March 23, 1861; The New York Herald
In the United States Senate yesterday Mr. Hale offered a resolution that the Senate proceed to an election of Sergeant-at-Arms and Doorkeepers. It was laid over. A resolution directing the payment of extra compensation to clerks of committees was discussed, and rejected. Mr. Douglas’ resolution calling for information as to the designs of the administration with reference to the Southern forts was then taken up, and Mr. Bayard concluded his remarks in favor of recognizing the independence of the Confederate States. He was followed by Mr. Howe, of Wisconsin, in opposition to the resolution. Before Mr. Howe had concluded the Senate went into executive session, and confirmed several appointments.
The Montgomery Ala. Advertiser of the 19th inst. has the following respecting the Tariff bill of the Southern republic:
As there is general misapprehension in regard to the Tariff bill having passed the Congress of the Confederate States, we take this occasion to inform the public that the bill did not pass. The committee drafted the Tariff bill, which was ordered to be published, in order that it might be examined and discussed, and its merits or demerits thoroughly understood before the final passage of a bill on this important subject. But by some means the impression got out that the bill had been adopted by the Congress, and it was at once telegraphed and sent over the country as a law of the confederacy. This, however, as we have stated, proves to be an error.
A rehearing was had yesterday morning in the case of Police Detective Williamson. Superintendent Kennedy, being placed upon the stand, testified in substance to about the same that was heretofore published. The report of the two detectives who were sent to Washington, regarding the intended assassination of the President, was called for by the counsel for Mr. Williamson, but it was withheld by Mr. Brown, on the ground that it had no bearing on the case. Thomas T. Everett was called as a witness, and testified as to the sobriety of Mr. Williamson at the time he was charged with intoxication, and as to his deportment while in Mr. Kennedy’s presence.