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B Y .1A MESGAI? 1) NE K.
I Reported for the Baltimore Sun.)
Thirty-Third Congress—2d Session.
Washington. Jan. 2, 1555.
SENATE.
The bill of Mr. Brodhead for g'anting bounty i
land to the others and soldiers ol the war ol 1812 ,
came up us per assignment. A desultory debate
took place, in which most ot the Senators tool; i
part.
Mr. Broadhea.l proposed to amend the second :
section so that the widow, and next the childieu
of the pensioner, should receive the bounty laud. 1
Mr. Stuart observed that this was not fol
lowing tormer bounty laud precedents.
I'he amendment was rejected, and the provis
ion to give 160 acres ot land to those who had I
served 28 days was objected to.
Messrs. Cass and Stuart thought this minimum |
objectionable, but .Mr. Dawson replied that the :
bni was intended to promote patriotism, by giv- I
iug the country to all who, by enrolling them
selves, had signified a desite to delend the coun- ;
try
The twenty-eight days minimum service was
Anally adopted.
A proposition was then maje to ex tend the
ovision ot the rill to soldiers.
Mr. Toombs said it the bi;i was a measure to
get rid ot the public latijg, be was , n favor ot
giving c^eln t 0 de gcen ,i an t g o f those who
had won nem .
Mr. Ba“" e r said he could not vote for the bill
without striking out the minimum time of twen
ty-eight days ; but, said he, if the Senate will
pass my bill raising the compensation ot judges
and congressmen without yeas and nays, and
without a division, then I’ll go for the bill whith
out amendments. (Laughter.)
Several amendments were then adopted—one
restricting the location ot land warrants.
Mr. Clay moved a committal to the committee
on public lands to ascertain how many acres ol
land the bill gives away.
Mr. Dodge suggested a reference to the com
mittee on pensions, and Mr. Badger suggested
the committee on retrenchment. (Laughter)
Mr. Clayton believed this to be the best
homestead bill ever proposed, and appealed to
the Senate to pass it at once. The motion to
commit was then rejected.
The bill being reported to the Senate, .Mr.
Brodhead renewed his amendment, but the
Senate rejected it as the committee of the whole
had done.
On motion of Mr. Toombs, the word “minor”
was stricken out, and Mr. Brodhead’s substitute
lor the section was then rejected.
Mr. Stuart wished to restore the word’‘minor,”
and thus abridge the beneficiraies. He said the
bill would flood the market with scrip, and not
reach the object contemplated.
After general discussion and metaphorsis of
this bill into every variety of character, the bill
to amend the judicial system of the United States
was made the order of the day for Thursday.
The erni-rant passenger bill introduced by
Mr. Fish was committed to a special committee
on that subject, after which the Senate adjiurn-
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr. Perkins, of Louisiana, reported the bill,
with amendments, remodeling the diplomatic and
consular sy stem of the United States. Its con
sideration was postponed till Tuesday naxt.
Mr. Straub asked leave to introduce a resolu
tion tendering the use of the hall ot the House
of Representatives to the soldiers of the war of
1812, in which to hold their convention on the
Bth of January.
Mr. Jones, of Tennessee,objected.
Mr. Latham offered a resolution, which was
adopted, calling or. the Post-office Department
for a copy ot the contract of 1853 with Messrs.
Ramsay & Carmack for the transportation of
the United States mail between Vera Ciuz.
Mexico and San Diego, Monterey and San Fran
cisco. And likewise other information relative
to change of schedule.
The House then proceeded to the consideration
of the bill to amend the act of August 4th, 1851,
reducing and graduating the price of public, lands
to actual settlers.
Mr. Dowdell explained an amendment that
he wished adopted to pievent any person who
has not declared his intention to become a citi
zen of the United States to pre-empt lands. Un
der the present law, foreigners without such de
claration, of all colors, may avail themselves of
its provisions.
Mr. Cobb replied that the bill simply provides
merely for the better carrying ol the law into
efleet,difficulties having arisen. He appealed to
his colleague not to persevere in his amendment
and remarks, as they would open up discussion
on the Know-Nothing question, and thus retard
the passage of the bill before the House.
Mr. Dowdell wished to tavor pre-emntioners,
as outsiders now have superior benefits to native
born, or those who have declared their intention
to become citizens.
Mr. Cobb took issue with the gentleman.
Alter further debate, several other members
participating in it, the bill and pending amend
ments were recommitted to the committee on
public lands.
A message was received from the President
of the United Stat sand read. He says in re
turning to the House of Representatives, in
which it originated, the bill entitled an act ma
king appropriations for the repairs, preservation
and completion of certain public works, hereto
fore commenced under authority of law, it be
came necessary for him, owing to the late day
at which the bill was passed to state his objec
tions to it very briefly, announcing at the same
time a purpose to reserve the subject for more
deliberate discussion at the present session o!
Congress, for while by no means insensible to
the arduousness of the task, he concedes the two
houses of Congress are entitled to an expression
of the considerations which have induced dissent
on his part from their conclusions in this in
stance.
