The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-04-05

suAssv~ - WY a0ruAsn herU
@ II. ce"sassss"Al R.snr.s win :. Aae.iahsA sAsn
mandsd ihslr .t'srsnse hold slavery great moral
SQGe anu ponlcal evil one that il becomes us, as SEN
tlent reasoning beings, as philosophers and Christians
to alleviate and abolish rhsaevsr ean But. under
the constitution no power for any nation
al interference with the Yhstitlton Congress could not
if DESTROYS, abolish slavery the States where il
exists An attempt of such kind would but serve 10 pro-
mote rdicule Il could not be seriously entertained The
institution OF slavery is hedged in by the constitution
from external aggression much State govern
ments, other public corporations. They all depend
upon the same instrument. and are equally protected
But where the constitution leaves slavery, there
would leave it. BY no assent Of nine shall II Be invest
ed with new powers or gain greater influence political
or territorial both or either AS creature qt the con
stituton do hold it and attempt be made to
control the power that recognised it's organization, pro-
ects s existence it shall receive from nothing but
decided and enduring opposition
regret very much, Mr. Speaker that the discussion OF
this subject has elected 20 much agitation would that
we might reason as calmly and as sensby on this - on
any other question Of morality q politics Even truth
pect. and provoes opposition; and who shall undesake
to limit the boundaries of truth, give par colored
Never. Mr.. Speaker, since the world was first sum-
moned from chaos to the present moment has principle
pershed onsevss. adjuncts Of the moment. fade
and disappear with the time TO which attached
Men, and the monuments Of men, rush 10 extraction !;
but principle, brought into light, becomes immor-
ta Its triumph may be retarded, and, through whole
ror and wilful malice; but its destiny requires ultimate
and full establishment
therefore have fears, Mr.. Speaker Of the future
The principle of liberty will work its accomplish
ment Slavery mere institution of human hands
will encounter the fate of its architect In the course of
time, chance or design, the necessities of man, the ST.
This temporary fabric The institution of slavery has al
ready in my opinion, eliminated, and now descends
TO its necessary extinction Good sense therefore, die
tates qulescent policy in regard to it. gssssN Il
But while would leave it where the constitution
found it. repeat would prevent its transgresson be-
yond those limits. Rather than pursue course that
would seem concession to its further extension would
now insist upon the adoption of this WnM0T proviso,
even at the peril Of this bill Perish the billpersh all
our sangune hopes Of peace-raiher than ot or
little OF principle should be endangered M n, ~
But, MI: Speaker, am alarmist; wish to excite
no precocious agitation in the country and therefore
%o%d seek no afoas opportunity pr ths unreasonable
if it does come, that the saveholng interest shall
seek with the cognza1ce Of this government to extend
its territorial power, shall be found in determined oppo-
ston For the embarrassment Of an important measure
am now unwilling to insist upon amendment or
addition which has no necessary connection with its
character. Hereafter, there will be time enough, occa-
sion enough, desire, ability and patriotism enough to
discuss this agitang question in all it's bearings and all
its dependencies. When that time comes if am in pub
lie life there will be found no hesitaton vacaton,
IN my course. rs M 84 slfssA
The reports the public press and the assertions in
this House, that the President may appropriate this money
and by such means indirectly extend the institution Of
slavery scarcely think, worthy Of sober consdera-
on No foreign territory ever be acquired by this
country without the consent OF Congress- treaty for
such purpose be ratified without ws-thrs, o the
Senate How is that that ratification to be OBJ
tanned, without the concurrence of the free States
northern and not southern votes that annexed
it may be southern and not northern that will pre-
vent the acquisition OF more territory. ilE ~
The OCCASION thought, had come; and thinking SO,
rejected in the Senate, and this bill should com.
back to without such condition. should vote for it
amended by the Senate. e.stat
my mind and influenced my vote. there was one which
stood pre- eminsnty above the rest i was belief
this same b or IKE ike il nature, been iost iSs issl
session Of Congress, should now have been at peace
with Mexico, and have saved the lives OF thousands OF
men, and the expenditure of millions of money. Reason
ing upon the same premises, have confidence now that
the grant and disposition of this loan will much hasten
the consummation of peace. There may be doubt,
however, reasonable doubt--of the efficacy Of the
measure; but the doubt in favor Of peace for the
other side there nothing but naked and dear certainty
"a certainty OF war. and Of protracted war aa
have defended the necessty of this war have
ever maintained that Mexico and ourselves, to
be blamed for its commencement and of such opn-
ion still. But we have been victorious, and afford
and can yield something for peace. acknowledge my
desire for peace; the interests of the country require
peace, and humanity demands it. 1t is. therefore, with
peaceful measure voted for the WiLmor proyiso, for
the assertion OF aPr'ncipe the principle was establish
ed Dy that yOte SO lar at least conduct
is concerned In voting against its second annexation to
this bill, have changed principles but have embraced
expedency have merely voted to concur in the amend
men Of the Senate which requires the bill the whole
BILL and nothing but the bill The bill is the principle
the proviso the incident. am unwilling to sacrifice
measure salutary necessary measures Tor opinion,
however abstractly sound. '4 iaaf age- {ls.ssf
My motives in 50 doing will be msrepresented and my
conduct denounced My vote will be ascrbed to corrupt
considerations Those who, in my place. would not have
hesitaed to ask payment in advance for their vote, will
be the first, and most eager to canmnate The vices
which we are most inclined. we are most apt to accuse
others Of 1t is the law of depraved nature. And
cannot expect to escape the usual penalty that consci
entous discharge Of duty is Obliged to pay to magnancy
and venality. i will abide the issue ~
neither seek nor want. office am no supplicant for
Executive favors. Neither the smile nor the frown of
power influence my conduct seek to discharge my
duty to my constituents and to my country. may be
mistaken in the am right in the motive. should
have been false my OATH false those who have trust
ed me- and to my country, if from fear of temporary
camor or OF exaggerated ZEAL of malignant or mistaken
denuncation, had suffered myself to be diverted from
the that calm delberation had convinced me
right have done my duty and throw myself willingly
upon my country for lis verdict
PATENT OFFICE, March 26, ls47.
an petition aud WnlDasa d. Peck