
r jK»iiion now in the House to settle all the perplexing
questions which are agitating the country, upon
some plan which will be fair and just to both sections
of the Union. The Abolitionists of the North (like
, King)and the disunionists at the South, may rail
- ww a"; 1 Jflty
1 inent on which they feed) but the great majority of
1 the |>eople—-the conservative people—will ratify and
, approve it.
Mr. Cobb Triumphantly Vindicated.
. Thk result of the investigations of the se
lect committee to inquire into the charges
j made against Mr. Speaker Cobb, is a most
5 triumphant vindication of his name and fame,
f against the foul and malignant charges of his
_ accuser.
] The following extract of a letter from a
] gentleman at Washington to the editor fur
nishes a brief sketch of the substance of the
- report:
Wasainqton. D. C., March 29, 1950.
f Dear Sir : —The select committee appointed to in
| vemignte the charge of Preston against Mr.
Speaker Cobb, made their Report to-day. The Report
’ was adopted unanimously by the committee, and
» also unanimously by the House. It is a complete
vindicat on of Mr. Cobb from the malignant asper
’ sions that were attempted tube cast upon him by
the nefarious fabrication of the groundless and ma
licious charge. The testimony in the case is very
voluminous for a matter of such narrow compass in
itself. You will see it all when it is published.
t The testimony of Mr. Winthrop, the late Speaker,
fully sustains Mr. Cobb upon the point of order. And
1 be says that what King professes to have been his
r object in making the motion he did, could have been
4 accomplished only by a motion or resolution in the
form in which Mr Cobb ordered it to be journalised.
And, so lar from there having been any mutilation of
the journal of the 13th inst.. he says that the journal
r of that day’s proceedings was “ rightly and rightfully
made up.” But it is useless to add more upon this
subject. Such is now the verdict of the House, unani
mously expressed. Not even King himself voted -
against it I Surely, no man could desire a more
triumphant vindication than that which silences the
voice of bis accuser. Such is the vindication of Mr.
Cobb, in this matter.
Monument to Mr. Calhoun.
r The City Council of Charleston, at a meet
. ing ou Monday, adopted the following resolu
tions :
Resolved, That Council have heard with feelings
of deep emotion of the death of the Hon. John C
i Calhoun, m whose decease the country has lost a pa
triot, distinguished by long and illustrious service,
and the S ate a cherished and devoted son.
Resolved, That io token of iespect to the eminent
abilities and elevated virtues of the deceased, a suita
ble Monument be forthwith erected to his memory in
the centre of the City Square; and, that a committee
of Council, of which His Honor the Mayor shall be
Chairman, be appointed to carry out lite intentions of
this resolution.
Resolved, That a committee of Council be also ap
pointed to eo-operate, if desired, with any committee
of citizens that may be appointed to-morrow evening,
in making all proper ami necessary arrangements for
the reception ofthe body of the deceased, as well as
in paying other suitable marks of respect to his
memory.
Resolved, That the Mayor be requested to com
municate these resolutions to the farniiyof the de
ceased, tendering to them the sympathies of Council
in this their atflieiing bereavement.
Another Steamboat Burnt 1
Ths Columbus Enquirer. of Tuesday, the
26th inst., contains the following particulars:
Stkam Boar Disaster.— “ Just as we are
going to press we learn that the steamer H. 8.
Strith, which left her. on Sunday evening for
Apalachicola, took tire about thirty miles be
low this city, and was entirely consumed. She
had on board about one thousand bales of cot
ton. all or the moat of which was burnt
Our informant, who escaped fromthe Boat,
was not able to state whether any lives were
lost, owing to lhe fact that some of the crew and
passengers escaped to the east and some to the
west River, and there had been no communi
cation between them up to the time of his leav
ing. We will when we learn them, give full
particulars."
Private letters received in this eity, announce
the loss of five lives; and the insurance of the
cotton in the following offices: Southern Mu
tual, $26,000; Hartford, $9,000, and $5,000
in the Augusta Insurance and Banking Com
pany. We shall probably have full details in
a day or two, ol this melancholy casually.
Real estate in the eity of New York contin
ues to advance in value. For several days
past a sale of six hundred corporation lots in
the eastern section of the city, and distant from
the Battery between five and six miles has been
going on. Some of these lots brought up
wards of two thousand dollars each. The pri
ces obtained for property are stated to be near
ly three fold what they were a twelvemonth
since.
TkcGxisesv llk Costksti os assembled to
appoint delegates to the Nashville Convention
recommended the postponement of the latter.