What, he ask?, is intended by the phrase inte;-
nai
what exclude ? No such language is found in
the constitution. Nut only is it not an expres
sion in the constitution, but it has no sufficient
ojaning to be of any value as a means of a safe
conclusion, either of constitutional law or practi
cal statesmanship.
If there is any power to construct railroads
and canal?, there must, by the same forced con
strue'io i, be power to construct bridg s,and drain
marshes, and provide means of irrigation—in
faet, improvement of the earth lor the develop
ment of natural resouices.
He seys he had occasion more than once to
express as bis judgment, and took it lor granted
that it was a fundamental proposition, that the
Federal Government is the creature of the
■States—that sovereign power is in th< rn alone;
and aii power of Federal governments is deriva
tive. Aii power not delegated to the govern
cnent is rest; ved to the States, respectively,or to
ite people. Starting from fhi«, arid denying that
■x.zcr fur a system of intern-'l improvements
v; to ba found in tie preaml to the Consti
tution, he proceeds to examine the various clau
area in that instrument under w hich power for
ae/atem of internal improvements is claimed
eomisig to the conclusion that there is no speci
he po?v-r for such works, ami no provision broad
enough io cover 1 hern. This view has been
maintait.wd by the soundest expositors of the
goveronu mt-
Congress can only construct such works as
may le noci’ssary to carry out a specific power.
He refers to 'he views of J' ff-rson, Jackton,
Polk and other* in ommeodation and approval;
and then evtimilM the vast expenditures which
would necessarily be involved in a system of
internal improvements. If the improvement
of the navigability of a river or harbor he neces
sary for military or naval purposes, the subject is
then a matter for legislative discretion.
The message was quite a long one. In con
clusion, the President says the considerations he
has submitted, added to the embarassment of the
whole question, impels him to suggest the poli
cy of confining appropriations by the general
government to works necessary to be construc
ted from its undoubted powers; and of leaving
all others to individual enterprise, or to separate
States, to be provided for out of. heir own re
sources ; or, by a recurrence to provisions of the
constitution which authorises the levying of
tonnage duties with the consent of Congress, for
the improvement ot harbors.
Mr. Phillips said inasmuch as many bills for
internal improvements have been submitted and
referred to appropiiate committees, on which
the discussion ot the question will ensne, and
for the purpose of enabling members to cooeider
more maturely the principels stated in the mes
sage, he moved it be laid on the table and print
( ed.
Mr. Haven hoped his friend from Alabama
would not undertake to have pursued any course
i which would prevent gentlemen in various parts
lof the House from expressing their views. He
I had endeavored to hear the message read by the
' cieik, but as his seat was remote he only’ heard
j a point here and there. It seemed to him that
i some parts of it are well reasoned, and other
i parts reasoned in away that will stand scrutiny,
i He took it for granted that the President de
| sires his views fully discussed. The message
j tell tar short of w hat the gentlemen from Vir-
Igania (Mr. Bayly) said it would he a model
I message. He suggested that the message be re
i terred to the committe of the whole on the state
! of the Union.
Mr. Phillips acquiesced, and it was so refer
red.
i’he House then went into committee on the
bill for the relief of purchasers and locators on'
swamp and overflowed lands. It appears from I
the debate that the government sold some of the
swamp lands after it had ceded them to the ’
States in which they lie, and the object of the
bill is to secure the title to purchasers.
Mr. Mayall spoke in opposition to the recip
rocity treaty, between the United States and
British American Provinces, esteem.ng it free
trade entirely' for the benefit of the latter, and
explained a bill he intends to introduce mutually
to benefit both parties. He condemned the ter
ritorial policy of the administration, saying that
ten millions of dollars were given to Santa An
j na, under the Gadsden treaty, for land half as
| large as Vermont, and for the purpose solely of
■ making another slave State. He condemned
: the repeal of the Missouri compromise as a
breach, ol faith, which will prevent the North
I Irom entering hereafter into any compromise
i whatsoever.
The administration and the democratic party
, have cast a firebrand which has deflag' rated the
i combustible mass, never to be extinguished.—
, The people of the North are now ready to abol
ish slavery in the District of Colutnbi and the
I'erritories, and to prevent the admission ol any
I more slave States in the Union. In Congress
I the question will have to be met and the battle
fought, never to cease until either liberty or
slavery shall triumph.
The committe then rose, when Mr. Went-
I worth of Massachusetts, reported a bill prevent-
I ing the introduction into the United States of
i loreign criminals, paupers, idiots, insane and
blind persons, which was recommitted to the
committee ou commerce. The House then ad
journed.
Washington, Jan. 3,1855.
SENATE.
A communication was received from the Pre
sident enclosing the correspondence of Major
General Wool respecting the operations of the
Pacific division of the army upon that coast.—
Laid on the table and ordered to be printed
Mr. Weller said he would discuss the subject
‘ at some future day.
Mr. Shields moved to re-commit the bill for
I the re-organization of the army to the commit
i tee on military affairs. Committed.
