Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1839-02-23
CON Ores ION A l..
SPEECH OF MIR. CLAY,

.oe,,,ion 70 the Senate and House Of Represen-
ntiyes of the United States, which wish to pre-
sen, 10 the Senate. 1t is signed by several hun
dred inhabitants of the District of Columbia, and /
chiefly of the city of Washington. Among Them
recognise tho name of the highly esteemed May /
Of Of the city, and other respectable names, some
OF which personally and well known to me. |
They express their regret that the subject OF the
abolition Of slavery within the District OF Column
Ea continues to be pressed upon the considera-
tion Of Congress by inconslderate and misguided
individuals in other parts Of the United States.
They state that they do not desire the abolition
of slavery within the District, even II Congress
possesses the very questionable power Of abolish |
ing II without the consent OF the people whose
interests would be Immediately and directly al
fected by the measure; that it is question sole
" between the people Of the District and their
only constitutional Legislature, purely municipal,
and in which no exterior influence or interest
can Justly interfere; that, if at any future period
the people Of this District should desire the abo
ltion Of slavery within it, they will doubtless
make their wishes known, when 1t will be time
enough 10 take tho matter INTO consideration;
that they do not, on this occasion, present them
selves TO Congress because they are shareholders
many of them arc not--some of them are
scientiously opposed to slavery-but they appear
because they Justly respect the rights Of those
who that description OF property, and be-
cause they entertain deep conviction that the
continued agitation Of the question by those who
have right 10 interfere with II, has MUIR
ious influence the peace and tranquility of the
community, and upon the weil-being and happI-
ness of those who held in subsection; they
finally protest as wel against the unauthorized
Intervention of which they complain, Il against
any legislation on the part of Congress in com
pliance Herewith. But, as wish these respecte-
Bile petitioners to be themselves heard, reques,
that their petition may be read. II was read ac-
cordngly, and Mr.. Clay proceeded.l | am in
formed by the committee which requested me TO
offer this petition, and believe, that It expresses
The almost unanimous sentiments of the people
of the District of Columbia.
The performance OF this service affords me,
said Mr. c. legitimate opportunity, Of which, with
the permission of the Senate, mean now to avail
myself, to say something, not only on the partl-
cular objects of the petition. bu, upon the great
and interesting subject with which IT Is intimate
ly associated.
1t is well known 10 the Senate, said Mr. CLAW
that have thought that the ludicious course
with abolition petitions has not been of late pur
sued by Congress. have believed that it woulC
have been wisest to have received and reterre
them without opposition and to have reported a
gainst their object IN calm and dispassionat
and argumentative appeal to the good sense O
the whole community. 1t has been supposed
however, by a majority OF Congress that 1t wa
most expe1eni either not TO receive the petition
Mt all, or if formally received, not to act defin
lively upon them. There Is no substantial di
ference between these opposite opinions, sine
both look to absolute rel cction of the pravt
of the petitioners. But there Is great dltie
in the form of proceeding; and, Mr.. Pres
dent, some experience III the conduct OF hama
affairs has taught me to believe that neg iect
observe established forms is often attended wit
moro mischevous consequences than the infl
ton of positive injury. We all know that, eve
in private lie, violation Of the existing usage
aud ceremonies of society cannot take place witt
out serious pref Idco. | fear, sir, that the ubol
rod
forco BY blending with the object which they hav
inview Il collateral and totally different questio
arising out of an alleged violation of the right
petition. | know full well, and take great plea.
ure in testfving, that nothing was remater tfo.
the intention OF the majority of the Senate, fro,
which differed, than violate the right of d.
tition in any IN which. according 10 its iu1s
& meni, that right could BIO cons,itutonallv exc
c'sed, or where the object of the petition couI
be safely or properly granted. Still, it must
owned that the abolionists have seized hold
He tact OF the treatment which their petition
nave received in Congress, and made iniurot
impressions upon tho minds of largo portion
the community. This think, might have bee
avoided by the course which should have bee
glad TO have seen pursued.
And desire now, Mr.. President, to advert
some OF those topics which think might ha-
been usefully embodied in a report by comm
tee OF the Senate, and which, | am persuade
would have checked the progress, if it had n
altogether arrested the efforts OF abolition. | a
sensible, sir, that this work would have been a
.eomplishad with much greater ability and wi
much happier effect, under the auspices of a col
mtiee, Than 1t can be by me. But anxious a:
always am 10 contribute whatever is in nv pow
10 the harmony, concord, and happiness of II
great people, feel myself irresistibly mpelled
40 whatever Is IN my power, incompetent as
ieei myself to be, to dssuade the Public fro
continuing 10 agitate subject fraught with t
most dlretul consequences
@ There are three classes of persons opposed
apparently opposed, to the continued existence
r-savery IN the United States The first are tho
who, from sentiments of philanthropy and huma
W, are conscienlously opposed to the existen
=" slavery. but who less opposed. at t
same Mne to any dstur bance of the peace a
tranquility of the Union, the Infringement
Ie powers OF the States composing the Confed,
y' Ia this class may be comprehended I'll
peaceiui and exemplary society of "FriendS" 0
whose established maxims is, an adherence
~ ~ IN all ITS forms. and the cultivation of pea
goodwill amongst mankind The next ella
sos of apparent aboitionis;s that is. tho
,; o, having been persuaded that the right of D
~;. ua mas been violated by Congress, co-opera
49,. 'he aoolittonists for the sole purpose of a
s'uhg and vindIcatipo tina rioht - H. ~ /: