The New York Herald Newspaper, April 19, 1860, Page 10

10 5 FROM WASHINGTON. EVIVAL OF THE KANSAS IMBROGLIO. Interesting Pestimony of Robert J. Walker. The President's Instructions to Mr. Walker, when Governor of Kansas, &o., &., &o. Our Special Washingtom Despateh. Wasmncron, April 18, 2860. “ERE COVODE INVESTIGATION— TESTIMONY OF ROBKRT J. WALK WALKER WHEN GOVERNOR OF KANSAS. ‘The (ovede Committee struck a mine today. Yester dag Revert J. Walker, ex Secretary of the Treasury ana ex Governor of Kanrss, was exemined as a wituess. ‘Kareas? He said he had, but ceclined to give it up, as. @erting that he would sooner go to jail than sur- Tencer it to the committee, The witness was @ischarged, and the maticr rested until today, when Mr. Ells B Schnabie,a Pennsyivania polititien, was ented as a witnces. He tertitied that he had geen the let- ter of instrogsiine to Goversor Walker. He informed the tt he hed recently had @ quarrel with a the capinet, Mr Black, to Bowman’s printing it the letter in quevtion; oat Black denied that auch jetter ever existed, or now exteted,and defied ‘either Sebpable or Walker to produce it After the latter bao cercluded bis testimony, Mr. Walker, who was in fe Supreme Court, was *gaio summoned before the eommittee, when the followmg took piace: — Cusmaux —Wher you were bere yesterday you de- @iined io produce ibe letter of the 12ib of July, 1867, wrk- ‘ince that time the committee bar ter, and also ite contents. f@mony to which tbey refer? ‘The Cuaman—Cortainly. The committee deem it your Fight to hear it reed. ‘The testmory of Mr. Schnable, Mr. McDowel! and Mr. McK)bone was then read to the witness. All three proved fhe exttence of the letier. Mr. Schnable and Mr. MeElhone tcstifed im regard to its contens, agd Mr. Sebnabie also testifed concerning an interview with Badge Biaek, toe Atiorney General, within a few days past, in whieh Judge Black denied the ex- fsience of auy seeb letter, and challenged itm production if any euch letter existed, acoomsanied ‘wha threats towards Gov. Waiker if it was made pablic. ‘The Cusrmman—It now remains with you to determine ‘whether, in ihe present position of the matter, you will Produce that letter, first, to save the Committee from * | wubpanacing witness to prove its contents; ani next, in Jasvfieation of your own course I wiil now put the direct qeestion to you,—will you now produce that letier f Answer —It is due to me, gentlemen, to preface my weply by afew remarks. afier toe reply made by Gen ; (Cass, a8 Secretary of State, to my letter of resignation, I ought very seriously of publishing this letter then—the Yeiter ef the lah of July, 1867, forwarded to Kanses te me. The reason which induced me to think #0 Seriously of publiahing the letter at that time was ‘this—that that communication of Gen. Cass’ seemed to @issent from the fact stated by me as regarded the con- struction which Mr. Buchanan bad given to the Kansas- ‘Rebraska bill on the subject of submitting the constitu- don by the convention to the vote of the pecpie. I was ‘very indignant at that time, and if I had acted upon the excitement of the moment, I would, under such circum. 1 ntanees, bave published the letter in vindication of my ve racity and my bonor. After conferring, however, with many friends, come of whom thouglit it was due to mysel to prbdleb the letter, and others disrented from that course Deame 1 the conclusion that I would suspend my deci gion upen that question. Mapy of those friends urged very strongly a very cifferert construction of General Gass’ communication from that which I was inclined ‘0 give, and insisted that i did not make any question of veracity between myself andthe President. I did not think at all of publishing it until after this Jeter cf General Cess; and I deem it my duty to fay, as 1 think all the gentlemen ‘who conferred with me st that time will bear in mind {that I had no doubt ite non publication for a time would be injurious to my persooal and political welfare, and the: I pever could replace myself fally in the position which I would ocoupy before the public by publishing it mi afutore period, because the popular attention would ‘de withorawn from the subject. But still, I might vindi ate myself on the page of history, which I was always determized todo. It was always merely a question of time with me im regard to the publication of hat ictter. Iam free to say to you, gentlemen, and I gay it in no offensivesense, that I wae very much alarm. a about the condition of the country. I had fears even ‘Wat the government itself might be endangered; and in- gamuch asi bave always been devotedly and enthusi- ‘eat cally attached to the Union—a subject upon which ; have written much and thought mnch—I was apprehen- five, amd 90 I told these gentlemen, that @ %I published that letter at that time although it would undoubtedly be beneficial to myself personally, I feared it would involve consequences that aight imperil the government; and, therefore, when I ‘mally came to the decision to delay the publication, it ‘was on this ground, and this alone, and I have never Peon actuated by any other motive in this affair. BR owes a lorg time before I would agree to go fo Kansas. I refused two or three times verbal- By, and once io writing; but the request was wenewed from time to time with jgreat earnest. mess by the President, and by many friend through ‘whom be communicated to mo upon this subject, and fhe great reason presented by him aud them was, tha, the Topeka Legislature were about assembling to put the So-called State government ixto actual operation, and ‘Mat there was danger of revoiuticn and civil war, which might extend throughout the Union and endanger the government. The President considered it the moat mportant position in the country, and peculiar and very Battering reasons were given why I should go. It was aid that I was a Northern man by birth, and a Southern tmao by long residence and adoption, and perhaps en- Jered the confidence of the whole nation, as to my impar- ‘Bielty opon this question, and that possibly 1 could do mecre from these peculiar circumstances to reconcile con- @Mleting elements in Kansas than any other person. Zhe Inst person whom the President sent fo me on this subject to urge me to go ‘was Jndge Douglas, of the Sonate, who was very carnest and very excited, and who seemed to regard the success of the Kansas and Nebraska bill in that Territory aa to a gress extent dependent upon my consenting togo. It is meseerary for me here to bring in @ domestic allusion, a’. ‘thovgh 