Bsow!—Yesterday, about 1 o’clock. P. M.
it commenced snowing briskly, and continued,
with little or no intermission, until some time
after dark. This morning the fields were '
covered to the depth of about an inch, with
the dazzling habiliments of mid winter. As I
we go to press, nature is fast doffing her un- <
seasonable robes, under the influence of a t
brilliant sun.— Dalton Tiauo, 28tk nil. I
Baltimore American*
W e are pleased to perceive that the dwr
prising Proprietors of this spirited and Jpty
conducted journal, have comrfieneed
of a Weekly paper, the terms of which may
be known by reference to the advertisement.
Equally distinguished for the high order of ta
lent that presides over its columns, as for its dig
nified andcourteousbearing in the discussion of
all subjects, the American deservedly occupies
a high position among American Journals, and
merits the liberal support of conservative men
of the country. It is devoted to News, Politi
cal and Commercial Intelligence, and what
ever is calculated to improve, interest and in
struct the reader.
A specimen number may be seen at our of
fice. _
From the Cassville Standard, 23th ult.
The Supreme Court
Has been in session this- week at this place
present their Honors, Lumpkin, Warner and
Nisbet. Through the courtesy of Mr. Cobb,
reporter, we are enabled to lay before our
readers, the following abstract of the points
decided :
McGee vs. McGee. From Walker.—l.
Where a writ of Ne exeat, Bfc. is prayed by a
wife against her husband, her affidavit is suffi
cient to sustain the application. 2. An alle
gation that the defendant has “threatened and
declared he would remove beyond the realm,”
is a sufficient allegation to sustain an applica
tion for a Ne exeat, Bfc., and where the bill
does not state that the threat has been commu
nicated to the complainant by others, the affi
davit of the party alone as to the truth of the
allegation is sufficient. 3. Under the Act of
1813, when a wife is suing for Alimony from
her husband, the writ of Ne exeat, Bfc. will be
granted to restrain the husband from moving
beyond the realm, until the determination of
the suit for Alimony. Akin for plaintiff in
Error. W. H. Underwood, represented by
; C. Peeples, for defendant.
? Bond and another vs. Conelly. From Frank
lin.—l. Where Executors to a Will file a bill
to execute the trusts in the Will, &c. to obtain
the direction of the Court, and setting up the
r inconsistent claims of the different legatees, a
third person, who does not claim under the
1 Will, but sets up a paramount title to a por
-1 tion of the property bequeathed, is not a ne
, cessary or proper party to the bill. Peeples
j and Hillyer for plaintiffs in Error. Hull for
the defendant in Error.
5 McWhorter vs. Beavers. From Chattooga.—
1. A purchaser at Sheriff’s sale from whom
i the property is subsequently recovered by
, paramount title, no right to recover the
- purchase money from tlie defendant in execu
e tion, there being no warranty either expressed
1 or implied. 2. The doctrine of caveat emptor
applies to Sheriff *8 sales. Akin for plaintiff.
Hooper for defendant.
8 Flournoy vs. Newton. From Clark. 1.
Under the Bankrupt Law of the United States,
when a discharge is sought to be attacked (or
* fraud, a prior reasonable notice is required to
r be given of the ground of fraud relied on
i, Held, that the notice may be amended at any
time pending an appeal, if reasonable notice
0 bo given to the Bankrupt. 2- The transfer of
e his effects by a Bankrupt, in contemplation of
u Bankruptcy, is a .fraud under the Bankrupt
g law. 3 Parol evidence is inadmissable to
prove the contents of an execution and a trans
*' I fer in writing The wr ting is the highest ev
e idence. 4. Where there is conflicting evi-
dence a mere preponderance against the vir
dict of the jury, is not sufficient to authorize
a new trial. Holland Hillyer for plaintiff —■
Peeples and Akin, representing Harris and
Mitchell, for the defendant.
Geo. R. R. Sc B'kng Co. vs. Milnor Sc Co—
From Clark. 1. A complainant in Equity has
the right to amend his bill, so a-* to make the
allegations more specific. 2. The Supreme
Court will not control the discretion of the
Circuit Court in allowing an amendment in
Equity unless there has been a flagrant abuse
of that discretion. Hillyer for plaintiff.—
Cobb for defendant.
