Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1836-01-23
Twenfy-fourth Congress--1st scss.
IN SENATE- --TuunsnAv Ian


IN SENATE-THURsDAY Jan. 2.
Debate Mc Petitions presented by Mr.. Morris, from
certain citizens Of Ohio, praying for the abolition IF
SLacery IN ue District Of CoilinnGia-[CoScLvDEDl
Mr. Brown felt himself constrained, by of du-
y to the State from which he came deeply aud vitality
interested as she was in every thing connected viii,
the agitating question, which had peciedly been
brought into discussion that morning. TO present in
few words, his views TO the proper direction which
should be given TO that aud all other petitions relating
to slavery in the District of Columbia. He felt himself
more especially called do from the aspect which
the question had assumed in consequence of the motion
oil the gentleman from South Carolina, (hIr. Calhoun
TO refuse to receive the petition He had believed from
the first time he had reflected this subject and sub
sequent events had but strengthened that conviction
that the most proper disposition of all such petitions
to lay them the table without printing This course
while 1t Indicated to the fanatics that Congress will
yield no c0uncRancc TO their designs, the same time
marks them with decided reprobaon by refusal print
But, in his estimation, another reason gave to the
ton to lay them the table decided preference over
any other proceedings by which they should be met
lhe peculiar merit of this notion applicable this
question: s that precludes all de6ate and would thus
prevent the agitation OF subject in Congress- which all
should dePrecae as fraught with mischief every por-
ton OF this happy and furnishing cOnfederacy.
Mr. Is. said, that honorable gentlemen who advocated
TINS motion, had dsclamed all intention produce ag
taon on this question He did not pretend question
the sincerity OF their declaration and while willing TO
do every justice to their motives must be allowed to
say that method could be devised better calculate in
his Judgment to produce such a result.
lie (hr. 81 most sincerely believed that the best in.
erests OF the Southern States would be consulted
by pursuing such course here, would harmonse the
SION so dangerous and delicate question lie belle we'd
all the Senators who present few days since
when petition of similar character had been present
ed by an honorable member, had by their votes to Ian
on tc taDte, sanctioned the which he sug-
gested.
MIR. Calhoun, in explanation, said that himself and
his colleague were absent from the Senate occa-
sion alluded to-
Mr. b. resumed his remarks and said that he had made
no reference to the votes of any particular members
that body bat what he had said WINS that similar pet-
ton had been laid the table, without objection from
md cor tlv btya
Senators present Here, then, a most emphatic
declaration by gentlemen representing the Northern
States, well those from other parts the Union by
this vote that they would entertain attempt IegslG
oa on the question oil slavery In the District of COlum
bia. Why then, asked Mr.. b should we now adopt a
mode OF proceeding calculated TO disturb the
action of the Senate, which had been produced by the
former vote! Why, and he would respectfully ask
OF honorable gentlemen who press the motion re-
fuse TO receive the petition, for what beneficial pur-
pose do they press il? BY persisng in such course
1T would beyond all doubt open wide range of discns
sion-it would rot fail TO call forth great diversity of
opinion In relation TO the extent Of the right TO petition
under the Constitution. Nor would it be confined to
that question alone, judging from expression which
had fallen from an honorable gentleman from Va (Mr
Iyier,) ia the course OF his debate. That gentleman
had declared his preference for direct negative by
the senate, as TO the constitutional power of Congress
TO emancipate slaves in the District of Columbia He
Tor one protested politically speaking against opening
ls pandora box IN the halls of Congress. For all be-
neclai and practical purposes overwhelming n,aior
~ oil the members representing the Northern States
were with the South, in opposition ana interference
with slavery in the District of Columbia If there was
half dozea in both branches of Congress who did moi
stand in entire opposition to any interference with
Ty in this District else where he had vet to learn it
was 1t wise-was ii prudent-was il magma nimous in
gentlemen representing the Southern States TO urge
inns matter stu further, and say Northern friends
sn Congress- " Gentlemen, we all agree in the rene
raj conclusion, that Congress should not nterfre in
tins question, but wish know your y60Sons for mr.
HVihg AT TINS conclusion; we wish you declare by
your voes whether you arrive at this result because
you think IT unconstitutional not" Mr. B said
that lie would yield to in zeal in SUSTAINING M
supporting to The excat of his ability what he believed
TO be the true interest Of the South but be should take
leave 10 say that when the almost united will of both
branches of Congress, far all DraecqE DsyDoses was
with Us, against all interference on this subject he
shoud not hazard the peace and quiet Of The country
by gong on Qoxoc expedition in pursuit of abstract
constitutional questions lie would not quarrel with
gentlemen SO long they continued in the deternss
ton not 10 interfere III this question: it they did
not come TO that determination by precisely the Same
mode OF reasoning with himself Mr. b. said II an.
peared to him that the true of those
the south here was TO occupy defensive position so
long as others disposed to discuss it, and Con-
eFssss rg.sea to exert any legislative authority over the
suDect-When That attempt made If it ever should
be- he should say the time for discussion had passed and
period had had arrived, which called for otLer and
more vigorous means Of selfdefence
Another, aud not the least weiohty reason had o,c
fated on Ms Tnnd IN bringing 10 10 the conclusion tbat
the motion to REJECT the petition was njudcious If
successful nothing would perhaps be more agreeable A.,
the fanatics Che thought they should DO more properiv
called 1ends IN human shape who would endeavor to lay
waste us happiness and liberties Of this country than
the intelligence that they had received is gqrf of ma
gee and to them Of consequence, from the Congress Of he
Cp'yu 't1tes MI - SAID ia his Judgment that man
was bu; little skilled in The passions Of the human
breast, who did not know that there was no error how
ever great nor no heresy however abonnablc either in
Iehgon OF Pocs, which might not be aided by the nv
on persecution however Uniounded IL might be- in faef
Ianatcism would seize t. 70 enlist the sympatheq az
the weak and ignorant in their behalf W,ckcd a.
ianatca men had done dis in all ages and he doubted
not Dut the malignant spirits, who had been 1aborjp0
~ 'n's oelestaDle VOCATION would cnnningly seek to
avail themselves Of any to further their dsbo
eai oesIgns' Another, and, with him. equally dcci.
te le'soh against any course calculated 10 throw the
SAL manifestation at The North during the past summer
$40 Ia OF tnat ifaterna and patriotic feeling owards
inc south, which he trusted would continue ~, ev 80
happy effect IN preserving, unimpaired tho bonds III d.
union OF these States. lie rcoiced at this strong I
opeInent OF FEELING not only because had conirbptcd
20 Tepfess e movements Of dangerous enemies TO tb
peace and happiness Of our country IN that qoarer h
because had dispeled the nsJious misepTesents,;
Ut regard TO The sentiments Of the great body IN f
notl5eIn people, which certain presses had Is he To-
heYed both IN the North and South most indnsfroysj
used, for the most sinister purposes What were ~ ]