Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1820-05-09
Debate on the Missouri Bill,
IN THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
FRIDAY, FEB. a.

Mr.. COOK, of Illinois, rose and adj
dressed the committee, as follows:
Mr.. Chairman: In rising to address
the committee on the subject now under
consideration, l feel greatly that EN-
barrassment which is incident to youth,
in addition to that which is almost neces-
sarily felt by all in approaching subject
SO delicate and momentous in its nature.
And, sir, we're otherwise situated than
am, should gladly withdraw from the
conflict, and leave the field to those
whose age and experience better qualify
them to maintain it. But in addition to
the common interest which is felt by all
the friends fthis amendment, feel, and
the people whom l have the honor to
represent really have an interest peculiar
to themselves. The existence ofslavery
is acknowledged on all hands to be a
misfortune and an evil in our country,
and experience furnishes sad evidence
Of the evils and Inconvenience which
are felt in those states where it does not
exist, from its existence in neighboring
state. Missouri and Illinois are sepa-
rated only by the intervention of the
Mississippi river: their immediate ad-
jacency, therefore, Mr.. Chairman, gives
rise to particular interest, superadded
to the common interest felt by the peo-
pie of Illinois. Thus situated, feel it
my bounden duty to give the amendm ent
my support, and shall give that situation
as an excuse for my venturing to tres
pass upon the attention Of the COM
1nttee, by taking a share in this debate.
But, Mr.. Chairman, before | engage
in the examination of those great CUES
tons which are involved in this amend
ment, must beg the indulgence Of the
committee while / attend to some re-
marks which have fallen from gentle
men in the course ofthis discussion. 1t
has been remarked as frequently as gen.
tlemen have been heard in the opposi-
ton, that they are sworn to support the
constitution; and it has been further
said by a gentleman from Virginia,
(Mr. Randolph that those who support
the amendment are striving to enter the
temple OF the constitution at the hour of
midnight, to violate its sanctuary. 1t is
further said by gentleman from Massa-
chusetts, (Mr. Holiness that they are
striving for power, and are paving the
way for some master juggler, behind the
scene, to ride into the Chief Magistracy
of the nation Here Mr.. Holmes in
terEupted Mr.. Cook, and observed, that
he had said, that he believed there was
party who had conjured up this hobby,
playing deep game, and who, he be-
1ieved, intended to try to turn this mca-
sure to their advantage, and ultimately to
secure to their leader the Presidential
chair. But that, from that party he had
expressly excepted the gentlemen ofthis
committee. Without having any re-
collection of the exception now spoken
of by the gentleman, continued Mr.. c..
/ must say, that the explanation has
made the insinuation, which l before
considered direct attack upon the in
tegrity of those with whom I am acting
OIL this occasion, no less unpalatabla
than it was before. That there has been
hobby con iured up out of doors, and
by urging it that we are striving for
power, and that master juggler at the
head ofthat party, behind the scene, ex-
poets to turn that power, if attained, to
his advantage, is, to my mind, leaving
the imputation as strong in fact, though
not SO in expression, as originally I'M
derstood it. Sir, if were to look
through this committee for one to sus-
pect of being under the influence of such
motives as have been insinuated by the
honorable member, there is no man on
whom that susp,clon would sooner fix
s,seIf than the gentleman who has Just in
terrupted me. And l would further re-
mark that /, as we'll as gentlemen in the
cpposition, have sworn to support the
constitution; and, while l will say to
them "act in pursuance Of your honest
convictions" allow me also to do the
same.
In the course of my observations,
Mr.. Chairman, shall not repose with
confidence on all the positions which
gentlemen have assumed who have pre-
ceded me in support of this amendment
Z shall, however, undertake to prove
that the constitution, according to fan
and liberal construction OF that instru
nent, does vest the power in Congress
70 legislate upon this subject; that thu
treaty, even if it were competent tor
treaty to do so, has not infringed tina
power: and / shall further undertake tt
prove that it is expedient to exercise it.