Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-03-09

| 10 IeglSlate on Inc suDlect OF slavery III lne
District of Columbia. Now, when the
constitution was adopted, whose interests
were involved? Did it not cover and pro-
,ect the interests of every individual! over
whom it was thrown? Every part and
parcel of the country was protected and
shielded by that inst. ument. Where, then,
did the gentleman get his doctrine, that
Congress could lcgslatc on the subject Of
slavery, or abolish slavery in the District
of Columbia2 Did he get it from the ces-
sons Of Virginia or Mary land2 If he did,
it was the first time that ever lawyer had
pronounced the doctrine that the power TO
iegislaie was power to change constitu-
ton; or that an act of legislature was to
alter, or abrogatc, OF amend any portion Of
q constitution.
Mr.. Beardsley rose 10 explain.
Mr.. Dellet declined TO yield any por-
ton Of his time; and he again asked where
the gentleman got his power to legislate
on the subject of slavery in the District of
Columbia. Suppose this District, instead
of being placed where it now stood, had
been placed in New Hampshire, for in
stance, where he believed there was not
even he semblancc of slavery: would the
pcn,leman's argument hold good! icon
grcss could act so as TO abolish slavery in
he District of Columbia, il could legislate
70 establish slavery, if this District had
been located in New Hampshire. Did the
gentleman believe Congress had power to
do that But such was the consequence Of
this argument.
Other gentlemen who contended that
Congress had the power to legislatc on the
subject of slavery here, had quoted in sup
port of their position, the language of Mr.
Madison; but those gentlemen, like county
court lawyers, had read just as much as
answered their purpose, and omitted other
parts which should have been read 10 make
the subject plain and intelliglble. lie
would, therefore, for the information OF the
House read further extracts from MIR. Mad
ison on the same subject.
The honorable gentleman read the ex-
tracts referred to; and then said: These
we're Mr.. Madison's views on the subject,
in which it was shown that he was of opin-
ion that Congress had no power, by the
constitution, which authorized it to legis-
late ON that subject; and that any attempt
to exercise such power would be usurpa-
ton.
Another gentleman, Mr.. Severance
who had argued this question, suggested
that the people of the East could not get
land enough in their own neighborhood
and that so long as water ran, this agita-
ton would not cease. And what reason
did he give? Why, he said that when the
southern slaves were liberated, the Yam
KEGS could come and occupy the most prof
liable and beneficial land of the South. -
He (Mr. d. knew the Yankees had great
anxiety to do so any how; and he knew,
also, that the Yankees made about the
toughest masters, and worked harder, and
fed lighter, than any others. Laughter.
But gentleman from Virginia, Mr..
Wisc,l who was not now in his seat, had
proclaimed that he ceased to wage war any
/ longer on this subject. This he regretted
If the gentleman had lost his armor, he had
but to despatch message to that old mo-
Their, who had so long sustained and ia ken
care of him; and in a few days he might
have had new and brighter armor, and then
he might have taught Hector that Achilles
was himself again. But whence, The ask
ed) did the memorial from the Messachu'
sets Legislature come? And whence
came this language?-"That slavery will
be abolished in this country, and through
out the world, firmly believe; whether i,
will be done peaceabIy, or by blood, &C.
only knows. But that it shall be accom-
plished, have not doubt; and by what
ever means, say let it come" Yes, "by
whatever means, say let it Gomez Thai
was the prayer offered in trcnsitU 10 the
throne of mercy. By blood or otherwise,
let it come!
Mr.. adams. Let il come.
Mr.. Delet. Yes, let it come, no mat
ter what havoc shall ensue amongst the
five millions of men, women, and children
of the South. Let them all be served up
to satiate the Moloch of those assailants
of the constitution, and for the purpose OF
Offering up sweet incense 10 the holy thrice
holy abolitionists! The right of petition
had been dwelt upon, and gentlemen had
quoted British authority in IFS support,
while they were disregarding the petitions
of the five millions of citizens of the south.
Yes, they could listen to the petitions Of
abolitionists, but they could not listen to
the petitions Of five millions Of the people
Of the South. There was, TO the appre-
tension { the gentlemen, it seemed, a
| NTH n marrow substance, in the petI-
lions of the aboltionists, which no others
pa-se ssed. The people of the South. pc
! tition as they might, could never obtain the
ear of the gentlemen. He did not say the
i nennle of The south had ncfitioned the