. Mr. Sumner gave notice that to-morrow, or
soon thereafter, he should introduce a bill to «e
--i cure the wages of seamen in case of the wreck
I of their vessel.
1 Mr. Brodhead moved that the President furnish
a list of the Charges d’Affairs, Attaches and Sec
retaries of Legation, appointed since March 4th.
1849, with the date of their commissions, time
they left home, and when they commenced du
ties. Agreed to.
A bill was presented to authorize the enlarge
j ment o! the Genera! Post-office building.
The bounty land bill was resumed.
Mr. Stuart said it would take three hundred
i millions of acres to comply with this bill. The
I land wgrrants last year, embraced ten million of
acres, seven million of which were lor cash
I alone. The graduation bill, of last year reduced
I the price of lands in the States to 50 cents per
I acre. This bill will so reduce the price that an
| 100 acres lot wouldn’t pay for a soldier’s hat.
I Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky. How much
I land wouid the homestead bill, which you voted
i for, require?
Mr. Stuart. Every occi pant under the latter
must cultivate a part for five years. That is bet
ter for the new States—increasing their popula
tion and products, and for the old States by aug
menting trade. This bill throws land into the
, hands of speculators.
I Mr. Clayton said he should move no location
[of more than 640 acres in one tract, nor mote
I than 1.280 in one township.
I Mr. Dodge, of lowa, wished to reduce these
I amounts one-half.
! Mr. Clayton. The Senator from Michigan
! estimates the depieciation very extravagantly
I when he says a warrant won’t buy a soldier an
I old hat.
I Mr. Stuart. I said buy a hat.
; Mr. Clayton. Well, the difference is only be
tween an old bat and a new one. I go for the
: bill as the best mode for distributing the public
I lands ever resorted to. If it passes, I anticipate
I a great exodus from the Eastern States, and the
I character of settlers would be better than now.
Mr. Evans. There were 434 000 revolution■
| ary soldiers, and 440,000 in the war of 1812,
i consequently 140,000,000 acres of land willsut-
I lice if every one gets a warrant of 160 acres. 1
consider the public lands a great corruption fund,
and go for any fairway to get ridol them.
the Senate relused by a voteof yeas 11, nays
29, to re-cor:sider the vote striking out the word
'minor,” and a desultory debate arose as to the ,
provisions against the absorption of such large j
tracts by speculators, &c., during which the Sen- j
j ate adjourned.
| HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr. Latharn, fro n the committee on public!
lands, reported back a bill to continue in force, ;
for one year from Maich 3J next, acts lor the ad- ■
judication ot land claims in California. He said
the board of commissioners have been in session
two years and a hall, and 813 cases have been
brought before them. Os these they have acted
on 397 ; of which number 294 have been con
firmed. Four hundred and sixteen cases are yet
to be acted or,; and, unless this bill shall be pass
ed, those will, as a consequence, be undisposed
of, and the persons interested will have to come
to Congress fox relief. The bill was then pass
ed.
J he morning hour was occupied iu consider
ing the bill amendatory of the act for graduating
and reducing the prices of public land* to actual
settlers and cultivator!.'
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1855.
Mr. Dawson offered an amendment giving 160
acres of land to actual settlers, at fourteen and a
half cents per acre, on condition of actual culti
vation.
The House then, without concluding the sub
ject, went into committee of the whole on the
state of the Uniou, on the bill for the relief of
settlers and purchases on swamp and overflow
ed lauds.
Mr. Keitt said there can be but two essential
parties in the republic while it lasts. The one
advocating strict construction of the Constitution
or States’ Rights, and the other the Constitution
By the jostling ofthe machinery there may be an
upheaving of the social stratum, developing new
combinations. Such, he conceived, was the new
order ot know-nothings; but its life will be short.
It is a fusion—an amalgamation of all the isms.
Its deep philosophy is deep discontent; and what
ever there is about it, is wrong. Every party
has its camp followers. Theie were men who
shouted hosannas to Christ and then put the vine
gar to his lip ; and men who hover about the bat
tle-field to rifle the baggage wagons and rob the
dead; and such as love power and dominion, and
are hungry for the spoils, had formed this new
party of know-nothings. The North had not
the race appointed by God to occupy menial posi
tions, but would trample the white man into the
stratus of inferiority. After having profited by
emigration, industrially and politically, the North
would now cast off the foreign population, gnash
ing its teeth with dread at the competion in the
pursuits of labor.
He examined the leading principles of the
Know Nothings, and severely condemned them.
In reply to Mr. Banks that people have a right
to manage political affairs with secrecy, he i aid
a republican government can only exist with
j publicity, and not from machinations consum
mated in dark, subterranean conclave. The
I name of “Know-Nothings is fitly chosen. Il
they succeed they will be mutes in the funeral
I procession of the Republic. He argued that the
i organization is detrimental to States’ Rights,
I invades the character of the American people,
I and disturbs the sanctity of the social relation. It
was socialism, freesoilism, and a crusade against
t Roman Catholicism. It was deadly and danger
ous to liberty; and was a lineal descendant of the
alien and sedition laws and Hartford Convention
Federalism.
