In the House, Mr. Warren, of Arkansas, rose to a question of privilege, and offered the following preamble and resolution:
Whereas, it appears from the proclamation of Brigham Young, late Governor of Utah, and from the President's message, that said territory is now in open rebellion against the government of the United States; therefore:
Resolved, That the Committee on Territories be instructed to consider and report on the facts, and enquire into the propriety of excluding from a seat on the floor of the House the delegate from that Territory.
Various members expressed their views on the subject, the prevailing sentiment being against excluding Mr. Bernhisel from his seat, at least for the present.
Mr. Morris, of Ill., wished instructions to be given to the Committee on Territories to report a bill to repeal the Act organizing the Government of Utah, and attaching that Territory to other Territories for judicial purposes.
Mr. Banks said there was not sufficient grounds to justify proceedings as to whether the delegate was entitled to his seat. The President in his message does not say that war exists in Utah, but that Brigham Young has threatened rebellion, and intimates that some of his threats may not be idle boasting. Therefore, he reccommends that additional regiments be raised for service in that Territory.
A motion to table the resolution was negatived by a vote of 72 against 118. The resolution was then agreed to. The preamble was adopted by 107 against 77.
On motion of Mr. Banks, so much of the President's message as refers to Utah was referred to the Committee on Territories.
Mr. Petit announced the death of Mr. Brenton, and Mr. Niblack the death of Mr. Lockhart, both Representatives from Indiana, pronouncing eulogies on their character.
Adjourned to Jan. 4th
