State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-01-05

object of his colleague. Being up, he would
in few words, explain his views on the
question before the house. He was oppos-
cd TO meddling, either directly, or Indirect
ly, in any shape, with slavery in the Dis
trict of Columbia or elsewhere. We en-
tered into compact when we formed the
constitution, not to NEEDLE with it, lie
would live up TO the agreement, though the
heavens fell. He would live by it and die
by it,
MIR. Robertson, of Virginia, after thank
ing the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr..
lngersoll, for. his kind and honorable prof
ters to the South, made undoubtedly with
view TO tranquiIizc the public mind of the
South and her representatives here on this
subject, added, that he was sorry to say the
mode he presented of etfccting this object,
tell far short of his expectations, and far
short of his object in view. 1t was propos-
ed to acknowledge that Congress had no
right to interfere with the subject Of slave
property. Was that boon? Had we come
to this, that we were obliged TO look to
Congress for pledge to give us that pro-
lection which was guaranteed by the con-
stiution? it showed how rapid had been
the strides Of assumption and fanatacism
towards their object, for a gentleman to
rise here, in his place, and solemnly prom
Use to guaranty to the Southern States,
rights which the constitution secured to
them. MIR. r. expressed his qualification
at hearing from all quarters the strongest
avowals of hostility towards those who
would disturb the peace of the South, but
was sorry to find that they evaded every
vote as they came to it, which could secure
its. tranquility. He hoped the House would
meet the question and decide it. A declaa-
ton to the effect that Congress has no right
TO abolish slavery in the District of Column
bia would quiet the south, but nothing
short of that. If the House entertained a
contrary opinion it was time for the South
to know it. Not that it would sever the
Union. He trusted it would not. But it
would be time for the South to demand
such an amendment to the Constitution as
would settle the question. lie wished to
know the worst. lie would not consent,
by a reference, to leave in doubt, this vital
question. II it was smothercd now, it
would spring up another time. Could Con
grcss pass an er post fGcto law in the Dis
trict of Columbia? This was not petition
to give the District the power of Enamel
patton, but to munumit Where was the
of Congress, even in this ensav-
ed District, TO take private property? Yet
this was the proposition of the petition
No one here would say that yo, could take
it without, compensation, and where was
the law or power to compensate. Congress
had power to take private property for
public uses, when the Government had
occasion to use it; but it would not he
commended that government would take
property not to use, but TO annhilate it. I'll
property of this sort be taken "with lust
the United States, becomes
for the time being, a STAKEHOLDER. If they
can buy, they can sell. they can eman- |
cipate, they can fix the condition of the |
slave after his emancipation Was he to
be free,-to sit in Council, in the Jury box |
to elect and 10 he elected to all Offices? |
In one word, was he TO he free, or to add |
another to the anomalous class of people !
now inhabiting the District who were nei- |
Their slaves nor free?
Mr. johnson of Louisiana, Mr. Wise off
Va. Mr.. Jones Of Va. followed, all main
tanning that it was requisite for Congress.
ut this juncture, to pass declaroary reso-
luton to the effect that Congress had no
power, constitutionally, to abolish slavery
in this district.
Mr.. Beasdsley advocated a different
course, and pointed out to southern gem
.lcmen the danger of adherng to their DO.
;iton-not hesitatng to declare that they
would find themselves in minority. lie |
asked then why they would not be content
with a course which had, hitherto. been !
thought adequate to the questionable dis |
position of the petitions by laying them OIL
H.. al, /.