Mr. Ciingman said the resolution he proposed
to introduce the other day requesting the Presi
dent of the United States to offer the mediation
of this government to the belligerent powers in
Europe, had been.assailed in some quarters and
commended in others. To meet objections, he
remarked that mediation is not intervention; il
so, it was precisely such as this government has
pursued ever since its organization, tor our Min
isters sent abroad exert influence with the Courts
to which they are accredited for our benefit or to
avert injury. We have had several instances of
mediation submitted to us, and he mentioned this
to show it was not such intervention as gentle
men would exclude. All our interests suffer by
the war, and this being the case, we should be
inclined to take such steps as may remove the
difficulties.
The millions on millions of money expended
in the war, are as much lost as it they had been
invested in the Arctic, w hich recently sunk in
the sea, and the destruction of life will not pro
bably be less than one hundred thousand men.
So much treasure, and so many consumers being
I swept out of existence, the tendency is to injure
[ every commercial nation under the sun, and es-
I pecially the United States. Will mediation bece
’ fit us politically? As to the balance of power i ;
is not for na to interfere 'vrth it. But thisco..3-c
I not be disturbed without affecting us, no matter
I which party to the war may triumph.
i r—■
1 Is there anything to show that by our conduct
we may terminate the contest? This is a tr«t
ter of delicacy. Without inquiiing into ‘he
' merits ol the war, or the causes which produced
I it, it is not the interest of these powers to eon
( tinue the struggle, nor did he believe that either
'of them desires to prolong it. They went into
j the war without toieseeing to what it would lead
I them. Neither of them, wiil move towards a
j settlement. If the war should not now be ter-
I minated it may become general in Europe, and
| more destructive than during the career of Na
i poleon, because the means of aggression are
i greater now than at that time.
1 We are also under obligation to France to me
■ diate. When we were at war with England in
' 1812, Russia tendered her mediation. TheSecre
-1 tary ot State willingly accepted it, but Great
Britain did not until after she had triumphed over
; her great foe in Europe. Alexander of Russia
I contributed poweitullv to pacification between
I the two countries. Every gentleman should feel
| tinder obligation to extend similar offices to those
' Powers. Later in our history, in 1835, when
; our country and France came near being involv
ed in war, Great Biitain tendered her mediation,
and both parlies accepted it. Andrew Jackson
was President. He was never known to suc
cumb to an enemy, or permit interference in our
affairs. Nobody censured him for accepting the
i proffered mediation.
France, Russia and England each offered me
ditation in our timesol trouble. Shall we not
recipro.ate’ Are we to receive benefits and
not return them ? Are we to fold our arms and
derive advantages from the misfortunes of oth
ers ? Have the United States sunk so low and
feeble in power that we may not offer medita
tion? Fortunately for us we stand in no such
attitude. He thought it might become us to
show a proper appreciation of past benefits from
‘ those powers. He said he had discussed this
I question on the narrow ground of self-interest,
[ but he knew he had not done injustice to it.
I Another consideration—this is a war ot the
j great Caucasian family—the white races of men
I who have shown themselves qualified to control
j the world and manage its destinies. It is a con
-1 test between Christian nations; therefore hu
i manity and religion call upon us to interpose
I If any mediation is to be tendered, it will have
i more weight if offered at the request of the rep-
I lesentatives of American people than in any
I other way. If we succeed in relieving the bel
‘ ligerents from war it will give us great conside
| ration, not only with the governments ol Eu
lope, but with the people of those countries.—
I The European monarchs would, in that event,
,be slow to goto war with us. It ill-feeling ex-
I ist on their part, the slightest sparkxnay inflame
i a contest. An exhibition of magnanimity on
I our part would disincline them to hostilities.
'f’ru* unnmevinn in P.nrnnA thitt WA arft <1
i the impression in Europe is that we are a
| grasping and rapacious people. He did not for
I a moment admit its justice; on the contrary, he
I thought the United States have, from the earli
est history, shown most commendable modera
tion. A gentleman who had been traveling in
Europe related to him a conversation he had
; had with the veteran Metternich, who said not
; one government in Europe would have for a
i moment hesitated to take Texas, as we did, on
I the terms proposed.
Considering that England took kingdoms in
Asia, and France seized on portions of Africa,
and other nations took other territory without
periling their governments, we may well chal
lenge comparison with them. He belonged to
what is called the party of progress—the young
American school—and was favorable to acquisi
tion under favorable circumstances, but while
thus believing, he wished to avoid a suspicion
that we desire the war to continue in order that
we, may get an opportunity to seize our neigh
bor’s terntoiy. By mediation weshall tiuthlul
ly and gracefully remove that impression. If
we assume this ground of neutrality it will be
under becoming circumstances.
Entertain ,-.g t views and feelings, it was
bis object to bring this matter before the com-
mittee on foreign affairs. He thought they
might determine the propriety of mediation by
leaving to the President the mode and manner
«f conducting it.
