Scots all over the world celebrate the hundredth anniversary of Robert Burns, their national poet

Scots around the world celebrated the centenary of the birth of Robert Burns, child of tenant farmers from Ayrshire, and their national poet. Festivals were held in every Scottish town, the Caledonia Society held a banquet in London, dinners were hosted in New York, and a festival was held at the Crystal Palace in London. As continues today on "Burns Night," all celebrations ended with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." (By John Osborne)
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Senator Slidell of Louisiana introduces a bill to appropriate funds for the purchase of Cuba from Spain

Following President Buchanan's suggestion in his December 1858 message to Congress, Democratic Senator John Slidell of Louisiana introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate on this day to appropriate $30,000,000 as a down payment on a possible purchase of the island Cuba from Spain. Despite powerful Republican opposition which saw it as a naked attempt to increase the national slave power, the bill passed through the Foreign Relations Committee in February but died as the term of the Congress expired in March. (By John Osborne)
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The United States Senate occupies its new chamber at the Capitol

The United States Senate had met for forty-eight years, since 1810, in the Old Senate Chamber on the second floor of the north section of the U.S. Capitol. On this day, Vice-President John Cabell Breckinridge led the Senate in procession to its new hall in the recently added north wing of the building. The body has sat in this chamber ever since. (By John Osborne)
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Emperor of Austria responds to French Emperor as relations worsen over Italy

In response to Napoleon III's speech in Paris on New Year's Day, Emperor Franz-Joseph of Austria told the French ambassador in Vienna that he had the profoundest personal esteem for the French Emperor, "notwithstanding the dissidence occasioned by political necessities." This was seen in Europe as Austrian determination over the Italian issue that was dividing the two empires. War began within months. (By John Osborne)
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