Higgs vs. Huson. From Cass.—l. Unne
cessary parties to the writ of Error, who from
the record appear to havte no interest in the
cause may be stricken out, on motion, without
prejudice. 2. Under the Act of 1850, any de
fect may be amended by the record of the
cause set up. 3. An affidavit of illegality to
an execution may be amended by the addition
of new and independent grounds sought to be
added at the time of the making of the affida
vit. 4. Upon the trial of an affidavit of Ille
gality the evidence must be confined to the
issues made by the affidavit, it constituting the
pleadings in thecause. Milner for the plain
tiff. Akin for defendant
Ford. vs. Lane, et al. From Floyd.—l.
Where a scire facias issues against the princi
pal and sureties on a bail bond, a return of
nonest inventus as to the principal will be suf
ficent to authorize the parties to proceed
against the sureties who are properly served.
2. It is not necessary for a bail bond to be as
signed by the Sheriff to the plaintiff, to enable
him to sue out a scire facia thereon. Akin
for the plaintiff.
For the Chronicle Sc Sentinel.
Mr. Editor : —lt is not iny habit to indulge
in bitter accusations and senseless denuncia
tionsagainst what I may believe to be errors,
or impolitic measures in those who happen
to guide the destinies of our Government, and
more especially am I disinclined to do so,
when, as is now the case, the reins of power
are in the hands of men whose political sen
timents and faith are in consonance with my
own. To indulge in those lugubrious la
mentations not only produces, generally, no
j£ood and salutary results, but often times
tends to give impaXUA-lo the ovtla
which we desire to eradicate or ameliorate.
Departing, however, from the rule which I
have prescribed for the regulation of my con
duct in matters of this sort, 1 must be allowed
not only to call in question, but openly de
nounce one act or measure of the present
Chief Magistrate of the Republic, the gross
impropriety and impolicy of which must be
apparent to every one who has given the sub
ject the least consideration and thought. And
i _i_ .t.
in justice to General Taylor. I remark that, in
( my humble judgement, the blunder which I
am about to mention, is about the only one
he has been guilty of since he assumed the
’ duties and responsibilities incident to his high
office; and this admission, which I am, in hon
esty, bound to make, speaks volumes in his
praise as a firm, wise, and discreet President.
The error to which I have reference relates
i to the formation, by Gen. Taylor, of his Cabi
net, or rather, to the selection by him of sui
table and competent persons as Heads of the
different Departments of the Government.—
In this lies the only—the capital error of the
present Administration, in the opinion of
many wise and good men. the President com
mitted a most awfully, glaring and egregious
blunder when, in making choice of a manto
1 be his Secretary of State, he overlooked and
disregarded the claims, the transcendent tai
' ents. profound political acumen, rare diplo
matic aiblities and forecast, and astonishingly
superior attainments and qualifications of
Janies W. Harrison, Esq., the present chival
rous editor [?] of the Anderson, (8. C.) Ga
i zelte! Terrible blunder! wondrous infat
uation! It is, indeed, passing strange that
1 Gen. Taylor should have overlooked the mer
its of this great man, who, by his long experi
ence as a statesman, and profound knowledge
of the strategies of diplomacy, is so pre-emi
nently qualified to discharge the duties and
wield the pen of an American Secretary of
Slue! This oversight—nay, blander—of the
present Chief Magistrate, will constitute a blot
—an indelible stain on his administration to the
latest posterity !
In conducting his correspondence, and pre
serving a healthful tone in lhe foreign rela
tions of the Government, the President would
have been spared much mortification of feel
ing, many anxious thoughts, and sleepless mo
ments, if this accomplished diplomatist had, in
lhe beginning, been called to the office of
Secretary, and had holden the quill of State
instead of the clodpate, imbecile individual
who now, so unfortunately for Ute interests
and honor of the nation, occupies that position
in the Councils oftbe country!
The only way for‘‘Old Zack” to extricate
himself and the Government from the dangers
that now impend over him and his administra
tion, and portend the certain downfall of both,
is forthwith to dismiss John M. Clayton from
the office be now so ineffectually and, to him
self, ingloriously fills, and write—no—tele
graph this editor on to Washington to fill the
vacancy! In this and no other way, can the
Ship of State be righted, and kept from going
in pieces on the breakers that now threaten to
rend her hull in fragments; By pursuing this
suggestion, the President will simply he doing
what he ought to have done at first. The dis
mission of Clayton and appointment of the
editor in question, will appease and quiet the
clamors of the masses, and will exhibit in the
President a disposition, in some smalt degree,
to expiate for this, the capital error of his ad
ministration! The President must silence the
Quattlebum Batteries of this editor, and the
only speedy and effectual way of accomplish
ing the work is, to hire him out of the armies of
the Bitter-Enders. Pickers.