Mi. Bayly believed and could say with entire
confidence that from feelings of humanity there
is no member of the House or person connected
with this government who would not be glad to
see an end put to this war. But it was a deli
cate thing with nationsand individuals during
the existence of hostilities to offer mediation.
He had reason to believe and could say with
entire confidence from reliable sources of infor
ina’ion, that from certain quarters overtures
we.ejrnade on the part of this government with
respect to this matter, but that on the whole it
was not thought advisable for us to interfere
withit. This being the case, he was not pre
pared to sustain the proposition of his colleague
on the committee ot foreign affairs to meditate
on -Ms question.
All. Ciingman said this fact was communica
ted to him ten days ago, when the committee
fav .-d toe proposition to mediate.
I he committee rose and the House adjourned.
Washington, Jan. 5, 1855.
SENATE.
Mr. Sumner presented a memorial from citi
zens of Massachusetts, setting forth the evils
experienced from the influx of emigrants, and
particularly from Roman Catholics, and asking
Congress for the enactment of a head tax of not
less than $250 on each foreigner arriving in the
country. Referred to the committee on the
ju< iciary.
On motion of Mr. Gwin, the bill containing
ti;e California land commission, which passed
tuv House yesterday, was taken up and passed
without debate.
Mr. Broadbead’s bounty land bill was resum-
Mr. Dodge’s amendment to Mr. Clayton’s
amendment, the former pioposing the maxinrn of
320 acres in one tract, and 640 acres in one
township, was taken up and after some debate
.dopted—yeas 24, nays 15.
The question recuned on Mr. Clayton’.-
.-rr endraent, which doubles both the maxium
■ her of acres aforesaid.
Mr. Clayton said that, with the amendment
',.;«t passed, he should be compelled to vote
against his own amendment. The quantities
ot land would be 100 limited to give proper ef
' ct to the bill. The amendment was adopted
j .a 2. nays 14.
Mr. Fessenden proposed an amendment in
outer to admit the soldiers called'cut to repel the
invasion at the North Eastern boundary, to par
i ’i ci pate in the benefits.
Foot.—l also propose to include by
amendment, the troops who went to Pittsburg
ti repel the British in September 1813.
Mr. Broadhead objected to the enlargement of
•be provisions of the bill and feared its accumu
lated amendments would destroy it.
Mr. Bel! proposed a still broader amendment
•o make beneficiaries to those who were enga
ged in active military service at any time for
the United States, whether the government
thereof ever recognized such services as per
taining to any war.
A very considerable amendment, which Mr.
Bell designed as a substitute for Mr. Fessenden’s
and Mr. Foot’s propositions, he submitted, but
’ Vlr. Fessenden did not except it ; and the dis
; eussion on this new class suggested became gen
i eral.
! Without disposing of any of these proposi-
the Senate proceeded to the consideration
raawcsiSr-.e bu less, aril shortly thereafter
; n Jjburned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATINES.
Mr Wheeler presented a memorial, which
referred to the committee on commerce,
Pom the shipmasters and shipping merchants ot
New York, relative to certain floating lights at
the mouth oi that harbor-
On motion of Mr. Stanton, of Tehnessee,
the message received f r om the President relative
to the establishment of a navy yard at Mem
phis was referred to a special committee.
Mr. Fenton introduced a bill for continuing the
improvement of the harbor of Dunkirk. Re
ferred to the committee of commerce.
The House then went into committee of the
whole, and took up the bill for the relief of the
purchasers and locators of swamp and overflow
ed lands.
Mr. Harris, of Mississippi, got up, as he said,
to shut the door against southern treachery. As
he spoke in a low and rather distinct tones, the
members crowded round the better to hear.—
Persons outside the bar could only catch a word
occasionly, but had a full benefit of a chorus
laughter now and then from the honorable in
side listeners. A stray sentence, however in
formed us that he was against the government’s
mediating in the European war; and though'
we had better settle our own difficulties at home
before we undertake to adjust the quarrel of oth
! ers. Il we attempt this we will get into a
- hedge podge.
Alter Mr. Harris had spoken a few minutes,
it appeared that he was in no proper condition
to speak, owing to indisposition, and by persua
tibn of a colleague he yielded the floor.
Mr. Sobers said he wanted to speak of the
triumphs of that despised and abject sect known
as the know-nothings—that wretched, deceitful
party, which was not worthy of the confidence
of the American people—which seeks to vio
late the constitution and overturn the govern
ment, as its opponents charged. The gentle
man from South Carolinia (Mr. Keitt) objected
to know-nothingism because he choose to say it
originated in Massachnettss. In his (Mr. Sel
lers’) opinion it came from the proper spot.—
Bunker Hill, Concord and Lexington are in
Massachusetts; and the descendants of those
who there fought will not forget the foieigneis
who battled against them in the contest of liber
ty I This spirit of know-nothingism bad swept
through the Jerseys, Pennsylvania, New Yon;
and Delaware to Maryland. He wondered poli
ticians did not take a lesson from those great
American demonstrations.
