JULY, 1850.] Death of the President of the United States. [31ST CONG our confidence; let us cheer him in the perform- a rare display of those qualities to which I have ance of this, his unexpected and most undesired | duties. Let us cast upon him the mantle of our hopes and our confidence, for he deserved and will honorably wear it. Mr. Speaker, there are those of the household of the distinguished and lamented dead, whose bereavement is deepest, and whose broken hearts no human consolation can reach. Let our anxious thoughts be directed, and our warmest sympathies be poured out in their behalf; for they have borne themselves gently, in the position they have been called upon to fill. I cannot close, sir, these brief remarks, without expressing my abiding trust that the dispensations of an overruling Providence, whose will we may not question, may still be ordered for the honor, the safety, and the glory of the Republic. Mr. MOLANE, of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, I hope, sir, late as the hour is in this day's proceedings, I may be indulged in responding to an invitation of some friends around me, by giving public expression to those sentiments of personal friendship and respect which I entertain for the illustrious deceased; and when I say, sir, that my acquaintance with General TAYLOR had its origin long before either he or I had engaged in the heated strifes of political life-when we both served under the same flag, as brethren in arms-I shall not be deemed obtrusive. He was then, sir, in command of the army in Florida, and I was an humble officer of one of the corps of that army. At this period of his life, he was already distinguished by those high qualities of courage, fortitude, and virtue, in the discharge of his public duties, as he was for that extraordinary benevolence and kindness which so endeared him to his family and friends. Sir, I formed for him then a respect and friendship which I retained undiminished to the hour of his death, and which shall be cherished for his memory, now that the hand of God has translated him from the scene of his early life and trial. already referred, of fortitude, and courage, and patience, and I must add fidelity to the Government which he served. It is not for me, at this moment, when I have so unexpectedly, but I hope not intrusively, touched this topic, to refer to those extraordinary events, which soon followed, and which invested his defensive position with singular and startling im portance, and which finally led him to the field of Buena Vista, where he accomplished a victory so brilliant and wonderful, that it must rest, sir, as the crown" of glory to that war, while it will through all time adorn his fame as an illustrious soldier. My reference to these events, sir, is that I may mark my asso ciation with General TAYLOR, to events near to his own personal fame and honor, and apart from those passages in life, when he was neces sarily associated with the political and partisan excitements of the country; this course enables me, sir, not only to forego, but to be together insensible to any influences they might excite, and to render his memory, on this occa sion, my most profound homage and respect. As a statesman, sir, he was necessarily exposed to encounter the strife of contending sentiment and opinion, and I feel happy, sir, at this instant, that I knew him in a life of high and noble action, in which he developed the highest attributes of American character-patriotism. And whatever might be the relation we would respectively hold to his political opinions or policy, it is cheering to feel that his life has left us all an example, displaying quali ties of the head and heart, which to cultivate and cherish, should be our first and chief duty. This humble tribute, plainly and I fear imperfectly expressed, I beg to submit on my own part, and for the people I represent, with a further expression of condolence for those who remain to mourn the loss of a husband, father, brother and friend. Mr. MARSHALL said: Mr. Speaker, silence is the eloquence of woe, and most appropriate sign of submission to Him whose inscrutable decree afflicts the people. Were the emotions of my own bosom at this moment the accepted counsellors of my action, content to mingle mine with the nation's tears, I Subsequently, sir, I again met General TAYLOR at the head of his army in the valley of the Rio Grande. I delivered to him in his camp at Monterey, the orders of his Government, which announced to him, that the military plans and policy of the country were to be should permit this solemn occasion to pass materially modified and changed. The north- without the obtrusion of a single remark. But ern States of Mexico, then about to be invaded, custom, and the known relations I held to the were to be left unmolested, and the entire mili- late President of the United States, induce me tary power of our people was to be directed to express here the profound sensibility with upon the city of Mexico, by a new line of oper- which intelligence of his lamented death will ations. Those operations, sir, left him to the be received by the Commonwealth of Kencomparatively humble task of a defensive cam-tucky. In no quarter