1 do not wish to doit, but it seems to be necessary fm order to understand and explain this mauer All my family were averse to my going, partic ularly my wile. I had given her a promise that I would Rot go without her consent. After the visit of Judge Dovglas, which was the last of the numerous ones that ‘were paid to me on the part of the President's friends, I Snally consented that I would geon two oonditions—first, that inasmuch as I had pledged my word to Mrs. Walker Rat 1 would not go without Ber consent, her consent would contribute fhould be obsained, and I ‘whatever aid Icould to that result; and, secondly, tha there should be found to bee perfect oomourrence be ‘tween the President and myself upon the policy thet was Proper to be adopted in Kaaeas. I stated thatin my Seégment it was the true eonstraction of the Kaneas-No- Drasks bill that the constitution iteelf should be submit. COVODE INVESTIGATION. THE PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS, ‘BA PRESIDENT BUCHANAN’S LETTUR OF INSTRUCTION TO He ‘was asbed if be had a letier of wetructions furnished him ey the President when he was appowted Governor of fo you by Mr. Boghapan. Jt is right to inform you that walled themselves of the next Dest evidence they could obta'n, and have exam- dmed several witnceses to prove the existence of the let- AxsWER—W?'! the committee allow me tohear the tes- at Topeka, it actual operation of the Topeka State Government and did prevent @ disastrous revolution and civil war, which would undoubteely bave extended to the bordering States of Iowa and Missourl, and which would have extended throughout the Union, for, according to the returns which T subsequently obtained and forwarded to the govern- ment, according to my best recollection the Topeka party had eight thousand troops, armed and driiled and government, as I believe. The references to this you givin. & df itive construction, >; © ngress, of the Kauras and ‘baka ae, 1d 80st ro tar eal know that portion :f ‘he Minses ta bi: Py whe) © @ constitution Was to be submited » the peop e wis varred withuat a @veentiog yore in eter boue o Oongress I do mot say t stthy Mingecote bill fel cad passed without « dig- reeling v t, but the: the: portion ef i, 80 far as] kaew, oot passed without a ds<ntiog vote. There was a universal concurrence in tions views with ail thoso gentlemen representing the Pros dent woo cooversed with me joo th 8 Bude 4, wd hy the Pre den’ himeelf, very ‘ut pity amd unequ vocally expressed. After this sasent, thor giver Dy the Presideus tony views, Mr Buchanan veted Mre, Walker, ond I thick Jude Dovgias vid a'60, B though Tam cot abeclutely certain of that; I kuow that Mr. Buchanan did, the object being tw induce ber to wxhdraw ber oppsiti to my going I was preeent at this iutervew be.ween her and Mr. Buchanan, in which the argument pressed Dy him war that there were peculiar reasons why I was the perron who mere than ai] others,as he was goot enough to *a:, night perbaps save the country by pre- venting this impending revelation and securing the peace able sethiemens of that question, aod thet there were pa. totic rearons why Tougutt» go. A long conversation nened, the result of all of which was that my wife dit consent, First, my iostructions were drawn out, which, acoording to my judgment, fully confirmed the doctrine of the subm'ssion of the constitution to the vote of the people, and the President himself co regarded them. 1 tven set about to draw up my inaagural address. It was deemed importsot that I sbould present that address before the meetiag of the Topeka Legislature, with the view to prevent this revola- tiovary action on thelr part, which action would up- piedly Dave bronght about a collision by foros, for there could rot have been two governmon's in actual operation Im Kansas at the same time, the one a State government, with a State Legisiasure, a State Governor and State Justices; and the other a Territortal goverpment, with a Territorial Legislature and @ Territorial Governor. It was, there. fore, deemed important that this addrees should be pub Ished before the meeting of the Leglature—tio so called Topeka Legislature. I prepared ibat addrees; and Mr. Buchanan, by appointment, met me at my house, where be spent many bours, which were devoted to that subject. That address was pot thea complete, exc-pt that portion of it that related to the questiou of the constitution bem submitted to the vote ef the people, and what I said on the subject of slavery in Kaneas. What I said on the enbject of submitting the constitution to the vote of the people Mr. Buchanan fully approved. As regards what I said on the subject of slavery in Kansas, he sug gested a slight modification, which, with some lite va- riation from the words be suggested, but embodying substantiaHy the game ideas, wes adopted by me. That modification, suggested by Mr. Buchanan, applied to only a sipgie sentence. I pabliished that address on the 27th of May, 1857, at Lecompton, Kantas. The Topeka Legtsls. tare, | think, were to mect about ten days afterwards, according to my best recoilection—I know it was somo tme afterwards. The address, not from any particular merit it posseesed, but from thesolempity of the occasion, produced a very deep impression upon the popular mind in Kansas, and undoubtedly, with my subsequent efforts did suspend the putting into tou disciphned, determined upon sustaining that will find in my various communications submitted to the government. This inaugural address of mine was transmitted, I think, very early in Juve to the Secretary of State, the official organ of communication, and its re- ceipt was acknowledged sometime in June, I think, aad of course the government, not only the President but all the Cabinet, bad before them my views upon this subject, No diseent was ever expressed, which, from the re- peated communications that passed between us, I of course regarded ag ® distinct and continnocs approval. The organ of the goverpmen: here, the Union, c-ntinued, un- Ul] think some time late in the fall, in various editorials, to sustain my course in advocating the submissioa of the conetitution to the vote of the people. When I jirst ar rived in Kansas, every effort to make Kansas a tlave State was apparently entirely abandoned. It was universally conceded that it could not be made a slave State by a fair vote of the people, which I thought was tho only way iu which it could be properly made either a slave State or a freo State, it being my opinion, which I have always cn- erteined, that