A tore for the Past. —The Washington
Union exclaims, “ The Democracy of the
Union must and will save the Union.” Weil,
we hope, says the Memphis Eagle, they will.
Democratic lust for territory brought on lhe
war which resulted in the acquisition of the
Mexican territories, and thereby made ground
for odious sectional controversies. A Demo
cratic member of Congress thrust lhe Proviso
into the Legislation of the country —Demo-
cratic Southern votes pushed it through
Congress as attached to lhe Oregon bill—the
signature of a Southern Democratic President
made it a law Democratic ultraism, in the
Free-Soilers of the North and in the at-all
hazards and to-the-last-extremity men of lhe
South, inflamed sectional feeling into mad
nessandihe threatened ruin of the Republic.
It is time that “ the Democracy of the Union ”
were al work “to eave the Union.” They
should do something to atone for the past.
A hog was recently slaughtered in Buffalo,
which weighed 1059 pounds before it was
dressed. _
Severe Srstescz.— The trial of Albert G.
Gaskins, the young man who was arrested in
January last, by a special agent of the Post
Office Department, charged with robbing the
U. 8. Mail, took place, on Monday last, before
the Circuit Court in this city, and resulted in
his conviction on four separate indictments.
He was sentenced to forty years imprisonment
at hard labor in Edgefield jail—ten years for
each offence.— Charleston Courier of yesterday.
Mississippi Moviso. —The Fort Gibson
Herald, published in Claiborne county, Miss.,
contains a call for a Union meeting signed by
two hundred and fifty-two of lira moat substan.
tial citizens of that couulv. 1
F
Tuesday, March 26
Mr. Foote. I move that the territorial bills
reported to us yesterday bv the Senator from
Illinois be now taken up for the purpose of
being made the special order for Friday next,
which I understand is not occupied by any
other special order. Seeing the importance
of the measure, and the obvious proba
bility of amendments being offered to it, I
hope the Senate will permit the motion
to be adopted
Mr. Benton. Mr. President. I wish to give
notice to the Senate that the friends of
California, now mean to go into this question.
California, sir, is entitled to consideration.
She is not to be postponed in this manner.
She was reported first by the committee, and
I, as a friend to the admission of that State,
mean from this time forth to contend that she
shall be brought before the Senate and acted
upon. I object to taking up the territorial
bills before the admission of the State is acted
upon. The State is entitled to precedence in
every aspect in which the case can be looked
at. She is a State. She has acted independ
ently upon the coast of the Pacific ocean.
She is not able to borrow a dollar to keep her
alive from day to day on account of her anom
alous condition. Six hundred thousand dol
lars have been taken from the people of that
country by this Government, without even
giving them protection. Six hundred thou
sand dollars have been taken from them by a
law which subjects them I o be transported to
Oregon or Lousiana for the trial of alleged o£
fences. These people are suffering, have
been suffering, and will continue to suffer.
And from this time forward it is a question to
be settled by the voice of the Senate, whether
. or not she shall be any longer postponed. As
a friend to the State of California, I now come
into the action, and from this time forth I will
utri 1n n I , v 11. a i. if ■ .... ■ ,L. a • a
struggle for the admission of the State.
Mr. Foote. I am glad that the honorable
Senator from Missouri has come into the war.
We meet again at Phillippi. I have known
all along the spirit which actuated that honora
ble Senator in relation to the subject under
consideration, and rejoice that he has finally
come forward to exhibit it so manifestly be
-1 fore the country. I know something of his
1 designs and motives, and the country shall
1 know them as well as I do; and that will be
‘ much better than all now do. The Senator
need not think of frightening any body by a
' blustering and dogmatic demeanor. We have
} rights here as well as the Senator from Mis
souri, and we mean to maintain them “at all
hazards and to the last extremity.” He an
nounces himself as the friend of California.