of our country will this paign in the valley of the Rio Grande, while blow fall with more crushing force than upon the more glorious and decisive movement upon the district I represent. There are the graves the city of Mexico, seemed likely to fall to the of his parents-the habitations of his kindred lot of some more fortunate commander. On the surviving associates of his youth-the this occasion, sir, it was my privilege and my duty to confer with him fully and confidentially on the part of his Government, and it afforded me, sir, the opportunity to witness once more especial friends of his matured manhood-the companions of his military adventures-and the most numerous branches of his family con nection. There his name was a tower of strength, as his fame was the pride of the people. [JULY, 1850. Mr. WHITE moved that the blank in the resolution of the Senate (for the appointment of a committee) be filled with the number 13. MCDOWELL, WINTHROP, BISSELL, DUER, ORR, The resolution was then unanimously con And, on motion of Mr. THOMPSON, of Mississippi, the House adjourned until to-morrow at 11 o'clock. IN SENATE. I have not risen to dwell upon his exploits, or to recount his many virtues. These can Ordered accordingly, and the following genderive no additional lustre from the voice of ex- tlemen were appointed by the Chair to conaggerated eulogy. Comparison between ZACH-stitute said committee, viz.: Messrs. CONRAD, ARY TAYLOR and celebrated ancients, illustrious in life or death, will neither diminish nor increase his claim to the admiration of mankind. His character was formed on no pre-existing model. Reared amidst the solitudes of a west-curred in. ern wilderness, his principles were fashioned by the precepts of the pioneer, and his career has vindicated their christianity, their wisdom, and their patriotisın. The column is complete. Omniscience has withdrawn the workman. Time and earth have but "the sign and token of the great original. The pencil of history must fill the bold outline for the contemplation of posterity. Great, without pride; cautious, without fear; brave, without rashness; stern, without harshness; modest, without bashful-11 o'clock. ness; sagacious, without cunning; apt, without flippancy; intelligent, without the pedantry of learning; benevolent, without ostentation; sincere, and honest as the sun, the "noble old Roman" has lain down his harness-his task is done. He has fallen, as falls the summer tree in the bloom of his honors, before the blight of autumn has seared a leaf that adorns it. The image of his great character is indelibly impressed upon the hearts of his countrymen, and the lines thereof, "By just degrees will every moment rise, Fill the wide earth, and gain upon the skies." "None knew him but to love him, To them the beauties of his domestic life re- THURSDAY, July 11. Election of President pro tem. The SECRETARY called the Senate to order at Mr. DICKINSON. Mr. Secretary, I am aware that, in the course I am about to pursue, I differ from that which is prescribed by our rules. I trust, however, for the sake of despatch, and in view of the good feeling which prevails in this body, that unanimous consent will be given to it. I, therefore, move that the Senior Senator from Alabama, the honorable WILLIAM R. KING, be appointed President pro tem. of this body." Mr. BERRIEN. Mr. Secretary, I desire to express for myself my entire assent to the resolution which has been offered by the Senator with unanimous acceptance on the part of the from New York, and I trust that it will meet Senate. The motion was unanimously agreed to. chair by Messrs. DICKINSON and BERRIEN, rose Mr. KING, having been conducted to the and said: SENATORS: Words could but feebly express the warm and gratified feelings which have penetrated my heart by this manifestation of kindness and confidence, so unanimously displayed by the representatives of the sovereign States of this Union. Had it been the pleasure of my political friends to have placed me in this distinguished position, it would have been to have felt, as I trust I shall always feel in every me a source of gratification and pride. I should situation in which I may be placed, that there was imposed upon me a solemn obligation to discharge the duties of the position with faithfulness and impartiality. How much higher, then, Senators, is the obligation imposed upon me to discharge these duties with the utmost faithfulness and impartiality, when I am called to this place by no political party, by no sectional feeling, but by the unanimous expression of the wishes of the Senators in Congress assembled. While I preside here I shall endeavor to enforce mildly, but firmly, and I trust impartially, all the rules for the government of this JULY, 1850.] Committee of Arrangements. [31ST CONG, body. I shall endeavor to apply the parlia- | and the fierce collisions of conflicting opinions. mentary law as it is laid down in the books, In these respects he was the admirable protoupon every occasion, believing, as I honestly type of the hero of Buena Vista. do, from long experience and observation, that it is promotive of the harmony of the body and of sound legislation. Should I err, I look to my brother Senators, in