Congressional.
Washington, Jan. 9.
--Senate.--The President's Message was received and ordered to be printed.
Mr. Hunter took the floor on the Message for Friday, and Mr. Seward for Saturday.
Mr. Clarke, of Mo., introduced resolutions favoring the enforcement of the laws and the perpetuation of the Union.
After the reading of the Message, Mr. Davis, of Miss., said the President had misrepresented the position of the South Carolina Commissioners, and then declined to receive a paper correctly defining their views.
He endorsed the high standing of the Commissioners, and laid on the Clerk's table their rejoinder to the President which he had refused to receive.
Mr. King, of New York, objected to its being read — and sharp words ensued.
Messrs. Bigler and Trumbull urged its reading.
Messrs. Fessenden and Bright objected, except as a part of Mr. Davis' speech.
Under a decision of the Chair, the paper was read at length.
Mr. Davis then resumed his speech, and said he pitied the President, who had fallen from the head of the great Democratic party so low as to necessitate his being defended by the Senator from New York.
He thanked the latter for affording him an opportunity of spreading the Commissioner's rejoinder on the files of the Senate.
The subject was made the special order of the day for to-morrow.
After debating the Pacific Railroad bill, the Senate.
Adjourned.
House.--The Message of the President having been read, Mr. Howard, of Michigan, introduced a resolution of inquiry as to any negotiations in relation to the transfer of the South Carolina forts; also, if any pledges had been given that they would not be reinforced; also, in relation to the South Carolina Custom-House, Post-Office, Arsenal, and Revenue Cutter, if they had been seized.
Mr. Crawford, of Georgia, offered a substitute.
Mr. Phelps, of Mo., opposed the resolution, as possessing no remedy for State affairs.
The President had invited their action, to avert fraternal strife.
Messrs. Florence, Hill, and Martin of Virginia, opposed the resolution — which was passed, under the pressure of the previous question, by a vote of 183 to 62.
Mr. Burnett had been informed that there were no prospects of the Committee of Thirty-Three agreeing, and wanted to discharge them.
The Civil and Miscellaneous bill was debated.
No action was had, and the House adjourned. 