when a people come to frame a State con- Siitution they have a right to determine that and ali other questions appertaining to thetr locsi governmen* for themeelves. my whole of the Mirsouri compromise, that [ have failed to advocate that doctrine. dor for me to say, though I do not desire t» introduce I do not know the period during life, commencing with the agitation Te ig due to frackness and can- politics, that I certainly was very anxiousto make Kansas a democratic State, and the only plau to accomplisa it was to unite the frca State democrats with the pro- slavery party, and all those whom I regarded as con. servative men, against the more violent portion of the republicans. But at the same time I determined tha: I would use no improper means to accomplish this object, but that I would do it, if I did it at all, boldly and openly, by legitimate argument, addressed to the peo- pie in written addresses and in very numerous addresses upon the stump. And I believe that the object would undoubtedly have been accomplished if I had not bees arrested in that course, and that Kansas would unques- tionably have been a democratic Btate. I thought, too, that if the constitution was not submitted to the people, but was attempted to be forces! upon them against their known will, and I 80 stated in my correspondence with the Prosident, as you will see, it would accomplish no good object for the slaveholding States, because the people would elect a vio, lent reppblican Legislature, and that Legislature would send two very violent republicans tothe Senate of tac United States, and a member of Congress would be elest- ed entertaining similar views. No possible object for the benefit of the South, or any portion of the Union, could be attained by forcing the constitution upon the people against their will. I believe, too, and I £0 stated, that such a course would destroy the demo- cratic party, probably produce civil war in Kansas, and endanger the government. Shortly after J arrived at Lo compton, the county of Douglas, of which Lecompton is tbe capital, bad held « democratic meeting, and nominated eight gentlemen, I think,7as dele- gates to the lLecompton Convention, of which John Calhoun, then the Surveyor General of the Territory was at the head. The resolations of the mecting required them to sustain the submission of the constitution to the vote of the people. They pub- lished a written pledge to that effect. Rumors were cir culated by their opponents that they would not submit {pe whole constitation to the people. They published a seoond circular, 8 day or two before the election, de- nouncing these rumors as falschoods, and reailirming their determination, if elected, to sabmit the constitation to the peoplo. But for these arsurances it is universally conooded ihey had no chance whatever of being elected—not the elightest. When the Democratic Territorial Convention aegcrabled at Lecompton, in July, 1857, they passed reso lutions unanimously endorsing, I believe, my course, a'- though nearly all that convention was composed of pro tiavery mep, for they constituted @ majority of what was then called ihe democratic pariy there. A resolution was offered in that convention, I do not recollect ite exsot words, but in substance in favor of sustaining the constitution to be adopted by the Lecompton Convention, whether it was submitted to the people or not; bat after considerable debate on the merits of the question, upon a test vote that resolation ‘was laid on the table, by a vote of forty-two to one. I stil continued to entertain not the shadow of a doubt that the constitution would be submitted to a vote of the people by the Convention, nor do I believe the slightest doubt exist- ed in the Territory. I deem it due to fraoknees to say, tha from my long residence in the South, and my very deep gratitude to the State which bad adopted me and clothed me with the highest honors it could bestow, and repeated from time to time, and my genoral views on the subject ted by the Convention to the vote of the people. I Stated that the phraseology of the Dill was ‘Very peceliar, and thst, im my apprebension of the ease and my interpretation of that law, that was the grest Principle embodied im that Jaw. 1 stated that it was farther contrmed in that view of the sabject by the pas- Sage of the Minnesote act, for that Territory was embraced m the Kansee-Nebraska bill ia the ame mauner as gKanees itecl’—1t applied to all the ‘Territories— ‘and that im that act of Congress i peremptorily ‘Pequirea the convention to sebmit the eonstitetion to the of slavery, I should {have greatly preferred, with a view to maintain the equilibrium of the government, aad to perpetuate the Union, which I considered the great and paramount dbject—I should have preferred that & majority of the people of Kansas would have mado it a slave State. I avowed there views very fully in my public communications in Keveas. Inever disguised my opinions upon this subject, and J eapecially reiterated the optaion that I was thus in favor of maintaining the eqailibrium of the government Dy giving the South s majority in the Sonate, while the NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1860.—TKIPLE SHEET. . + wma leate It, Tam potresirained, then, by aby sense -{, honor from pablisbiug this etter now, although, for ste reasors ‘bat Ihave stated o you, I wonld not have given it to you, aud Jbad made up my mind to go to jail «ven under the order of the House, soomer thao submitted this letter to you. Bat I think, 12 the presen aspect if the case, shat it is my duty to produos the leter— wy duty to myeelf, and perhaps to the President, and J now do produce it. It ig not marked private, or oonil- dential, a8 you will observe. ‘The wiiness here produced the letter, which he handed to the Committee, who examined it. Mr. Our—Is this etter im the handwriting of the Pres- ident? Ayswen—It ig all in the handwriting of the Presi- det, the body of the Jeter as wellas the siguature. I do not wishto part with this letter, but will read it so ibat your clerk can take it down. ‘The witness then read the letter as follows : Wasmsaron, July 12, 1857. My Dean Sm :—I duly received your letter of the 28th nit, on Fridey lag’, Tread jt tO the Cabinet, taen in getsion. The views which it contatued wore net calcalated 10 assure LS Of Your euscese, though we did not despond. Hence you may jodge with what marisiaction we received the account of the proceedings of the Natioual Demooratic Convention, held at Lecomptoa on the 84 inst The poiut