The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1847-03-26
THE WILMOT PROVlSO.

Mr. DOUGLASS had conientod himself
with giving silent vote on this measure en-
former occasions, and would do so now, but
for the fact tha, there were few minutes
remaining for debate under the ordor of the
House. He would doyoto that brief poriod
to few considerations on the bill, and es-
pecially 10 the proposed amendments known
as the "WILMoT proviso." 1t was we'll known
that he was in favor of tho bill and agains,
the provso. |! was also well known that he
would have been willing TO have arranged
tho vexed question Of slavery according to
the principles Of tho Missouri compromso. -
Bat all hope Of such an arrangement for the
present was at an end, and the question must
now be determined between the original bill
and the amendment He would suggest a
fow consideration, why he thought that ev-
cry northern man at least should voto against
the proviso. In the first place we want the
territory, at least California and New Mcx-
co; and the adoption of tho proviso, with the
agitation and excitemen. it will produce up
on the slavery question, will greatly cndan-
ger, If not entirely defeat, The acqusition.---
The acquisition was essential to the com
mcrce, trade, fisheries, and great maritime
interests of the north, as well as useful to the
general Interests ofthe whole country. These
grea, interests ought not to be hazarded by q
premature agitation Of an exciting question
which may never arise, and if it does arise,
may be settled then as we'll as now. But
above all, the free States ought 10 be content
to leaHe il an open question uatil we acquire
The Territory. ffepaai, The free sssss = '5ugh,
to be content, for this roason Slavery is now
prohibited by the fundamental laws Of Mex
ico. II wa incorporate part of tho terrific
ry of Mexico into this republic, The existing
laws Of that territory SO Incorporated, SO far as
they are not inconsistent with the constitu-
ton ofthe United States, will remain in force
until repealed by the sovereign power This
county. The law Of nations is indisputable
ON this point. When the territory is annexed,
therefore, it will ceme as free territory, with
the institution Of slavery prohibited by law,
and must forever remain free, unless thai
legal prohibition be repealed. The question
next urises who is to rcpsal this prohibl,ion2
We are told in debate that Congress, and
Congress alone, possess tho power to pres
cribe the fundamental law Of tho Territorial
government. When Congress comes TO es-
tablish a Territorial government over the
free territory acquired under this bill, the
question will then arise whether the proai-
ton OF slavery shall 90 repealed or continued.
In the decision ofthst question by Congress
the FREQ States viii necessarily have the pre-
ponderance ofp power. A large majority of
the representatives on this floor arc from the
free States, aud that majority is increasing
with every succeeding census. The power,
then, is in the hands of the free States, and
must exist ihsro, whenever this question
shall be scilled, if, indeed it ever arise
The south is powerless ia tho settlement of
this question by Congress. Constituting a
minority, The representatives. ofthe south are
liable at aay lime 10 be voted down by the
majority from the free States,
If they shall ever attempt 70 repeal the prohi-
bi,on of slavery in the territory that may be
acquired under this bill How, thea, is sls-
very to be established by law in that terrific
ry, except Ivy the censsnt Of the FREQ Siatess
And whether the free States will, .r will not,
give their consent, isa question 70 be deci-
dcd when il may properly arse. lfths act