The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1844-01-05

book until 1853, when il was modified to prevent dis
turbances
He read from the Virginia Resolutions and Bill OF
Rights, which maintained that the right OF petition
inaiienable and said il not for Congress TO
decide what were the grievances OF the People, but
themselves because the Constitution says ex-
pressiy that Congress shall pass law to abridge
this right
| When these petitions come here, can exercise
our Judgment, and dispose Of them in such manner
as the wisdom OF Congress may think proper, and
when petition Is presented requesting Congress to
do an unconstitutional act, we refuse to comply.
But the object Of this rule is to exclude all petitions
parts of which may be constitutional and others
not which causes the whole petition TO be thrown out
because it comes within the rule. We bound
to consider the parts which constitutional, and
disregard the others. In the very first Congress,
1898, resolution in relation to suppression Of the
slave trade was introduced, and that body passed
resolution affirming that they had not the right. In
1905 Congress again passed resolution affirming
that they had right to interfere with the subject
because they had no power to act. AT that time Mr.
Madison was member OF the House and the vote was
two to one in favor of the resolution affirming that
they had not the power TO act But the denial Of the
right of petition not mooted that day, but it
has grown up within the last two years and he
tended that il petition unconstitutional, it
why it should be driven out Of the doors of
This House. His convictions firm and irresist
bic in favor of the right Of petition; and he
warm in his attachments to the Union and the Con-
sttution the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Black
but while he freely admitted this, he not in favor
OF passing law aboishng slavery in the District Of
Columbia; yet he believed that Congress had the
constitutional power TO abolish slavery in all Of the
territ )ries, and the District of Columbia
| II slavery was not in existence in the South and
for which they not to blame they would not be in
favor Of this evil.
Mr. BLACK Neither myself nor my constituents
believe slavery TO be an evil.
| Mr.. BEA RI1SI SY said he did not wish m infer.
ere with the constitutional tights of the South, he
merely alluded to the subject in illustration Of his
views He was opposed to exercising the power.
because would conflict with the rights of the States
OF MARYLAND and Virginia, but he was firmly con-
WINGED that Congress had the constitutional power to
abolish slavery in the District of Columbia.
He said he sorry to have heard the remarks Of
his colleague [ r. d. Davis] few days ago declar-
ing that if the South, of their own accord, were
to abolish slavery he would be for dissolution of the
Union" He did not concur with such sentiment |;
because when the cession of this District was made
by Virginia and Maryland, slavery was obligatory
until Congress should otherwise determine; and at
the cession Congress passed an act making the
laws of Virginia and Maryland binding upon the re-
spective portions of the District 50 coded and that
law was in effect to this day. Congress by that act
egazed slavery in this District. But the exclusive
jurisdiction given 10 Congress by the Constitution over
the District is Unlimited, and Congress has the I'M
questionable right to abolish slavery
nobility
! Mr.. BEARDSLEY. That power is expressly
prohibited by the Constitution but exclusive jurs-
diction is granted to Congress the District of
Columbia, and Congress exercise all powers
which are not prohibited. The power to abolish
slavery is clear, satisfactory and explicit, and Con-
gress can take the slave from his master with or
without paying for him, just as il peases; but situa-
ted the District is between Maryland and Virginia.
he was not in favor Of exercising that power. He
believed the resolutions of the State OF Massachu-
sets were CONSTITUTIONAL and, if carried out, would
not dissolve the Union. 1t could not be dissolved by
such himsy preteXis and he only adyerted to the
subject because it had been before the House.
He wanted the Committee on the Rules TO report
to the House, and leave out this rule which restrict
ed the right of petition If petitions were respectful
in their character it was the bounden duty Of the
House to receive them, and then dispose of them in
such manner IT shall deem meet and proper. The
non-recepton Of these petitions had created more
excitement in the country upon this subject than
would have taken place if they had been received
and referred and report made which would have
restored harmony and peace between the North and
South. Let stand upon the broad platform of the
Constitution and we all shall be united free and
happy.
Mr. CLIN OMAN, of North Carolina, said from
the anxiety he evinced 10 get the floor gentle
men might suppose that he had great deal TO say,
but such was not the fact. lie said he had been de
nounced q renegade To the South by some news
paper, for which he did not care. In this country
the high prerogative Of the people the right of
petition according 10 the Constitution, but Congress
had abrogated that right TO certain extent by the
rejection of petitions of certain character but in
all monarches the right Of the subject to petition had
been maintained in lis purity, whilst in the District
OF Columbia they could not exercise the right OF pe
ton, because they have right TO a representation
either in this House or the Senate These petitions
abotion)are harmless things and he had always look
ed e Iu not how
many Of them came here, while there was major
y in this House opposed TO their views. He did not
believe there was abolitionis on this 1oor--at
least all deny being abolltionsts. If bill should be
brought forward to abolish slavery n<he District OF
Columbia he believed that nineteen out Of twenty
would vote against tin fact, he believed there
would be a unanimous vote against IL. Mr.. Charles
Rogers of New York, shook his head He made
military flourish, and asked If IT right for the
South TO place their allies in a position TO be sho,
down and related anecdoe Of some military hero,
! illustrative Of his position. He did not believe that
England anxious abou the abolition of slave
ry in the United Stetes was asserted 10y some per.
sons, because she had not abolished slavery in the
| East Indies.
! Mr.. HOLMES, Of South Carolina BY an order
issued at Madras she has liberated her East India
slaves
Mr. CLINGMAN thank you for the informa-
ton. did not know il before.
Mr. G. continued. In regard to the feeling at the
ooutl, nc hheW IL was very much ehclteu ana ne Oe-
lieved 1T was produced from the fact that they are
led TO believe that nearly onehaf of this House take
sides with the abot onists But he had found it TO be
otherw Use. He did not know the feeling of the Peo-
pie Of the North, except what bad been stated by Mr.
Hamlin, who, he extremely glad had stated his
views pa and decisive He knew that some
gentlemen from the South opposed TO his views,
and he had expressed them against their solicitations;
but he hoped this question would be debated with
spirit of forbearance. He did not charge improper
motives to others, who had pursued different course,
and he hoped the same liberary would be extended
to him. He took his seat, thanking the House for its
kindness.
! Mr. DUNCAN, Of Ohio, said he wanted TO make
few remarks, but, as it was late, he moved the
House adjourn.
And the House adjourned.
GRAND VOCAL AND INSrpI1AiEN