1 Ah! indeed, the friend of California! This
r new-born friendship seems to be most enthu
; siastic and violent. Yes, sir. it is true, as the
' honorable Senator has declared, that the con
-1 dition of California is most forlorn, most deplo
f rable—such as to entitle that new and interest
ing people to our warmest sympathies. It is
true that the people of California have suffer
ed for want of governmental protection and
•» the means necessary to their safety and pros
r perity. It is perfectly true, sir; but whose
0 fault is it? Notours, who have tried time and
“ again to secure a government to our fellow
y citizens on the Pacific shore. It is in part sir,
e as we all know, and as our journals well attest,
the fault of the Senator himself, and those
d who have acted with him here. Did he not vote,
sir, against the amendment of the honorable
° Senator from Wisconsin, (Mr. Wallker,)
5 " which would have given civil organization
and full and perfect security to the people of
*" California ? Did he not even vote against
the treaty acquiring die beautiful region? I
am not surprised, sir, that the honorable Sena
tor has now become a must zealous and un
swerving advocate of the claims of California
toadmission as a State; but I know, also, that
..ome have supposed it to be at least possible
that his halting and reluctant zeal has been
stimulated, at the present session, by certain
personal and domestic considerations, quite
natural and amiable in themselves, but not
entitled to operate here in contravention of
the high public reasons which have been stated
by various Senators at different times in our
hearing.
The honorable Senator now says •< I am the
friend of California.” I announce—l, sir—l
announce that 1 will from this day hencefor
ward insist—l, the Caesar, the Napoleon of the
Senate —I announce that 1 have now come
into the war with shield and buckler." Well,
sir, 1 say again that I rejoice that he has come
into the war ; and after a while we will all see
what sort of a war he will make of it. If I
am to understand the honorable Senator as
intending to do me the honor of singling me
out as bis antagonist, then I say frankly that
there is no man in all chiristendom that I
would rather meet upon the arena of contest
than himself. Indeed, lam delighted, sir, that
he has at least taken up the glove which, as
an humble champion of the constitutional rights
of the South, I have long ago thrown io him.
He, sir, is the special friend of California!
Yes, sir, the special friend. What, sir!
Has California any enemy here? That seems
to be implied by the language of the honora
ble Senator. II he soinlended. tobe understood.
I believe that he is in gross error. California,
in my judgomeiit, has no enemy here. She
has several indiscreet friends, including the
Senator from Missouri, but no enemy that I
know of. Surely, lam not her enemy; nor
haveleverso shown myself to be on any oc
casion.
The Senator from Missouri asserts that, ac
cording to the arrangement of the commit
tee which reported the two bills referred to, the
California bill was to have precedence over
the one which I desire to have taken up and
made the order of the day for Friday next. I
took especial pains to have this point settled on
yesterday. I inquired, in hearing oftbe Sen
ator on yesterday, ot .the honorable Senator
who reported these bills, (Mr. Douglas,) who
is now in hie seat, whether it was the intention
of the committee to give any such precedence,
-and received his assurance that they had no
such intention at all; but that they designed to
leave the whole subject (including this point
of precedence) to the judgment of the Senate.
And now, sir, permit me to ask what evil
results are likely to flow from the course
which I propose? Have I said a word against
the ultimate admission of California ?—though
perhaps I might have done so without misrep
resenting the sovereign people who sent me
here. No, sir; no. This whole question of
admission I have dealt with most delicately
1 and discreetly, as was my duty and policy, as a
‘ man anxious above all things to revive the
! reign of good feeling here and in the country,
! and secure the final adjustment of all pending
1 questions on terms of equality and honor,
such as would be satisfactory alike to all parts
' of the republic. My opposition has been so
' far limited to the measure of admitting Cali
' fornia as a separate and substantive measure.
1 believed, and yet I believe, that the adop
tion of this measure , without the adoption of
the other measures which relate to the subject
of slavery, would be productive of much sec-
L tional dissatisfaction, and probably of other con'
sequences likewise of still graver character. I
have thought, and still think, that California if
admitted at all, should be admitted in a manner
to give no needless offence to public sentiment
in any part of the republic. I have urged that
the act of admission, which all know is certain
to take place, should occur under circumstan
ces as, if not of a nature to secure a cordial and
gracious reception of the newly made State,
might yet procure lhe ultimate acquiescence of
allhose sovereign States with which she as
pires to be associated.
I have ardently desired, above all things, that
nothing shall be now done which might disturb
lhe quiet and good feeling at present prevail
ing among us, and obstruct that fair and hono
rable compromise of all pending questions
which every good citizen, every interested
friend of the Union itself must ardently desire.
