Error and frailty checker the life of man. If this were not so, earth would be heaven; for what could add to the happiness of life free from error and frailty? The Senator we mourn was human; but the error and frailty which belonged to him often took their color from virtue itself. On these he needs no silence, even if the grave which is now closing over him did not refuse its echoes except to what is good. CUBAN BELLIGERENCY. REMARKS IN THE SENATE, DECEMBER 15, 1869. Mr. Carpenter, of Wisconsin, having moved to proceed to the consideration of a resolution previously introduced by him, setting forth,-- “That in the opinion of the Senate the thirty gun-boats purchased or contracted for in the United States by or on behalf of the Government of Spain, to be employed against the revolted district of Cuba, should not be allowed to depart from the United States during the continuance of that rebellion,”-- Mr. Sumner said:-- I shall interpose no objection to that; but I feel it my duty to suggest that it does seem to me that a discussion of that question is premature, and for this reason: there is no information with regard to those gun-boats now before the Senate, except what we derive from the newspapers. I understand that the Department of State will in a few days, as soon as the documents can be copied, communicate to the Senate all that it has with reference to our relations with Cuba, which will probably cover the question of the gun-boats. There is a question of fact and of law, and I for one am indisposed to approach its discussion until I have all the information now in the possession of the Government. At the same time my friend from Wisconsin will understand that I have no disposition to interfere with any desires he may have. If he wishes, therefore, to go on, I shall content myself with the suggestions that I have made. Mr. Carpenter’s motion prevailing, he proceeded with an argument in support of the resolution in question, to which Mr. Sumner replied as follows:-- MR. PRESIDENT,--The Senator from Wisconsin closed by saying that he understood that eighteen of the gun-boats would leave to-morrow. I have had put into my hands a telegram received last night from New York, which I will read, as it relates to that subject:-- “The vessels delivered by Delamater to the representatives of the Spanish Navy have their officers and crews on board and fly the flag of Spain. They are now as completely the property of that Government as is the Pizarro. Unless something not foreseen occurs, they will be at sea to-morrow morning, if not already gone.” “To-morrow morning” is this morning. But there are eight other boats, that are still unfinished, on the stocks, to which the resolution of the Senator from Wisconsin is applicable. * * * * *