Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1819-05-29
CONGRESS-.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.

teohie' Of the territory Of Missouri to
form constitution and state gop-
s,'nment, and for tie admission Of the
sazle iato rhe union."
The amendment proposed, was a con-
ton in these words $50 And provided
20 that the rtherintroduction of slave
rkS involuntary servitude into the said
sAYlbe prohibited, except for the pun
l1nent of. crimes, whereof the party
sallhave been duly convicted-and that
4 children of slaves born within the
id state, after the admission thereof
10 tie union, shall be free, but may be
Id 10 service until the age of twenty
c years"
Rfr. TALLMADGE, of New-York,
tse.--Sir, said he, it has been my de-
Ne and my intention to avoid any debate
the present painful and unpleasant
RUect. When had the honor 10 sub
to this House the amendment now
er consideration, 1 accompanied it
kh declaration, that it was intended to
mine its operation to the newly &C
bred territory across the Mississippi;
vi l then expressly declared, that l
Judd in no manner inter1neddle with
slave-holding states, nor attempt
numission in any one of the original
ties In the union. Sir, even went
lrther, and stated that was aware of
lie delicacy of the subiect-and that
nd learned from southern gentlemen
lie difficulties and the dangers of having
Zee blacks intermingling with slaves
I'D, On that account, and with view to
ie safety of the white population of the
rjoining states, would not even advo-
sste the prohibition of slavery in the
Alabama territory; because, surrounded
it was by slare-holding states, and
MIN only imaginary lines of division,
le intercourse between slaves and free
hlacks could not be prevented, and
sirvile war might be the result. While
We deprecate and mourn over the evil
Of slavery, humanity and good morals
fsquire us to wish its abolition, under
circumstances consistent with the safety
o. the white population. Willingly,
therefore, will l submit to an evil, which
We cannot safely remedy. l admitted
al that had been said of the danger OF
having free blacks visible to slaves, and
therefore did not hesitate to pledge my
slf that | would neither advise nor at
Tempt coercive manumission. But, sir,
I'll these reasons cease when we cross
he banks of the Mississippi, newly
acquired territory, never contemplated
in the formation of our government, not
included within the compromise or mu-
ritual pledge in the adoption of our con-
stltution-a new territory acquired by
our common fund, and ought justly to
D be subject to our common legislation.
II, Sir, when / submitted the amendment
now under consideration, accompanied
with these explanations, and with these
avowals of my intentions and of my mo-
lives-I did expect that gentlemen who
might differ from me in opinion would
appreciate the liberality Of my views,
and would meet me with moderation, as
upon a fair subject for general legisla-
I)ion.-Sir, did expect at least that the
frank declaration of my views would
protect me from harsh expressions, and
from the unfriendly imputatious which
have been cast out on this OCCASION
But, sir, such has been the character
Ind the violence of this debate, and ex-
pressions of SO much intemperance, and
If an aspect SO threatening, have been
used, that continual silence on my part
would i'll become me, who had submit
ted to this house the original proposition.
While this subject was under debate
before the committee of the whole, did
rot take the floor, and l avail myself of
this occasion to acknowledge my obi
cations to my friends (Mr. Taylor and
Mr.sMills) for the manner in which they
huppcrted my amendment, at time
when was unable to partake in the de-
bate. / had only on that day returned
irons journey, long in its extent and
pain Il in its occasion; and from an af-
lect:s of my breast l could not then
spc / cannot yet hope to do justice
TO z.s subject, but | do hope to say
enough to assure my friends that l have
mot left them in the controversy, and to
convince the opponents of the measure,
Z that their violence has rot driven me
from the debate.
(! Sir. the honorable gentleman from
Missouri, (Mr. Scott) who has just re-
Snmcs his seat, has told us of the ides
D1& &roh, and has cautioned us to be-
vii N Vie fate of Caesar and Of Rome"
'Fd Mt gentleman, lMr. Cobb from
.Na q d