I have said further—and I feel that I can main
tain the proposition triumphantly—that no man
who desires such a peaceful and honorable set
llementof the unhappy sectional contest which
has been for several years past in progress—
no man who does not feel that further agitation
of the questions referred to is important to the
realization of his peculiar schemes of ambition
could desire to force California into the Union
in such a manner as inevitably to impart a
great shock to Southern sensibility, already
profoundly excited, and mar tnose cheering
hopes of fraternal compromise and settlement
now beginning to be cherished both here and
elsewhere. Why, sir if my motion be allowed
to prevail ; if the territory bill is taken up first
for consideration ; if the questions involved
in that measure ean be adjusted, then Califor
nia can gain entranee into lhe Union immedi
ately afterwards—on the same day if need bo,
and, if the fugitive slave bill can be likewise
secured a passage through both Houses of
Congress—though some exasperation of local
feeling may still remain ; though the South
may not suppose that upon the whole she has
been fairly and generously dealt with : yet the
temporary alienation of the moment may be,
expected to pass away, and the ancient senti
ment of brotherhood which once united these
States by ligaments stronger than links of iron,
will be again eventually restored to all their for
mer potency. I said yesterday, sir, with per
fect frankness—with mi re frankness, some may
think, than discretion—that, for one, I did not
at all donbt the admission of California, by a
large majority of votes, too, in both Houses of
Congress, (though 1 find myself reported this
morning as using language entirely the re
verse of this ) This is still my opinion ; it is
the opinion of every Senator who hears me, of
those who will vote against the act of admission
and those who will vole in favor of it. We
all know that California is, in truth, in not lhe
least danger. She needs no fierce and blus
tering advocacy, either here or elsewhere.
Her most judicious friends, I will add, are wil
ling that her admission shall be either a part of
! a general plan of arrangement, or that it shall
follow the adoption of other measures, not so
certain of obtaining Congressional sanction.
Now the California bill is likely to pass when
ever called up, with slight, if any amendments;
it will have but few obstructions thrown in the
way to retard its progress through both
Houses of Congress ; whereas the Territorial
bill, every body knows, is to be stoutly and
zealoasly opposed by various persons and par
ties ; numerous amendments are soon to be of
feted to it; and its eventual approval by both
Houses and lhe Executive in addition, is, to
say the least, most painfully doubtful. In this
view also I thought it best to take up the com
promise bill first. Far distant from my inten
tion was it to defeat the California bill by de
vice, by stratagem, by indirection of any sort.
Far less did it enter my thoughts to treat that
bill with contempt by postponing its considera
tion but for a few days.
Mr. Benton. Mr. President, I mean by the
friends of California those who are in favor of
admitting lhe Slate witlioutre mandiog her to
the territorial condition, and without dissol
ving the Union on aceount of her admission.
That is the line of distinction I make. sir. Now,
sir, I am understood.
Mr. President, I believe this is lhe American
Senate. 1 believe, by the laws of tbis Senate,
that personalities and attacks upon motives are
forbidden. 1 also believe that they are forbid
den by the laws of decorum. This much I
believe: andnow.atr.l will tell you what 1
auow ; I know that the attacks made upon my
I motives in this ehau.btr 1
re false
VMr Fqotinu IL. I’rexidenl. ihi» h<.r><w*Mo 4 1
--Manifested eonniatency on thi.oe- 1
cation ; and I doubt not the public st l«n e j
will accord him much credit therefor. Whtt
does he say t Why, this /-oter Ssso/w—(l
never said Senali, though some of the letter
writers so reported me, although, as every real
scholar knows it would have been as correct
a.euotus.Jyes.etr, tnis Pater Bena us; th»
Censor Montut, says, and says gravely too
and as if he were quite in earnest, and for all
the world as if he had never in h» life been
git sty of uttering scurrilous invective tn thia
hall of deliberation—that pertona/tlus are •-
like forbidden by the rules of the Senate, and
by the law® of decorum; after which, aye. the <
very next second, he is heard to pour forth a,
full tide of as offensive personalities as ever
were listened to in the Senate, or as could have
I been uttered with equal volubility and unction s
by a regular ale-house disputant, Yes, sir, this
gentleman, more renowned than any of mod
ern times for the incessant eructation of
terms of coarse and low revilement, and not
wholly free from the frailty of indulging
another sort of personality which may be call
ed personality egotistical. now whiningly com
plains that personalities have been resorted to
for his annoyment Well, sir, what if I
that in this war of personalities the Senator
from Missouri is most manifestly the aggressor ; $
that the words of personal reproach, or rather
of unkind and illiberal innuendo, found utter
ance first from his lips? Is this not true, sir ’
Did he not commence this contest, by para
ding himself as the peculiar friend and champi
on of California and the measure of her ad
mission ? Did he not thus most clearly insin
uate that those of us whom he was combatting
so lustily were enemies to California ? Was
this not personality ? Was this not a grossly
caluminous charge ? Sir, the whole Senate
and the country knows that only an affirmative
response can be given to these interrogatories.