op which your and our Ruecess depends is the submission of the constitution to the people; and by the people I mean; and ] have Bo doubt you mean the sctael bma fide resents who bave beep long enough ia the Territory to Wentfy themselves with ite fate. Toe Legiciatare devr- wiced three months as the period of residence to entitic caviénals to vote for members of the Convention; and if Forth would neceerarily have @ mejority in the Bouse of Representatives, which opinion I have eater tained since the Mietour! Compromise, avowing it at that time and on a great many public occasions ever since, Toe opinion 1 still entertain, mot from any rections! views, but because! do believe it would best tend to accomplish the great and paramount object of preserving the government, Bat at the same time it was perfectly obvious to myself and to every persoa that it was possible to accomplish that object by no fair means in Kansas, I was determined that, #o far as my action ‘was concern, there rhould be a fair vote of the people, avd ‘hat J would countenance no frauds, or forgeries, or villainy of any kind, im copnection with » question #0 eolemn as that, This attempt to make Kansas a tlave State developed itself in the fall of 1857. It firs; was folly developed by the terrible forgeries ia the pretended returns, They were not legal returns that were gent to mo as Governor of the Territory, and which Irejected, although that rejection geve a majority of the Territorial Legislature to my political opponents, the republicaus—at which, I am free to say, I was deeply grieved. I did my beet to s¢- cure a democratic majority in that Legislature, and ex- erted myseli most anxioutly, making atup specches. ‘The first forgery presented to me was the case af Oxforcs which was a forgery upon its face, and that it was so has since beem acknowledged by one of tho Judgea whose pemes were signed to it. In a publis document he de. clares that he never did affix his signature to it. In Ox ford, some sixteen hundred votes were attempted pave fo be given in @ villlage of six houses, where | ib. Convention shouli toink proper to adopt the same there were wot fifty voters, ana it is xow [ period to catitle bei ages gd Ll pagent aodcng sitution, It eppears to me woal Teagonal aecertained that mot thirty votes were really a feb Ag” creatine. Gia) omaaeeiea “40 given, Tho rest wereal! forgeries. My rejection of that } tie tona fide resi cut settlers of Keutas, 1am willing to return, inasmuch as it embraced the two large counties f stand or fall. lu sustaining soch a principle we caanot fall. Iie the principle of the Kansas-Nebraaka bil’, the principle of popolar rovereignty, and the priacipie st the foundation of ail popular government. The more it is tis- crseed the stronger it will become. Should the Oon- vention of Kansas adopt this principle, all will be settled barm.onious}y; ano, with the blessing of Proviseace you will return trrampbantly from your ardaous, impor- tant and reeponsible mission. The strictures of the and Micsiesippi Conventions will theo pass away, of Jobnron and Dovgiss, gave @ majority of the Territoris! Legislature to the republicane. I was thea very bitterly denounced, at which I felt profoundly indiff»rent, because I thonght that apy man who would approve or endorse euch forgeries was a base and dishonest mun, and 1 prefeared his censure to his approval. Various personal threats were made, which I also disregarded. The | Seorsi to be speedily forgotten. In regard to Georgia, our news next return presented was that from MoGee county, | from p seg peel better every rig ‘We have where there certainly were not twenty voters, but which | uot yet bed time to bear much from Missi Should was returned as over twelve hundred voters, given at | YU Stswer tbo resolution of the latter. 1 would advise you to make the great principle of the submission of the constitution to the bonu fide rerivents of Kansas covepicuously prominent. On this you will be insistibie. With the question of climate every person is acquainted, and the more you iuaist upon this the more will our oppo- nents urge thet we are vioiating the \c\ple of non- interference at the foundation of the Ki law, It ‘m strapge that people at a cisiauce, who have rot practical acquaintance with the condition of Kansas, should undertake to be wiser than those on the spot. It is beyond all question the true policy to build up a grest democratic party there to sus- tain the ‘constitution and the laws, composed of pro siavery and free State democrats; aud if the majority should be againg! slavery, to obtain sich constiva:ioual provieions ag will recure the right of slavenoldera in Mis- souri and other States, and qaintain all tho laws guard- tog the just rights of the South. You are right im your conjecture ag to the cause of Jadge Williams’ app2int- mente. We supposed it would be peculiarly acceptable to yourself, and that be might aid in carry iy. haw your policy. Colonel Cumming bas been appointed Governor of Utan. This will leave bis place vacant alter the brief per od re- quired for settling up bis busivess, 20d 1 ebal! certainly be Ciepored to fill it by the appointmen: of Mr. Stevens General Harney bas been selected to commana the ex- pedition to Utah; but we mast contrive to leave him with you, at least, uniil you are outof the woods. Kaneas is vastly more important wt the presert moment thas Utah. The preesure upon me continues without intermission. three different precints, and where it is now secertained that there was no election holden at ajl—not a vote given. ‘Thege returns were also rejected by me. Aud at lengtd it was fully developed that, contrary tw ali the pledges given, especially by Calhoun himeeif, the President of the Convention, that they would sudmit the oovstitution to the vote of the people, another course was resolved upon. Finally, a few days before the voto was taken upon the subject, Mr. Calhoun, the President of the Coa- vention, called vpon me, aad submitted eabstantially the programme as to slavery which was subseqacntiy adoptes by the Convention, and asked my concurrence. He pre sented various prospects of very high place from the people of this Union if I woula coaour, and as: sured me that that was the programme of the administration. I said that was impossible, and showed Mr. Cathoon this letter of Mr. Bucusnan to me of the 12t0 of July, 1857. He eaid that tho administration had changed its policy. I told him I did not believe it, but let who would change their views on that question, witn me the