So far irom interfering with State right, as
charged by Mr. Keitt, he said the know-nothings
are for preserving, strictly, the rights ot the
States and preserving the union of the States.
If he knew anything, they look on the Southern
fanatic and the Northern abolitionist in the same
unfavorable light; and would place them side
1 by side and hang them high as Haman. Fana
r tics of both sections, if not in point of law, are,
■ in fact, guilty of moral treason. In the event of
a struggle between the North and the South,
Maryland would become a Marathon, and the
i Chesapeake Bay the Straits of Thermopylae 1
' Who ever heard ofa fanatic in Maryland ? She j
■ goes for the constitution as it is ; and for the j
■ Union. (Applause, which the chairman ot the |
committee checked.) Resuming, Mr. Sellers |
said, they, the know nothings, leave slavery
where the constitution placed it. And he re
pea ed, that the know-nothings are for the Union,
and the whole Union; against secessionists on
one side, and proslavery men and abolitionists
on the other.
As Mr. Barry and Mr. Keitt had told the, 1
House what the Know-Nothings will do, he I
wouid tell what they would not do—they will
not disolve the Union, but will uphold it as the
sheet anchor of republican safety. Anotherthing
—they will not say an appropriation for rivers
and harbors is constitutional when the former I
pass through three States, but unconstitutional
when passing through, only one. (Laughter)
They do not intend to permit Southern nulliliers
to assert the doctrine ot secession niter submit
ting U> the supreme court of tiie United States
VOL. 33--NEW SERIES--VOL.-9 -NO 17.
for decisions regarding the constitutionality of
important questions. They do not intend to
quibble about interpretation of the constitution
like a prude and violate it like a prostitute.
Mr. Keitt—l have a single question to ask.
Mr. Sobers.—l expected to be interrupted.
Mr. Keitt.—Do you mean to be personal ?
(Sensation )
Mr. Sobers.—l was talking about South Caio
lina, and disclaim any such thing He then pro
ceeded further to defend know-nothingism : and,
as to secresy, said the democrats ought not com
plain, as they last night held a caucus, or secret
meeting, to regulate the great tariff question.
Mr. Giddings understood Mr. Sobers to say the
know-nothings will leave slavery where thej’
found it. Will they restore freedom to Kansas ?
Mr. Sobers.—l will never take the construc
tion of the gentleman from Ohio on constitu
tional law. (Laughter.)
Mr. Giddings.—Then you back out.
Mr. ’ oilers.—l do not, but I must cheerfully
retire from such a contest. (Laughter.) I should
as soon think of entering into a contest, God
forgive me, with a pregnant woman. (Renew
ed laughter ) There is a party pledged to pre
serve the Union, and will do it at ab hawrids.
Mr. Giddings said he was sincere in asking the
question of the gentleman from Maryland, but
the gentleman showed the white feather and
backed out. He was deserving of the name of a
Know-Nothing or say nothing. (Laughter.)
The people of the United Stateshave the rfoht
to know the principles of the party. Publicity
is for the express purpose of preventing people
from being deceived and misled. He.( (Mr. Gid
dings.) however, was a friend of the Know-
Nothings. He had courted their friendship, and
liked them as long as they acted with him.
(Laughter.)
' Mr. Barksdale.—Did not the Know-Nothings
I and anti-Nebraskaites unite in the last election
I in Ohio ?
Mr. Giddings.—l did not know of a know
nothing or a know-nothing Lodge in that State
at the time of the election. If they voted for
me, I take it for granted they knew something.
(Laughter.)
Mr. Stuart, of Michigan.—Did not the gentle
man honor Michigan with a visit—in other
words, did not a delegate do so ? Had the know
nothings in that State a single man on their
ticket who was not voted for by the abolition
ists ?
Mr. Giddings.—l did not know of a know
nothing in Michigan.
Mr. Stuart.—Was not every candidate on the
State and Congressional ticket put in nomina
ion by the whigs and .abolitionists, notoriously
known in Michigan as know-nothings ?
Mr. Giddings.—l did address an intelligent au
dience in Michigan on the principles I profess,
but never beared any intimation that my hearers
were Know-Nothings. I want ab parties, here
or elsewhere, to avow’ and proclaim their senti
ments, without deception and fraud.
Mr. Keitt, alluding to Mr. Sobers’ remarks
about secession and abolitionism, said, as to Nul
lification, it had been illustrated and expounded
by the great intellects of his own State—Cal
houn, McDuffie, Hayne, Preston, and ab other
great men—who swept in a convention ot
splendor over the sky of South Carolina. We,
he said, fought the battle openly. The Nullifi
cation party of 1832 sought no subterranean hole
to ferment in, and no Cataline was there to fes
ter midnight conspiracy ; and, when denouned,
offering himself as a Know-Nothing in the Sen
ate.