a spirit of kindness, to correct my errors. To such corrections I shall always submit with the greatest pleasure. Committee of Arrangements. With such a father, and under the influences of the society and circumstances by which General Taylor was surrounded in his boyhood, it would have been indeed strange had he grown up without a strong predilection for military life. Fortunately for his own fame, fortunately for the glory of his country, in youth he put on the armor of a soldier. What followed is wellMr. WEBSTER. Mr. President, the joint com- known history, and needs no repetition here. mittee of the two Houses, appointed yesterday A grateful country, penetrated by a deep to make arrangements for the funeral of the conviction of the intuitive sagacity and elelate President of the United States, have as-vated patriotism of General Taylor, united with sembled this morning, and, as far as practicable, have agreed upon a report, which I am directed to present to the Senate. I hope the Senate will adopt that report in part; for there are still remaining some subordinate arrangements to be attended to by the committee. military achievements of unsurpassed splendor, and a personal character for truth and honesty without a superior, made him Chief Magistrate. The providence of God has terminated his earthly career, during this the first session of Congress since his inauguration. His father Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. President, the report was permitted to live and take an efficient part just made having brought up again to the at- in accomplishing those measures which relieved tention of the Senate the death of the late Pres- Kentucky from the threatened horrors of, civil ident of the United States, and being absent war. The son has been taken hence to the yesterday when the gentleman from Louisiana world of spirits, before those agitating questions (Mr. Downs) made his eloquent and appropriate which now excite Congress and the people, address, and offered his resolutions upon that and threaten the destruction of the Governsubject that absence having been occasioned ment, have been settled. Mysterious Proviby the fact that I was appointed as one of the dence! There were thousands and hundreds of committee on the part of the Senate to wait thousands of our countrymen, who looked for upon Mr. FILLMORE, to make arrangements help in this time of need to the unbending inpreparatory to his taking the oath of office-I tegrity and firmness of purpose which ever throw myself upon the indulgence of the Sen-characterized our late President. God has ate, and beg permission to make a few remarks. taken from them this staff of their reliance. It will be manifested in time whether, the measure of General Taylor's honors and usefulness being full and overflowing, he was removed by the Ruler of the Universe to give place to those equally or better able to calm political dissensions, and to extricate the country from impending dangers, or whether the awful judgments of God are to rest upon us for national sins, and for the want of that wisdom and spirit of conciliation which have hereto I was among the earliest to advocate the election of General Taylor, and, in common with a very large majority of the people of my State, gave him a most cordial support. He had been raised among us. His character was formed and developed by associations with the pioneers of the western wilderness; with those who encountered the difficulties and privations of settling and improving the most fertile region of the globe; and who, almost un-fore enabled such men as Zachary Taylor to seaided by Government, relying exclusively upon cure national prosperity and happiness. Whattheir own individual resources and energies, ever purposes of the Deity the future may unsuccessfully resisted the persevering efforts of fold, the present is a day of mourning; and numerous hordes of warlike savages to ex- certain I am that no portion of our extensive pel them from the country. His father, Rich-country will feel more sensibly the general beard Taylor, a soldier of the Revolution, was eminently qualified to infuse into the mind of his son those sentiments of ardent patriotism and lofty heroism which pervaded all classes with whom Zachary Taylor associated when a boy. Well do I remember that father; for I was associated with him in the Legislature of Kentucky, at a time when questions of constitutional law deeply agitated the entire State, and when rancorous and bitter politicians threatened the public peace, and dared to talk of bloodshed. I remember how conciliatingly, how calmly, and yet how firmly, that father demeaned himself amidst the storms of debate reavement than the State in which our dead and yet unburied Chief Magistrate spent the morning of his life. Kentucky will long remember and mourn for him as one of her own sons, and as the commander who led her McKee, her Clay, her Hardin, her Barbour, her Willis, and a host of her less distinguished children, to the glorious sacrifice of life, to secure the triumph of their country. And while we sympathize and condole with the family of the great and good man gone from earth forever, let us indulge the hope that his bright