question of submitting the constitution to the vote of the people was fundamental, and I never would chango or modify my views on that | I pray tbat Divine Providence, in whica I place my trust, may graciovely preserve my Jife and my health until the question in the slightest respect—that I would | ond of my ares bat God’ will be Jone in any event. fight it out to the end, be the consequences tome personally or politically what they might. Mr. Cal ‘With every sentiment of esteem, I remsin always sincerely your friend, JAMES BUCHANAN, Hon. T J. WALKER. houn continued to insist that I ought to go with the Kree- ident upon this subject. I denied that he hed any right to Ror arenes at Noel cama, = her spesk for the President; that the office that he held, gests ca ela a np though far the most lucrative in the Territory, I believe to my letter. He Jeays, “I duly pid was not connected with the administration of civil af- fairs, but to surveying of the public lends, apd that it the President had any intimations to give to me on this gubject they could come from him self. Iasked him if he had any letter from the Bresi- dent. He esid be bad not; but that the assurance came to him in such a manner as to be entirely reliablo—that this particular programme, which was finally adopted in Kansas, was the programme of the administration. 1 stated that I never would assent to it, and J gave various reagone. 1 stated, in the first place, that I had openly plecged myself tothe people of Kansas, de- claring that I was 20 authorized by the President, so far as my power, and that of the government would avail that ubis covetitation should be submitted fairly to their vote for ratification or rejection—that I had by these pledger, on which they relied, induced them to suspend putting the Topeka State government into operation, which otberwise undoubtedly would have been done, and that it would be disbonorablo in me to forfelt theee pledges, and that I could not do it I stated that, although I insisted that the Kansas and Nebraska Dill required that the cvnstitution itself should be submitied to the vors of the people, yet if they would make a good constitution, and submit the elavery question distinctly by itself to a fair vote ef the people, although it cid nos correspond with my views; yet I would not interfere, but that the par- tioular programme which they proposed to adopt did not submit the question of élavery to the people of Kanaas, that it ouly submitted it, and those constituting a +mall majority who were in favor of the constitution. Because the vote was limited to a yote for the consti- tution with slavery, and for the constitution without slavery, and these who ware opposed to tho constitution were pot permitted to vote at all, therefore I considered such a submission of the question a vile fraud, a base counterfeit, and wretched device to prevent the people voting even on that question. I gaid to him that not only would I not support it, but I would denounce it, no matter whether the administration sustained it or not; and! always bave denounced it, and sball ever continue to do go. It ts due to frankness to say that when I came on here in November the President himself distinctly and emphatically assured me that he bad not authorized anybody to say that he bad approved of that programme. I told him thst such boing the case, [could not but believe that some member of the ad- ministration, or some person in high authority, enjoying its confidence, must have given those assurances or Mr. Calhoun would not have made the communication that he had to me, and also changed his own course upon the sub- ject, for Mr. Calhoun had been the distinguished and special leader of the Douglas party in Kansas, and was supposed to have been appointed Surveyor General upon Judge Douglas’s recommendation. He certainly requested me to have him retained, assuring me that he would support the submission of the constitution to the vote of the people, as he did until a late period. When Mr. Calhoun made this communication to me he requested me not to mention it to Mr. Stanton, the Secretary of State of Kan- sas, and I believe I never have done 80. Nor should I have communicated it to you, except as neceesary to my vindication from the testimony you have shown me to- day. Itis also due to frankness to further eay that Iam folly impressed with the conviction that the President himself did not get op this programme, though I do believe it was gotten up by some of the administra- tion, or others bigh in authority. I feel very serious em” varrasament about this question of producing the letter; Thad refused yesterday to produce it, and I really and sincerely think, with all proper respect for this commit- tec, that you have no right to demand it of me; andI certainly should not have produced the letter but for the testimony you have taken to-day, and especially the defiance that is thrown out, and the suggestion that I have been exhibiting a letter that does not exist, and tho intimation that even if it docs exist I dare not produce it, Gentlemen, that is false, for Thave always reserved the right to produce this letter and publish it when and where and as I pleased, and I have never made the slightest suggestion to the con- trary to any buman being, nor have I given any promise or pledge in’relation to it whatever. I suppose that this testimony, which you have shewn me to-day, will be given to the public. Mr. Orrx—That is oar intention. ‘The Onarmman—At the proper time; when we get throogh our investigation, Mr. Rosrrson.—It wiil all be made public. ‘The Wrrssss.