We offered to fight the Government principle
in open day—the Government brought out its
stars and stripes, but the sons of Carolina were
under their Palmetto flag in defence of their
friends, and ready to perish for the right. I was
a member of the secession party of 1850 ; the
sons of that State are ready to give their blood
when their country demands it. But if in peace
the Government strike at our liberties, by Heav
en I’ll strike back I only owe allegiance to my
State, and through my State to the General Gov
ernment. When anything personal is said, I
shall answer by a monosylable. (Sensation.)
Mr. Letcher imagined that not five men in the
House had thought of the pending bill since the
discussion commenced. It was to pur
chasers and locators of swamp and overflowed
lands. He confined himselt to the subject, and
finally the bill was amended and passed.
The House then adjourned.
Further per Steamer Asia.
Halifax. Jan. 3.—The royal mail steamer
Asia, with Liverpool dates to Saturday, the 23d
ultimo, arrived here this morning en route for
Boston.
The Asia sailed for Boston at noon. She le
ports having passed, December 24, off Kinsale,
the steamer Sarah Sauds, bound east.
The steamer Baltic arrived out on the night of
the 20th ult.
The steamer Glasgow left the Clyde on the
19th of December for New York, and the steam
er City of Philadelphia sailed on the 20th for
Philadelphia.
Gen. Harney is among the passengers by the
Asia.
The following are the most important features
by this arrival.
Prussia de'lines to join the trippie alliance ol
England, France and Austria, but has sent Baron
! Antedon as special envoy to London, to estab
lish conditions lor a treaty with England and
France.
The state of affairs remained unchanged be
fore Sevastopol. The weather had been very
bad, and much sickness prevailed. The Rus
sians continued to make frequent sorties chief!}’
a-ainst the French works. Re-intorcernents
I continued to arrive for both armies, but the
toads weie almost impassable
The President’s message was published in the
English papers, but excited little attention.
From the Seat of War.—The London
Times’ “ Own correspondent,” under date of Se
vastopol, November 23d, gives a most gloomy
picture of the allies’ position. The siege was
piactically suspended; their batteries used up
and the army exhausted, but quite able to hold
its position and chastise assailants.
A desperate affair occurred between the Chas
seurs de Vincennes and the Russian riflemen,
which lasted seven hours, on the night of the
22d. The French penetrated behind the outer
intrenchments, and established themselves for a
time within the enceienle of the Russian works,
but as there was no preparation lor a general as
sault, withdrew.
On November 26 another conflict occurred
between the same parties.
Preparations for the renewal of a general bom
i bardment was progressing On the 27th all was
I quiet. On the 28th and 29th, desperate sorties
! were made by the Russians upon the French
I lines, which were repulsed with considerable
I losses on both sides.
The Russian defences have been much strength
ened during the prevalence of the storms ol rain.
Dining the night ot the 29th, a soitie was
made on the French by a body ct Russians 2,000
strong. The French, to the number ot 700, si
lently mounted the parapet ol their battery and
I received the Russians with a deadly volley; then
leaping down they attacked them with the bay
onet, and compelled them to retreat.
November 30.—There was a heavy fire on
the French during last night. To-day the Grand
Duke Michael was observed making reconnia
sanceata distance of J,OOO yards, and flags of
truce were exchanged respecting ransom money
for prisoners.
Dec I.—There is more rain to-day. The state
of the roads has prevented the arrival of sup
plies, and part of th- British forces are tempera*
rily short of allowance. The deaths by fever
and cholera average 60 daily.
Dec. 2d.—The rain still continues. Deserters
say that the condition of the Russians in the
field is worse than that of the allies. There
was much ringing of bells and rejoicing in Se
vastopol during last night, supposed to be on ac
count of the arrival of provisions.
Dec. 5 - Another sortie was made to-day
against the French, and repulsed with much loss.
The Paris Moniteur says that on the 7th. the
besiegers’ batteries were re-established, and be
fore three days the firing would be resumed.-
Phe allies were sufficiently entrenched and pro
visioned to remain throughout the winter.
Dec. 13 —A Russian despatch states that no
thing important had occurred. Some small sor
ties had been made, and weie successful. In one
the Russ ans captured some small mortars, and
spiked them that were larger The force of the
allies had become feeble.
General Prospects of the Siege.—The
Russian defensive works on the south of Sevas
topol are estimated at one hundred guns stronger
than when the siege began. On the other hand
the British have erected a very powerful new
battery, not yet opened, on an eminence north of
the valley of Inkerman, commanding every
house in Sevastopol, besides being another step
towards the complete in vesture ofthe place.
| It was observed that the Russians were en
| gagedin arming their ships in the harbor of Se
> vastopol, and probably they would attempt a
surprise by sea.
Gen. Liprandi has been deprived of his com
mand, for the fault committed at Inkermarin. on
the stb.
Five thousand French troops reached Constan
tinople on the Bth ot December, on their way to
the Crimea.
The contingent of Omer Pacha’s force to be
sent to the Crimea is now set down at 45,000
men Omer was to embark in a few days.
Generals Guyon and Haslain Pacha, and ten
Polish staff officers have been ordered from Asia
to the Crimea.
