HKB
in the work of sending delegates there to prevent that commission from doing any thing. I send this paper to the desk, and ask the Secretary to read these letters.
The Secretary read as follows:
WASHINGTON, February 15th, 1861.
DEAR SIR: When Virginia proposed a Convention in Washington, in reference to the disturbed condition of the country, I regarded it as another effort to debauch the public mind, and a step toward obtaining that concession which the imperious slave power so insolently demands. I have no doubt at present but that was the design. I was therefore pleased that the Legislature of Michigan was not disposed to put herself in a position to be controlled by such influences.
The Convention has met here, and within a few days the aspect of things has materially changed. Every free State, I think, except Michigan and Wisconsin, is represented; and we have been assured by friends upon whom we can rely, that if those two States should send delegations of true, unflinching men, there would probably be a majority in favor of the Constitution as it is, who would frown down rebellion by the enforcement of laws. These friends have urged us to recommend the appointment of delegates from our State; and, in compliance with their request, Mr. CHANDLER and myself telegraphed to you last night. It cannot be doubted that the recommendations of this Convention will have a very considerable influence upon the public mind, and upon the action of Congress.
I have a great disinclination to any interference with what should properly be submitted to the wisdom and discretion of the Legislature, in which I place great reliance; but I hope I shall be pardoned for suggesting that it may be justifiable and proper, by any honorable means, to avert the lasting disgrace which will attach to a free people who, by the peaceful exercise of the ballot, have just released themselves from the tyranny of slavery, if they should now succumb to treasonable threats, and again submit to a degrading thraldom. If it should be deemed proper to send delegates, I think, if they could be here by the 20th, it would be in time.
I have the honor, with much respect, to be truly yours,
K.S. BINGHAM.
To his Excellency Governor BLAIR.
Mr. FESSENDEN:--I submit whether it is in order to go into a discussion on this motion. If so, I suppose this must be regarded as a part of the speech.
The PRESIDING OFFICER:--The Chair understood the discussion to be in order. It was certainly not objected to at the time the Senator commenced.
Mr. FESSENDEN:--It is not too late to raise the point.
The PRESIDING OFFICER:--The motion is to lay aside one bill and take up other business; and the Chair understood the Senator from Kentucky to be giving his reasons why he wished that to be done.
Mr. FESSENDEN:--If it is in order, of course I cannot object to it; but I raise that question.
The PRESIDING OFFICER:--The Senator from Maine raises the question whether this debate is in order.
Mr. POWELL:--There was no objection to my proceeding, and I suppose I have a right to go on. I wish the letters read as part of my speech.
Mr. FESSENDEN:--There is no objection to reading them.
The PRESIDING OFFICER:--The Chair has decided that the Senator from Kentucky is in order.
Mr. POWELL:--I have not yielded, except for the purpose of reading these letters.
The PRESIDING OFFICER:--Is an appeal taken from the decision of the Chair?
Mr. FESSENDEN:--I take no appeal.
The Secretary read as follows:
WASHINGTON, February 11th, 1861.