—It seems, then, that not only are these intimations such ae I regard as affecting my honor, and which, were I now to remain silent, would produce more erroneous and unjustimpreasions against mo upon the public mind, whish I could never remore, but it is also perhaps due to the President himself, in as much as you have proved the letter to a great extent by the testimony of witnesses who have scen it, to make public this letter, al. though I assure you that I doit with the most intense relact- ance, not from any considerations personal to myself, but from other considerations of a public character. Bat these statements which you have shown me, if any injurious ¢flects to the country are to be produced at present, would perhaps be quite as competent as the letter itself. I think the letter has become now as it were a public letter. Its contents are proved before you, and it must be publinhed. Besides, the President has also expressed, mot to me, but te others, his willingness that I should letter of the 28th v't. on Friday Iest, and read itto the Cabinet then in ecesion. This letter was in re- ply to mine of the 28th of June, and inasmuch as I have produced the letter of the President Ijwieh the opportanity to produce my letter to which this is the reply, and have not got it here, but I will get it with all due despatoh if 1 can. I think I bave a copy of it, and ifI have I ask the privilege of putting it on record here. ‘The Cusmmman—Certainly; you are entitled to that. ‘The Wirxmss—The Presicent, in what he says about climate, does not refer to my ipangaral at all, for we were perfectly agreed about that. He referred to what I said about the climate in Kansas and observations of the thermometer, if I remember aright, which I gave him, showing that it was excessively cold there and unfit for tlavery—as cold as the average of New England. Mr. Oux—Have you any knowledge as to where this device in the conswtation, in reference to submission, was gotten up ? ANswR—I believe it was gotten up in Washington; Col. Caihoon told me that it came from the President and the administration, and urged me on that ground to support it, inesmuch as Iwas an appointee of the President I ought to go with the President, Ithen showad him this letter, a8 I have told you. Qussnox—I think you stated that, im your opinion, it ‘was not actually gotten up by the President? Ayswrn—I think it was not gotten up by the President. Quxstiox—Are you willing to state whether it was not done with his knowledge and assent? Axswer—It fs due to frankness and candor to say, that Ido not think he knew anything about it, Thatis my opinion. ‘The Cnarmuan—Do you know who took the constitation te Kansas? AxewER—I do not know anything but mere vague ru- mor or suspicion. I know that Mr. Calhoun showed mo this programme relating to the pro-siavery portion of the constitution substantially as it was adopted, and eald it was brought on directly from the President and the adminis. tration. Quxsriox.—Then by the intimation you received from Mr. Calhoun, the President knew what was doing? Axswxn.—If Oalhoun’s statement to me was true; but I tell you, gentlemen, from the infamous manner in which Calhoun bebaved, forfeiting all his pledges, and from the fact that he must have been privy to the forgeries of the retarns from Oxford, and also many other forgeries, I have long since ceased to have the alightest confidence in his veracity. Mr. Orm—What reason have you for expressing the opinion the President knew nothing about this? Arswer—His strong and decided assurances to me when I came here in November. Quzsnion—His denial of it? Axswar—Yes, sir; it was so solomn, #0 serious, f0 grave, that I believed him then, and J nave believed him ever since, on that point. ‘When Mr. Walker read the testimony of Schnable he became highly indignant. Hoe holds that the denial of Attorney General Black, that any letter of instructions from the President to Governor Walker existed, and Biack’s defiance to elther Walker or Schnable to produce it, is equivalent to = charge of falsehood and forgery upon him, and it is said that Governor Walker has al- ready called the Attorney General to a personal account, and that a reeort to arms upon the field may be the result. of the correspondence on the sudject, which is said to be going cn to-night. Indeed, a ramor is afloat through- out the city, at the time of writing, that notos have passed between Messrs. Walker and Black, agreeing upon a duel; but I doubt if the affair has proceeded to such an extent at this time. Mr. Vanayke, of Philedelphia, who was to have tosti- fied before the Covode Committee to-day, will testify to- morrow, and it is understood he will farnish certain cor- respondence which he recently held with the President. ‘THE WILLIAMSON AND SICKLE CONTESTED ELECTION. fhe House Committee on elections to-day passed a resolution that in the contested election case of William- eon and Sickles, the points raised and argued by Mr. Sickles in relation tothe notice and specifications served by the contestant be reserved for decision until the final hearing without prejudice to the rights of Mr. Sickles, and that Mr. Williamson proceed to take testimony upon his notice at his peril. ‘THE NARPER’S FERRY INVESTIGATION. ‘The John Brown Raid Investigating Committee will not report until after the adjournment of the Oftarleston Con- vention. There is but one witness to be examined, ex- Governor Wise, and he will not be called until after that THE CODIFICATION THE REVENUE LAWS. Hon. John Cochrane made'an ineffectual attempt to Base his bill for the codification of the revenue laws thade the special order for to-morrow considered by the House to-day, as he will leave for Charleston to morrow: ‘THE TELEGRAPH PATENTS. ‘The Cor missioner of Patents has granted the apptica- tion for the extension of the House Telegraph patent for seven years from to-day; also for the Well’s improvement for manufacturing bat bodies for a like period. ‘THR JAPANESE EMBASSY. ‘The steamer Roanoke will land the Japanese embassy at the city of New York in accordance with the originai order of the Secretary of the Navy. They would have been brought directly to Washington, as recommended by Consul General Harrie, but for the apprehended ¢i(ficuliy of piloting the vessel through the channel of the Potomac river. reduction of the charge on ail letters delivered by local carriers to one cent. for Charleetop,, iscluding Hon. Fersende Wood and s umber of bard shell celegates from New York. take into consideration the subject of the Nicaragas treaty, which, it will be recollected, was rejected and tha vote afterward reocnsidered. Jeet is to modify the objectionable clauses, so that the Bot dirporea to press them without affording the repub- a Volunicers should pot be employe to the cuty belouging to the regulars now in Texer. * ~~" Mr. Hamisox cetenved the prople of Texas from cburge of lawlersness, and abowea the of sdovuion Of the S pate’s amenoment. ‘The co vmittee arose witbont action thereon, dir. Bopbam’s resolution wae read for inf i# that when the House adjourn on Friday ib be ‘0th inst. te Mr. Washburn, of Maine, and others on the repu’ tide objected. <Acjourned, REDUCTION ( F PENNY POSTAGE. The House Post Office Committeo. to-day agreed to a OFF FOR CHARLESTON, A large number of delegates und others left here to-day ‘The New York National Union D:lega' ‘Troy, April 18, 1860, The New York and Brooklyn delegates to the Nation Union Convention oa board the Francis