Movements of the Russians on *he Baltic.
As soon as the English fleet withd iw from the
gulf of Finland, the Russian Admiral Tirnoff put
to sea from Sweaborg, and on the 31st of Octo
ber nine ships steamed as far as Drago. On the
10th of November, Admiral Rumanizoff left
Tuscalorg, with tour ships of the line, towed by
a steam frigate, and safely reached Cronstadt.
England.—-The bill for the enlistment of 40,-
000 Germans, introduced in Parliament by the
“overntnent, awakened a protracted and highly
interesting debate. D’lsraeli end party in the
House of Commons opposed the measure, but
would not throw any unfair obstacle in ti e way.
Mr. Gibson said the enlistment of foreign mer
cenaries independently of their governments, vi
olated a principle of neutrality which might be
taken advantage of by Russia to hire privateers
from the United States.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer gave notice
that he will propose that the duty on tea remain
at 18d per pound until the conclusion of a peace
Sir James Graham stated that Admiral Fan
shawe was making rigorous efforts for the de
stination ofthe slave trade of Cuba.
The loreign enlistment bill was read a third
time in the House of Commons on Friday night,
and passed by a majority of 38. The measure is
strongly repugnant to the feelings of the people
and regarded more in the light of a job to put
money in the pockets ot their “cousins” of Han
over and Gotha.
A debate ensued in the House on the militia
bill. The Earl of Derby and his party opposed
tbe propoeition to transfer the deposits of the
savings banks, amounting to .£33,000,000 ster
ling, from the Bank of England into the govern
ment three per cent debt. This was regarded
as unfavorable, and caused the funds to recede.
Lord John Russell stated that the number of
troops which France is willing to send to the
seat of war is only limited by the number o;
transports.
The chancellor of the exchequer proposes an
equivalent should be proposed il Russia promises
acceptance.
Messrs. Carter & Co., ship brokers, at London,
have suspended. Liabilities £BO,OOO sterling,
which their assets will probably meet.
A meeting had been held in Manchester to
condemn Mr. Bright’s peace sentiments. Mr.
Bright convened an opposition meeting, and de
fended bis sentiments. The affair finally ended
in a street row.
bir Charles Napier had returned to England
and would be received at Portsmouth.
The treaty of Great Britain with Japan is said
to be very favorable. Sir James Stirling at
tempted to obtain similar terms for France, but
the Japanese Minister refused. A special French
mission will be sent.
France.—The new proposed loan occupied
public attention. It might, probably, be post
i poned till March.
; Leon Faucher is dead.
j It was rumored that the French Government
! would reduce the duty 50 per cent, on tallow, cc-
I coa nut oil and grease.
Austria.—On the 14th at Vienna ratifications
of the trippie treaty were exchanged.
There was a report in Vienna that Russia ac
cepts the four points as a basis for peace negotia
tions, but the razing of Sebastopol or the reduc
tion of the Black Sea fleet would never volun
tarily be ceded. It unoffensive, the removal of
the militia to foreign garrisons,
Prussia —On the 2d ult., chamber resolved to
open the Prussian coasting trade to English ship
ping.
commercial advices.
Liverpool, Dec 22rf, Lrittay •Evening.—Cotton.
—Milligan’s Circular reports the sales for the
week at 41.000 bales, including 3,500 for export
and 1,000 for speculation. The market partially
recovered at the commencement of the week
from the previous decline, and closed unchanged
with a moderate demand at previous rates, ex
cept for Upland fair, which declined j.
Brown & Shipley’s Circular agrees with Mil
ligan’s and quotes Mobiles, fair, 51; middling 4 j
inferior 31 a 4|. The sales on Friday reached
7000 bales. The sales for export were 1,000
bales. The market closed quiet, but steadier.
The stock, exclusive of shipboard, amounts to
576 000, including 322,000 bales of American
cotton.
The Laths.— Balacklava, Dec B.—The Val
dimir and another Russian steamer arriv
ed on the 16th outside the Quarantine Fort,
and opened a fire on the French flank, but the
allied vesels compelled them to retreat under the
batteries of the fort.
Lord Cardigan had left the Crimea for Eng
land.
The Paris Moniteur publishes the following
from Admiral Hamelin:
Kamislt Bay, Dec. 12.—A severe cannonade
has been going on in the direction of Sevastopol
and sorties have been repulsed at the point of
the bayonet, after an obstinate struggle.
A letter from Jassy, dated December 9, in the
Augsburg Gazette, reports great activity among
the Austrian troops, composing the army of oc
cupation. Some regiments had advanced to for
tified points on the Lereth and extended advanc
ed posts so tar as the Pruth.
Lord John Russell made a speech in Parlia
ment in which he said that he anticipates an al
liance with Austria offensive and defensive, be
fore the opening of the next campaign.
u Can you tell me,” asked a pundit, “ why r.
conundrum that nobody can guess is like n
abort'”’ "Shall I tell you now or next month ’ ’
"Now, if yon please.” *• Well, sir, sooner oi
later everybody must give it up.”
