Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1842-05-23


of Florida, and their termination in the cession Of
the Territory to the Union on condition of our
paying the clnms of our own citizens. This ar
rangement hud been made by the Executive, and
the whole bargain was substantially consummhted
before the People in general knew or understood
any thing of the matter; and Just so it would, in
all probability, be in regard 10 Texns. The Board
of Commissioners had actually allowed American
claims against the Mexican Government to the a
mount Of two millions of dollars besides which
there might be a. much more yet to be allowed.
These clninls were now pressing ON the Mexlran
Treasury, and it might be found very convenient
arrangement TO give up her claim on Texas, pro-
vided we will assume these debts, as we did those
against Spain. Mr., :. would not say thnt insruc
tons to this effect had been given TO our Minister;
there was ~ need they should, because he could
imd II thousand ways of cfitcng the arrange
ment without; and all this might be done in Sc
cret, and the whole bargain consnmmated before
the nation NJ large was awake to IT'S danger.
Inc next step was that Texas should rush into
the arms of the United States. Their legislature
had formerly passed resolution to that effect
voice: Yes; but they repealed it ngain.l
True and they could pass it ugan, too the
same motive still operated. On the part OF Ger
tain class ia this country, tins was cherished
purpose And why ? Mr.. S. said lie would not
enter on the answer 10 thar question, because in
doing So he should be obliged to go over ground
very unacceptable to certain portion fthe House,
and once commenced, the argument would carry
him on beyond The bodily strength he now had
to sustain it, lie would only say, in general terms,
that he believed it arose from desire To extend
aud TO perpetuale slavery Tint such desire
did exist is fact beyond dispute it had been
manifested with greater or less dslincncss for the
last forty years lin its practical effects il had tram
pied all the safeguards OF the Constitution, ana
lengthed the cords md strengthened the stakes OF
slavery in This land. The general expectation at
the adoption of the Constitution was, that slavery
wOud he n m han n a "A
ury; but half Il century had elapsed, and instead
OF being abolished it had increased lhree-iold-
This process began with the purchase OF Louisa
mia, or rather with the liberation Of slavery IN
that State, and it had been extended in the four
States since formed out olthe Louisiana purchase.
Mr.. S. considered this MS having inflicted deep
er wound on the Constitution than any other e
vent that had ever happened since its adoption.
Mr.. 5. could show, did time permit, how slave
ny had governed this land; how it mad chosen
our presidents for succession OF forty years,
while lhere had, since the foundation OF Govern
ment been President from the free States but
for twelve years aud one month. And of these
one never would have been President had lie not
been a Northern man with Southern principles"
| review of the individuals who had filled the
| Speakers chair of this House would show the
same thing.
Mr. Sollnrs, of Mary land, here nterposed, and
called Mr. S to orher for rrelevancy.
The Chair pronounced Mr.. S. not 10 be in order.
Mr. Butler, of S. G. expressed his hope thut the
gentleman would he allowed to proceed.
Mr. Solars still pressed his objection, accom-
panying it by some remarks not heard by the re-
porter.
The Chair repeated its decision.
Mr. Sade said he had not purposed 10 60 my
further, but considered it perfectly Legitimate TO
show that the anxiety Of gentleman for the annex
alton of Texas proceeded from design TO extend
! the Influence OF slavery.
Mr.. Solars submitted it 10 the candor and sense
! of honor of the gentleman from Vermont to de-
eide for himself whether his remarks had been III
order or were Justly applicable to the appoint
| ment of n minister TO Mexico.
Mr. SHADES reply was not distinctly heard, but
he was understood not to acknowledge himself 10
! have been out of order.
Mr.. Butler, of S. G.. now moved that the dis =
cussion might be permitted TO proceed without re-
| strant. Much sensation in the tiouse.) Mr.. Is.
changed the form of his motion, and now moved
that the gentleman from Vermont be allowed TO
| proceed. Cries of Ego OH, 90 on; no, no; or
| der"
Mr.. SoIlars. Cun the gentleman he permitted
10 proceed out of order? And does not the rule
require him to take his seat?
The Chair decided that the gentleman had
been ont of order, and could not proceed Oul by
/ permission Of the House.
Mr.. Wise moved that he be permitted TO pro
ceed in order.
MIR. Briggs said there no need of such II
mOtlOn L lie geiIIetnnn inipNt, NnheT tlc Iu'ei
proceed unless some member objected.
4 Mr.. Sollars | object to his proceeding, if ii is
TO be out of order.
Mr.. Briggs again reminded the Chair of the
rule.
The Chair replied that objections had been
made in various parts of the House, and he then
put the question on Mr.. Wses motion that Mr..
5. he permitted TO proceed in order; which was
agreed TO-
Mr.. Sade resumed. Although, in his Judge
ment the statements he had made were perfectly
fair and legtlrnately applied 10 the argument, he
should not insist. He had not Intended to go in
/, TO the general question to what extent slavery
had governed this country. lie might have re-
erred to the fact that five out Of SIX ot those who
had filed the mission to Mexico had been gentle
men from the Southern States. or the reason Of
such selection there could he no doubt. lie need
! not say how impossible it was to carry on mpor-
} tant negotiations with almost any Government,
, and especially with Mexico without their having
nm important bearing Oh our relations with other
t Governments. And here he took OCCASION to re-
pei the expressions of contempt which had fallen
from Mr.. Gushing, in which he spoke of gentle
men covering under the frown OF Great Britain,
and OF being actualed by dread of British inter
ference The people OF New England would be
the very last to be aciuated by such feeling as
the glorious history of our country would abund.
nniy show. But while we were ready TO maln-
tain our rights against all the world, it was the
part of wisdom and prudence not TO be insensi-
. BILE to the danger of becoming embroiled with
. other Governments. Tie gentleman from South
Carolina Mr.. Pickens had given pretty strong in
t dications not of very strong sympathy with the
e cause of Texas but disposition to carry that
$ feeling into our relations with Mexico. He had
alluded TO what he supposed 10 be fact, that the
e British Government stood pledged to that OF Mex
leo TO mid il under cernin contingencies. II hi;
were true, it OF itself sufficient TO put every
4 prudent statesman OIL his guard.
d Mr.. >. wanted this Congress TO repudiae any
e connexion whatever with the Government of Tex
as. Letthe false sympathy which had induslr-
] ously been excited be quenched and fully extin-
guished. He was against true and jus
sympathy in the sufitrings of oil the human race
I but if gentlemen felt any real sympathy with tn,
y people of Texas, let them al settle this ques