Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1821-02-13


particular situation--and because there
was view of the subject, which had
weight with him, and which had not been
taken in argument, that he ventured to
beg the indulgence OF the house for a
single moment
He was aware that the change his
opinion had undergone, had called forth
the charge of inconsistency and timidlty
from some, on both sides of the ques-
ton. But such suggestions made no
impression upon his mind. He felt
shielded against the effects of all such
unkind opinions, and suggestions, by a
consciousness of the rectitude of his own
motives.
He said he considered the freedom of
thought, and its fearless declaration as
the palladium of truth, and the impreg-
nable bulwark of liberty. When reason
was left free to combat error, the tri-
unph OF sound principles, he thought,
could not long be doubtful.
Under the influence of these senti-
ments he had examined the subject for
himself, and had satisfied his own mind
OF the lncorreCtness OF his first opinion.
And surely after the example set him,
by the distinguished chairman of the
committee, who reported this resolution,
(Mr. Lowndes) he hoped he might
escape animadversion, for acknowledge
ing his error. He said, that honorable
gentlemen, had frankly and magnan,-
mousiy acknowledged his error, in re-
porting that preamble to the resolution
then under discussion, which had been
stricken out. An example of this kind
he WAS by no means ashamed TO initiate.
MIR. Cook said, much argument had
been employed on the opposite side to
prove that Missouri was nogv state. In
reply 10 which he had no hope of being
ahie 10 advance stronger arguments, than
had already been urged, and particular
ly by the gentleman from Pennsylvania,
mir. Sergeant,) and he was therefore
wiling TO adopt them, as the arguments
upon which he predicated the adverse
OF ,hai proposition, that Missouri was
0ot now state, unless she were such
dejacto, and therefore entitled to none of
the rights and immunitle6 OF STATE OF
this union.
In order to be state Of this union, or
to be entitled TO become such, he con-
sdered it an indispensable prerequisite,
on her part to form constitution, IN con-
formity to the principles Of the federal
constellation, and in conformity to ,he
conditions presented by the act, by vir-
tue of which her constitution upon Its
face professed to have been formed.
That she had not framed such con-
stiiulion he thought was fairly deduct
bic from the arguments which he was
about to employ.
The Constitution of the United States,
said he, gives to Congress the power
10 disclose of, and make all needlui rules
and regulations, respecting the territory
or otherproperty belonging to the United
States.' This, said Mr.. {. is general
power, and in the exercise OF this gene
raj power he apprehended Congress had
right to dispose Of that territory to
whomsocver ,hey pleased. He said 1t
had been admitted by gentlemen on both
sides Of this question, ,Eat free negroes
and mulatloes were competent to hold
real estate, and that they did hold 1t III
almost, if not quite, every STATE IN the
union. They are therefore competent
he observed, under the admission OF all
parties to purchase such estate from the
United States. But the Constitution oil
Missouri declares g that it shall be the
duty Of the Legislature as soon as may
be, to pass such laws, as may be neces-
sary to prevent free negroes and lhulat-
toes from coming to, and settling Ill that
state under any prcteXt whatsoever.
A provision, said he, which notwl'h-
standing their competency to purchase,
and the indisputabie power OF Congress
to sell to them, clearly asserts control
ing power both over the rights OF these
individuals and the paramount authority
of Congress.
Sir, said he, every Congress is equal,
and is therefore alike possessed OF pow
er to dispose Of the territory OF the
United States, as may be thought eXpe-
dent. One Congress cannot lrrevocabiy
declare that no subsequent Congress
shall sell any portion of the public do
main to free negroes or mulattoes--the
atfenDt to 90 SO would be vain and nu-
gatory. IfCongrcss then cannot do this,
can they, asked Mr.. G. confer this pow
or upon subordinate Legislature
Surely not. 1t would be making the
creature greater than the creator. Ano
vet Missouri does virtually declare, BY
prohibiting their emigration thither, tha
hereafter the United States shall not sci
any of the public domain within her Dor