example will be of immense value to succeeding generations, and that his spirit with kindred spirits now constitute a blessed society in Heaven. On motion of Mr. WEBSTER, the report of the committee was concurred in. On motion of Mr. ATCHISON, it was ordered that when the Senate adjourns, it adjourn to meet on Saturday at 11 o'clock. On motion of Mr. DICKINSON, the Secretary of the Senate was directed to inform the President of the United States and the House of Representatives that the Senate have appointed a President pro tem. * The following order was observed in the burial of the late President of the United States: The Military portion of the Funeral Procession of Saturday is worthy of a special notice. It was anticipated that many volunteer companies, and indeed military men generally, would be anxious to attend the obsequies of the illustrious Chieftain and President of the Republic; and this anticipation was fully realized. Baltimore contributed largely and patriotically to the military display, than which we never witnessed a more imposing one in this city. The whole was under the command of the distinguished GENERAL-IN-CHIEF of the United States Army, whose manly form and martial bearing, mounted as he was on a noble charger, and surrounded by a numerous staff, attracted all eyes, as the funeral cortege moved solemnly from the Presi dential Mansion to Congress Burying Ground. From a favorable and commanding position that we occupied, at the corner of one of the cross streets, we noticed the troops marching in slow time, in the following order: Patapsco Riflemen, of Baltimore, Captain SWAIN, preceded by their Band. Independent Greys' Band, of Baltimore. Light Infantry, from Wilmington, Delaware. Taylor Light Infantry, from Catonsville, Maryland, under the command of Lieutenant BROWN, of the Independent Greys, Baltimore. This interesting corps consisted of two companies of youths, who are being educated at St. Timothy Hall. Their uniform was handsome and they were well drilled. German Washington Guards, of Baltimore, Captain HOFF MAN: National Greys, of Washington, Captain BACON. A platoon of commissioned officers representing volunteer companies of the fifty-third regiment of Baltimore. A portion of the patriotic volunteer Defenders of Baltimore in the year 1814, with their banner. Amongst them we recognized General ANTHONY MILTENBERGER, JOSEPHI K. STAPLETON, and WM. P. MILLS, Esqs. First Baltimore Sharp Shooters, of Baltimore, Captain LILLY. Jackson Guards, of Baltimore. Independent Blues, of Baltimore, Captain SHUTT. Independent Greys, of Georgetown, Captain GoDdard. National Guards, of Philadelphia, Captain LYLE. Mount Vernon Guards, of Alexandria, Captain FIELDS. Richmond (Va) Blues, Lieutenant REGNAULT, accompanied by their Band. Worth Infantry, of York, Pennsylvania. Eagle Artilery, of Baltimore, Captain PHILLIPS. A platoon of officers representing volunteer companies of the fifth regiment of Baltimore. Mounted Carbineers, of Baltimore, Captain S. C. OWINGS. The Marine Band attached to the Washington Navy Yard. Two companies of United States Marines, Captain TAN BILL. HEAD. Walker Sharp Shooters, of Washington, Lieutenant BIRKWashington Light Infantry, of Washington, Captain TATE. Four companies (C, E, F, G) U. S. Artillery, acting as infantry, under the command, respectively, of Capt BowEN, Lieutenant DOUBLEDAY, Captain WILLIAMS, Captain BRANNAN, and Lieutenant NICHOLS. 1st Artillery Baud, from Fort Columbus, New York. One company of U. S. Flying Artillery, mounted and fully equipped, under the command of Major SEDGWICK, from Fort McHenry, Baltimore. Officers of the United States Navy, in uniform, on foot. Maj. Gen. JONES, commanding the Militia of the District of Columbia, and Staff. VOL. XVI.-37 [JULY, 1850. Funeral Car, drawn by eight white horses, each horse attended by a groom. General Taylor's horse, "Old Whitey," fully caparisoned, attended by a groom. The Family of the late President in three carriages. The Senate of the United States, preceded by its Officers. A representation of the Firemen and of the Temperance Societies of Washington. The Band of the Independent Blues, of Baltimore. It is not extravagant to state that the Procession was from one mile and a half to two miles in length. The line occupied three-quarters of an hour in passing before us. Of the good conduct of the soldiery who formed the military escort at the funeral, it is unnecessary to speak. The United States troops, under Captain BRANNAN, (a native of this city.) Major SEDGWICK, Captain BowEN, and Lieutenant NICHOLS, deported themselves in a soldier-like and becoming manner. The same may be said of the volunteer companies and the young Cadets. The Taylor Infantry, from Catonsville, Maryland, for the most part juvenile, behaved admirably. The arrangements made by the Marshal of the District and the Mayor of the city were admirably carried out by the Aids of the former, and the police officers appointed by the latter. The line of the Funeral Procession was kept. clear of carriages and vehicles of every description, as the cortege passed along. No accident occurred, that we have heard of, during the whole day. The Boards of Aldermen and Common Council of the City of