Skiddy, last nigh, ‘were addressed by Rey. Dr. Cox in an urgest speech. creed was the Bible, the consiitution, Washingtoo’s Fat. well Address, and E Pluribue Unum. He said he bi twenty grandchildren, and by the Juégment Day mig) have a million, whose happiness would depend upon U perpetuity of the Union. The cestruction of the Unk ‘would no more benefi: the master or the slave than t! fal\ing of the firmament would benefit the plantation. £ hoped the Union party would succeed, and go: throug the country like the voice of the thunder and the spe; of the lightning. Ex-Mayor Slocum, and Messrs. Duer, Ogden, Brow! Halsey, Bodine and Roberts, spoke. Gen. Tallmadge al) spoke. A large number of delogates are in town. ‘Messrs. Burroughs, Broors, E. R. Jewett, J. DePeystal Ogden, of the two State Committees, are here. ‘THE MICARAGUA THEATY. ‘The republican Senators had a conference to-day to It is understood their ob- President cannot use the United States forces for the protection of the property and persons of Ameri- caps in that republic, without the consent or authorization of Congress. Some of them are desirous of applying a similar principle to the Mexican Treaty. Without the republican votes those treaties cannot be ratified—therefore the democrats are licans full time to make their suggestions. THIRTY-8IXTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION. Senate. ‘Wasmixcrow, April 18, 1860. ‘Mr. Griwms, (rep.) of Ind., presented petitions in favor of a uniform banking law. 4 BATCH OF ANTI ALAVERY PETTMONs, Mr. Svmxae, (rep.) of Maes., presented about s dozen petitions numerovsly signed by citizens of different towns j2 Meceachusetts, asking Congress to repeal the Fugitive a Slave Jaw, to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia Delegates to the Chicaga Convention. aud the Territories, to prohibit the inter-state slave trade, ‘Saco, Me. Apri 48, 1860, 00 and to sémit no more slave States. Acting upon prece- | _ At the Republican Gonvention ot’ths District, bo! b dent, be moved to refer them fo the Committee on Jual- | Sha Maryn: Wenrcgrihn ot Kittary, were ahoven del, 22 gates to Chicago. They go unpledged. The House of L. J. Levy & Co. DELPulA, April 18. L. J. Levy & Co., the Jarge retail dry goois house, whe @uspended in 1*67, to-day paid $69,000. tne leat ipstal- ment on their extended paper. The whole amount of their indebtedness was over a milion of dollars. Italian Opera at Winter oe | : ‘The South Carelina State Comvention Couvaaia, 8. C , April 38, 1860, The Democratic State Convention reaffirmed the timore and Cincinnati platforms aod the Dread Scott cision. The proceedings were conservative. vention adjourned yesterday (Tuesday). Tae oar ‘Mason, (dem.) of Vs., moved to lay them on the table. Mr. Suwxzr called for the yeas and nays. Mr. Wicrait, (dem.) of Texas, desired to give his rea- sons why he should yote in the affirmative, but Mr. Wade ohyested. motion to lay on the table was carried by yeas 25, Bays 19—a e! party vote. Mr. Cor.amgr, (rep.) of Vt., presented a petition simi- lar to that ofered by Mr. Sumner, and moved its refe- renee to the Judiciary Committee. pearance of Fresszvlini. a ae ee to lay it on the table. Motion car- Frezzolini made a reappearance in New York at ‘Winter Garden last night in ‘‘Lucrezia Borgia,” after an absence of two years, and was very warmly weleomed, Her voice has not retained perbaps ali its streagth and power, but her method and execution is as fine as ever. She made a favorable impression on the audience quite im keeping with her former popularity. The Opera, upos the whole, was produced in a manner which proved satis- factory, the chorus and orchestre being especiatly good. Exrani was in excellent voice, and in the absenes of the nervousness which was obviable in he first eppear- ance, sang much better. Indeed, we have rarely heard the volo of German better sung. The new contralto, ‘Miss Anpa Wiesier, made ber début on this oceeston, ant for a novice in difficult part, won fair share of ap- jlause. The other réles were we)l sustained b; ‘THE PRESIDENTS VETO MESSAGE. On motion of Mr. Haik, (rep.) of N. H., the veto mes- rage of the Presicent, rent in yesterday, was taken up, and ite cons:deration fixed for next Tuesday. ‘THE UTAH JUDGES. Mr. Prax, (dem.) of Ohio, reported a bill for the relief of Judge Cradlebaugh, of Utah, which was ordered to be printea. OUR RELATIONS WITH CHINA. Mr. Awrnory, (rep.) of R. I., offered a resolution call: img or the Presicent to furnish the Senate with the in- gtyuctions given to Mr, McLane when Minister to China. Adopted. TRON CONTRACTS BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT. Mr. Wneon, (rep.) of Mass., called up his resolution instructing the Military Committee to inquire into the con- tracis for irom made by the War Dey i. Mr. Davis, (dem.) of Miss., thought the resolution should be addressed to the War Department. Mr. Wrson thocght not. A similar resolution ot inqui- ry war poreed ata er eersicn, but nineteen months bad elajsed before a reply was received. He wanted dif- ferent information than which would come from the War nt. His resolution hai created a sensation in certain quarters, and strong efforts bad been made to change its cirection, avd he bad been even by political friends, to inducs him to do 80. ir. Davis knew nothing of tbat. If the records of the ‘War Department concesiea }, then he would vote for the fullest in on. motive he had in Madame res matinee, and to-morrow night Fioto’s Gorm: “Btradella”’ will be given, with Fabbri, Stigelli and the restof the company. Acapexy or Music.—‘La Sonnambula,” with Miss Ade- lima Patti, Signori Brignoli and Amodio, attracted the largest hovse of the season. The performance ef the opera did not differ in any essential respect from these which have preceded it, with the same distribation, which have already been fully noticed. In the opiniou many connoisseurs, Amina is Miss Patti's best réle. It quite certain thet her exquisite execution Z in which the abounds, canuot well Bhe is especial; ‘the operas of; Insuch wosic as ,that of the “Soonambuia”’ abe has few equals on either side of the Atlantic. To-day will be @ reneares! of the “Poliute” for wim tee Saruxe or THe Braziian Converre.