Weekly North Carolina Standard

SENATE—Mr. Houston's resolution, offered yesterday relating to the extension of a protectorate over Central America by the United States, was taken up.

Mr. Wilson thought it was an extraordinary proposition, and one calculated to foster a spirit of filibusterism, and disgrace us in the eyes of the civilized world.

Mr. Houston denied that it was a proposition to extend our dominions, but said it was intended simply to benefit our neighbors He was opposed to filibusterism, but he thought the subject one worthy of consideration, especially as other powers have designs on Central America.

Mr. Mason objected to such a reference, because the Central American States would justly regard such as an indignity. Although weak, they were sovereign and independent States, with whom we have treaties, and therefore should be regarded as political equals. He doubted the policy of establishing protectorates anywhere.

Mr. Hale offered an amendment—'That whereas, a state of colonial dependence is not calculated to illustrate the theory and practice of popular sovereignty and perfect freedom, therefore the committee be instructed to inquire also with regard to the propriety of extending a protectorate over Canada and other British possessions on the North American continent.'

Mr. Toombs advocated the resolution. He said the time for action was not far distant, and it had better be considered now.

Mr. Mason moved to lay the resolution on the table; which was agreed to.

The army bill was then taken up. Mr. Johnson of Tennessee submitted a substitute, which Mr. Wilson accepted instead of his own, providing for four thousand volunteers, to serve only during the present troubles in Utah.

Mr. Johnson said that he offered his amendment because he deemed it right in itself, and at the same time reflected the views of the administration. The bill reported from the committee on military affairs did not represent the wishes of the administration, which had not asked for a permanent increase of the standing army. In the course of his remarks he said that disgust had been expressed at polygamy in Utah, but yesterday the Senate had voted to give a reception to a representative of the Grand Turk and his harem. But to come nearer home, there was more practical polygamy in New York city than in Salt Lake. The difference was, in the latter it is tolerated by religious belief, whilst in the former it exists in violation of law and the moral sense of the community.

Without coming to any definite action, the Senate adjourned.