Baltimore, at the head of whom was Mayor STANSBURY, of that city, attended the Funeral, and did themselves much honor by their full attendance and dignified deportment. They unfortunately did not arrive until past one o'clock, owing to the breaking of the locomotive, which caused a delay of two hours. They were met by a committee of our City Councils, consisting of Messrs. FRENCH, Maury, Brent [31ST CONG. amendment of Mr. FOOTE, proposing to reduce the boundaries of California The PRESIDENT. It has been printed. Mr. CLAY. Mr. President, it is known to the Senate that it has been my hope and expectation that we should dispose of all the amendments either proposed or to be proposed to the bill, and that upon the question of its The Senate, as in Committee of the Whole, resumed the consideration of the bill for the admission of California as a State into the Union, to establish Territorial Governments for Utah and New Mexico, and making proposals to Texas for the settlement of her west-engrossment I intended, with the permission of ern and northern boundaries. Mr. BUTLER, having the floor, resumed and concluded his remarks commenced on Tuesday last. Mr. CLAY rose, after a brief pause, and said: Mr. President if there is no other gentleman disposed to speak, I hope we shall take up the amendments and act upon them. the Senate, to occupy some portion of its time in taking a rapid review of some of the objections that have been made to the adoption of the measure under consideration, and then to submit it into those hands in which, by the constitution of the country, the responsibility is placed. The events of Saturday, of which we possess information, deprived us of the opThe PRESIDING OFFICER. There is no amend-portunity of employing that day in the conment before the Senate. Several amendments sideration of those amendments which were have been laid upon the table, but there have intended to be submitted, or were yet before been none offered. the Senate. But as some rather impatient Mr. CLAY. Then the question will be on re-anxiety has been manifested to arrive at the porting the bill to the Senate. MONDAY, July 22. The PRESIDENT pro tem. laid before the Senate the following communication from the Hon. DANIEL WEBSTER, which was read: WASHINGTON, July 22, 1850. To the Hon. WM. R. KING, conclusion of this important subject-an anxiety in which, to some extent, I share with others I have risen this morning to perform a duty toward the committee and to the subject which my position prompts me to endeavor to execute. Mr. President, in the progress of this debate it has been again and again argued that perfect tranquillity reigns throughout the country, and that there is no disturbance threatening its peace, endangering its safety, but that which was produced by busy, restless politicians. It SIR: I have to request that you will lay before has been maintained that the surface of the the Senate the accompanying copy of a communi- public mind is perfectly smooth and undiscation addressed by me to the Governor of Masturbed by a single billow. I most heartily sachusetts. With the highest regard, I have the honor to be your obedient servant, DANIEL WEBSTER. WASHINGTON, July 22, 1850. To his Excellency GEO. N. BRIGGS, Governor of Massachusetts: SIR: I have to inform you that I have been appointed Secretary of State for the United States, and that my seat in the Senate will be vacant from this day. I have the honor to be, with regard, your Excellency's obedient servant, DANIEL WEBSTER. The Compromise Bill-Mr. Clay's Great Speech -Danger to the Union-His Noble Devotion to the Union-His Paternal Vindication of the Truth of History in Relation to the Missouri Compromise. The Senate resumed the consideration of the bill; and the pending question being on the and WHEELER, who immediately conducted the Baltimore authorities to the City Hall, and thence to the Funeral Procession. The Mayor of Washington and the Mayor of Baltimore rode to the burying ground in the same carriage. After the Funeral Ceremonies, the Baltimore authorities dined with the Mayor and Corporate authorities of this city, at Brown's Hotel, where a handsome entertainment was provided. Although the occasion of the visit forbade wish I could concur in this picture of general tranquillity that has been drawn upon both sides of the Senate. I am no alarmist; nor, I thank God, at the advanced age at which His providence has been pleased to allow me to reach, am I very easily alarmed by any human event; but I totally misread the signs of the times, if there be that state of profound peace and quiet, that absence of all just cause of apprehension of future danger to this confederacy, which appears to be entertained by some other Senators. Mr. President, all the tendencies of the times, I lament to say, are towards disquietude, if not more fatal consequences. When before, in the midst of profound peace with all the nations of the earth, have we seen. a convention, representing a considerable portion of one great part of the Republic, meet to deliberate about measures of future safety in connection with great interests of that quarter of the country? When before have we seen, not one, but more-some half a dozen-legis |