John C.Breckinridge of Kentucky and Thomas L.Clingman of North Carolina took the usual oath to support the Constitution--Clingman for his second term, Breckinridge for his first.

Salmon P.Chase was sworn in as senator from Ohio, and retired the next day to the Treasury Department.
John Sherman was his successor.

Among the new senators who entered, and who afterwards became conspicuous, were Howe of Wisconsin and Baker of Oregon.

The session was only for Executive purposes, and of course possessed no legislative power; but the debates were of interest and of value to the country.
Mr.Douglas, with the characteristic boldness of a leader and with a patriotism which did him honor, defended the Inaugural address of Mr.Lincoln against the assault of opposition senators.

In reply to Wigfall of Texas, who wished to know Douglas's views upon certain points of policy, he said, "I do not choose to proclaim what my policy would be, in view of the fact that the senator does not regard himself as the guardian of the honor and the interests of my country, but is looking to the interests of another which he thinks is in hostility.