response can oe given w -
But the gentleman says: I mean by the
friends ofCaliloraia those who are disposed to
bring her into the Confederacy, without forc
ing her back into a territorial condition, and
who are for dissolving the Union on account
of her admission Well, sir, I have not yet in
sisted upon California’s being forced back into
a territorial stale. 1 have not yet been heard
to declare for a dissolution oi the Union, if
she should be admitted in a manner not inten
tionally and deliberately offensive and insulting
to the South. These are delicate points that
I have not yet touched on, or alluded to ; I re
serve a full declaration of my views in refer
ence to these pointsfor a more suitable stage o
this unhappy contest. And yet he presumes
to class me among the enemies of Lalitorni
What provocation did J administer to the mm
orable Senator from that he should
nave taken it upon
ni<- -n oufragroUMly f What <
him nil the wrathful ■_
which lie has been pleased to begin
words this morning? What treasonable acts
ofinsubordination among us base sons of hu
manity, who dwell beneath the cope of hea
ven, has brought forth this Jupiter To nans of
the Senate, with all his thunderbolts of ven
geance and of perdition? What has roused
this Napoleon of parliatnenUry strife, tins
more than lieutenant general upon the arena of
political warfare, and prompted him thus to
bring all the artillery of his logic, his sarcasm,
and his self-idolizing rhetoric into our very
midst, filling his adversaries with fear and with
discouragement, and forcing the very hills and
valleys to re-echo to the rude voice of war ?
And now. Mr. President, before I conclude,
let me offer one or two additional observations,
that I hope will be specially noticed and safely
treasured up in the memory of the honorable
Senator fro.-n Missouri. He commenced the
conflict this morning with language of incivility
entirely unprovoked, and who ly unexpected
by me. Really, lam not certain that I knew of
the honorable Senator’s presence in the Senate
chamber when I brought forward the motion
under consideration. Certainly I did not al
lude to that Senator in my opening remarks,
or utter a word that could give just offence to
any human being. Indeed, certain passages
had heretofore occurred between that Senator
and myself, which had induced me to resolve
never again to allude to him in debate, or even
to think of him at all, if 1 could possibly avoid
it. Under such circumstances he made his
fierce assault upon my motion, and through it
upon me. His manner, as all present know,
was far more offensive than his words. His
words [ responded to in the spirit which they
breathed: his manner I rebuked, as I had a
right to do. His malign and covert innuen
does I repelled, as it was easy to do. I carried
the war a little, too, into the enemy’s country.
And what then occurred ? Why, this Sena
tor, who abhors personalities, who loves de
corum, and who lectures on parliamentary
courtesy, presumed to apply to me he harshest
and most dishonoring epithets. Yes, sir, the
harshest and most dishonoring epithets, if they
shall remain unresented. Well, sir, I beg Sen
ators to observe me ; I am calm, cool, unexci
ted—not carried away by sudden and tempest
uous wrath: not instigated either by feelings
of cold and sullen revenge I beg Senators to
believe tne when I assure them, that I never
bring accusations against any man, whether he
be a public or private individual, which I do
not believe myself able to establish by irrefraga
ble evidence, and in maintaining which 1 do
not feel myself responsible in every way what
ever to him who chances to be assailed. And
now. sir, I will formally announce, that there
are certain stains which have most hideously
blemished the character of the honorable Sena
tor from Missouri, since the days of his early
manhood; that the unfavorable anticipations
awakened by the dawn of his career have been
quite strikingly realized by the meridian of de
velopment through which the honorable Sena
tor has now passed; that there are incidents in
his history, of somewhat recent occurrence,
which might well relieve any man of honor
from die obligation to recognise him as a fitting
antagonist; yel is it. notwithstanding, trtie. that
if the Senator from Missouri will deign to ac
knowledge himself responsible to the laws of
honor, he shall have a very early opportunity
of proving his prowess, in contest with one
over whom I hold perfect control; or, if he
feels in the least deg co aggrieved at any thing
which has fallen from me, now or formerly, he
shall, on demanding it, have full redress accor
ded him, according to the said laws of honor.