—The Brazilian core vette Donna Isabella, which has been staying at this port for several weeks past, tock her departure yesterday morning. On Tuesday evening a deputation of the mem- bers 8fthe Common Council waited upon the officers aboard the vessel and tendered them their regrets at their Jeave-taking; after which the company went on shore to view the drill of the Seventh regiment right wing. Atseven o'clock yesterday morning the Donne Isabella weighed anchor, and was taken in tow by a steamtug to pilot her down the bay. When abreast of Caatle William, Gover- nor’s Is!and, the Brazilian fiag was run up tothe mast- head and a broadside fired. The salute.was promptly re- turned by the soldiers on the island, who also rao up the vestigation. ro -oetng the amendment was to save the oe SO jz voluminous could be found in the records of the Mr. Wison disc! » Which he thing of thateort. It was iy acmnistration of the War Department had laid itself open to surpicion. open to suspicion of connected with jobbers, and ‘Uheretore he desired a full investigation. After some farther conversational debate, the resola- tion was lsid over. RECESS OF aE CONGRERS. Mr. Supmt, (dem.) of La., called up his resolution an adjournment of the Senate every tires Gays om Thurrday next until the 1st of May. Mr. TRUMBULL, (rep.) of Ill., opposed this as the worst ition yet au! a, ‘arious views were eapreased by Senators, and the re- solution was finally carried by yeas 26, nays 22. Mr. TRUMBULL moved to reconsider the vote by which the resolution for adjournment for thirty days was re- jected. Carried. ‘The resolution was taken up. It des for an ad- journment 1) uzn the 29th to the 30th of April. Rejected by yeas 21, nsys 22. THE HOMESTEAD PILL. The Homestead bill was tsken up. ee (rep.) of Ohio, moved the House bill ass substitute. ‘the Cuare ruled this out of order, as an amendment ‘was pencing. Mr. Gwin’s amendment, to legalize the occupancy of the mineral lands of California and Oregon by miners, "i armas, (6 ) of Cal., said if he thought this fe HAM , jem. Pe Pen AB jecparcize tbe bill, he would not {a- sit on it; but it was more important to his constituents then the Homestead themselves as greatly pleased with their stay at our p and their visit cannot fail to cement more firmly friendly relations existing between the Brazilian and U" ted States governments. The Donna Isabella will yi the Azores, Portemouth (Eng.), Lisbon, Cherbourg Cronstadt before her return to Rio Janeiro, ‘wonld be made to sell the mineral lands in limited quan- tities. This foi rise to endless trouble_and hardsbip to mariners. oaly plan was the one embodied in his e's amendment. Mr. Brown, (dem.) of Mies., had always opposed this City Intelligence. tbing of putting foreigners who hat iecmeet their inten- ANOTHER BODY FOUND FLOATING IN THE RIVER. tions to become citizens on an equal footing with Amari- nine o’ci: mornin; . Horton, px Giaein., Seis Woon sos pink inj the baliste, whieh he Nain ress Kon ralctgpmaband hag s ‘was irreconcilably opposed. He was willing to grant to received notice that the miners pre emption rights the same as to other persons, ‘Dat he was not willing to extend it to those who merely declared their inteniion to become citizens. Such a per- #0D Was not a citizen, and there was bo to be- come one. When they become citizens, thea treat tham as such,’and not before. the commitiee did ‘Mr. Jouxson, (dem.) of Ark., said incor, amendment of the Senator from Call- usages in the fornia better laws than any legislation of Alter a lengthy debate on the amendment, the Senate, without taking a vote, adjourned. House ef Representatives. ‘Wasnunctor, April 18, 1960. PASSAGE OF THE DEFICIENCY APPROPRIATION BILL. ‘The Deficiency bill was taken up. Mr. Hovustom, (dem.) of Ala., demanded the yoas and Bays on its passage. ‘Mr. Sumrmax, (rep.) of Ohio, reminded gentlemen that if they insist on the yeas and mays on the passage of tne Appropriation bill they may be defeatea, Mr. Hovstox replied that his object was to defeat this Dill, and he was willing to take the responsibility. Mr. Suxxmay, in reply to a question by Mr. Curtis, said there wes nct # single item in the bill not recommended by the administration, and that it was the smallest de- ficiency bill which has been reported for years. Mr. Goocu, (rep.) of Mass., would vote for the bill, un- derstanding it was to pay debts siready contracted, but he hoped that hereafter the administration would contract only such debte as its friends could vote to pay. Mr. Houston replied, there was scarcely an item in the bill to pay debts contracted by the administration. Con- gresa Mteelf had incurred the obligation. The Dill passed, 79 against 63. ‘THE DEFENCE OF THE TEXAN FRONTIER. The House went into Committee of the Whole on the Military Academy bill, as returned from the Seoate with the amendment authorising the calling into the ficld the mounted regiment of Texas volunteers. Mr. Stanton, (rep.) of Ohio, said there are indications of Incian cisturbances in Wasbipgton Rigi eer there are now in Texas and New Mexico. Therefore fubject of the protection of the frontiers is one the House ought to take into serious consideration; and geome system should, if practicable, be avopted to afford ‘adequate relief. The depredations are commit ted by marauding parties, and there is no such thing as an open public enemy ; hence the character of the de- fense would partake of a pohce service. A settlement could no more be protectea from than ® city could from occasional burglary. Ail that coulk be done, therefcre, would be to puraue and punish the olf: ndere. There are 3,606 federal troops in Texas. This $8 sufficient as to the number. The infantry there are perfect- Bavana ‘Waleh, © Cen, Baml bapmat Viceau, Leo Rermanc deprecations op the neighboring Indivs. The descrip.on of the regiment now proposed was not the proper kind of required, anleas we desired to exterminate the diaps. . Conn, a said that this was not ein ot eat gay cents. but bfe and death. He wan B favor Of additional mounted regulars. It would be a Jong time before the infantry could be taught horaemin- abip. ibe men have committed depredations, it was no reasou why the people should not be proteced. To restore peace it was necessary to pursue and et chastise the Indians. He favored the amendment be- ag its object was recommended by the Secretary >f far. Mr. Reacan, (dem.) of Texas, referred to official doou- menis to Fbow the utter nascquacy of the federal troops Ou the ‘onticr, ana earnestly advocated the regiment Mr Ou, (rep.) of N. ¥, satd the accounts from the Texas troviber were highly exaggerated for interested purposes. There vere no hostilities except on the part of afew vagadonés, and it was now employ the men who commenced the tohunt them FAvana anv Nassau, N. P —Steamship Karnak. forty (7) Mr avd Mee oo z