I do not denounce him as a cowad; such lan
guage isunfitted for this audience; but ifhe
wishes to patch up bis reputation for courage,
' now greatly on the wane, he will certainly have
e an opportunity of doing so whenever he makes
known his desire in the premises. At present,
’ he is shielded by bis age. his open disavowal
. of the obligatory force of the laws of honor, and
j his Senatorial privileges.
rj Mr. Benton. I pronounce it cowardly to
i_ give insults where they cannot be chastised.
Can 1 take a cudgel to him here -
Several Senators. Order, order.
p Mr. Foote. I have done with the subject
t here
Mr. Benton. Is a Senator to be blackgarded
here in the discharge of his duty and the cul-
I prit go unpunished 1 Is language to be used
C here which would not be permitted to be used
r in the lowest pot-house, tavern, or oyster cel
t lar, and for the use of which he would be turn
t ed out ofany tavern by a decent landlord?
The Vice President. The Senator is called
to order.
j Mr. Benton. If such things are to go on,
and he is to persist in such blackguardism
p here, in a place where the cudgel cannot be
applied to him, we must have the public indig
nation brought upon him until the public sen
t timent shall make him behave with the proprie
j ty due to lhe Senate.
Several Senators. Order, order.
Mr. Foote. Let him go on.
’ Mr. Walker. I call the Senator to order.
I The Vice President. The Benater is called
to order.
Mr. Benton. Well, sir, wri'e down the
( words 1 know the rules of the Senate, sir;
when a Senator is called to order he takes his
| seat, and the words are reduced to writing.
Mr. Walker. I called nobody to order ex
cept the Senator from Mississippi, (Mr.
, Foote.)
Mr. Dickinson. In order to give an oppor
( tunity for this matter to take a proper direction,
t I suggest that we now proceed to the consider
ation of the order of the day. I will not make
the motion, but the floor is due to the Senator
t from Ohio, (Mr. Chase,) who is now ready to
speak.
I Mr. Walker. 1 wish to be understood upon
t this matter. I did not call the Senator from
I Missouri to order.
Mr. Foote. I did not understand the Sena
tor from Wisconsin as calling lhe Senator from
Missouri to order. I understood him as inter
, posing between the Senator and myself, and as
j. endavoring to prevent me from interrupting
I the course of hie remarks. Now, Mr. Presi
dent, may I be permitted to make a single re
, mark ?
Several Senators. No; no.
Other Senators. Proceed ; proceed.
Mr. Foote. 1 will not indulge in any person
alities. I merely wish to say that I did not use
the first personalities. I certainly did not use
’ the grossest. All I have said I am willing to
standby If lhe door is not thrown open to
me I cannot proceed further, but if it is open
' ed I shall proceed with eagerness and prompti
‘ lode.
* [The subject was then laid on lhe table, to
* be taken up again at the proper time ]
WiDNzsoAT. March 23.
4 Mr. Foote. It will not surprise any one, I
f am sure, that I feel ambitious this morning to
i utter a few words in my own defence. The
i newspaper has been attacked ; 1 have not been
> attacked. The course of lhe Senator is in
■ character with himself. He makes no direct
. attack ; his attack is insidious and covert; and
* yet yon know, Mr. President, and all honor
able Senators know, that I was the only ob-
I ject of assailment. This course of hostility—
for hostility it is. and must be so considered
bv all now present, and by the twenty mil
lions of enlightened freemen whom we recog
nise as countrymen, and by posterity too, if
posterity shall take account of such a scene as
this—this course of hostility is one that I never
had lhe least taste for, and never expect to
have the least taste for. lam a plain man, a
frank man, a direct man. I feel that l ean say
that without incurring suspicion of undue
egotism. If I have any thing to say of any
man, I say it to his face, and in his hearing,
and in as plain language as I conceive to com
port with the rules of decorum which apply to
th® case.
Now, sir, it is suggested and charged that lira
report of my speech, or speeches, in the intel
ligencer and Union of this morning—lor they
are both the same report, for a cause which 1
shall mention presently—is a false report of
what occurred yesterday. Well, sir, it is cer
tainly not exactly, I presume, as the debate
progressed, for an obvious reason. Our
reporters are certainly as accurate as reporters
generally are ; but they are badly located, and
they have complained to us that they have but
a poor opportunity to bear distinctly and satis*
factoriiy what is said by honorable Senators*
Yesterday presented an occasion very unfavor
able to accurate reporting. A most stormy de
bate—an exciting, tempestuous discussion oc
curred, and there was much confusion in this
hall. The reporters were certainly unable io
perform their duty as fuHy and as satisfactorily