The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1848-05-03
THE FLORIDA RESOLUTIONS.

We publish below the Resolutions adopted
by the Democratic State Convention of Florida,
held on the 26th March last. The Resolutions
embody the principles of the Alabama Resolu.
,ions on the subject OF Slavery in our territorial
acquisitions. Our readers will remember that
we most cordially and fully sustain the position
taken by the Democratic party of Alabama. on
this subject, and we now pledge, ourselves to
support to the extent of our ability, the Consti.
tutional principles therein set forth. We be-I
lievc the South will be content with nothing
less than these resolutions contend for. Ala.
bama, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, land South
Carolina, through her press.) have already. as.
serted these doctrines. The other Southern
States will follow, and if the Democrats ofthe
North will be but true to their principles, (which
we have all abiding hope they WILL wesee no.
thing to prevent full and cordial union OF the
Democratic party upon these principles, which
are so consistent with our doctrine OF strict
construction of the Constitution, and are so just
and equitable in themselves.
The Wing party and the Whig leaders have
taken ground as unequivocally as needs be (see
Mr.. CIay's Lexington speech and his late letter)
against us, upon this subject. So far from &C.
knowledging our Constitutional rights to the eI-
tent contcnded for in these Resolutions, they are
the open and undisguised advocates OF the doc
trines fthe Wimot Proviso, and opposed to the
extension of slavery under any circumstances.
Not single prominent Wing has yet dared to
say one word in opposition TO the Wilmot Pro.
viso. Mr.. Clay is evidently playing for Aboli.
ton votes, and so will every Wing candidate for
the Presidency. A portion Of the Democracy
ofNew York Qhe Barn.burners,) have seceed.
ed from their party, and threaten to give that
State to the Wings, unless their principles are
recognized by the Democratic party.
Ii therefore becomes the South to be united
and firm, and while we do our northern Democra-
tic brethren the justice to say, that whatever
friends we have in that quarter, are to be found
in their ranks, we must al the same time une.
quvocally to understand, that on the subject Of
Slavery, We will make no concession. and sub.
init TO no compromises, to preserve the harmony
OF the Democratic party, or for any other purpose
whatever. The following are the Florida Res
olutions on this subject:
Resolred, That all territory now held by the
United States, and al! which may be acquired
by conquest, treaty, or purchase, must be held
as their joint property. and the sovereign anthori.
ty over it must vest in The people Of thesever-
al States and in them alone.
4. Rcsolred, That, by the Constitution of
the United States, Congress is only empower.
ed to enact laws needful for the preservation
and disposal ci such territory as public domain.
5. Rcsolucd, That territorial governments
are not known to the Constitution, are munici.
pal or corporate, and can rightfully claim or
exercise no political or higher power than is
derived from the organic lawaof congress by
which they are formed.
6. Rcso'red, That the Constitution confers
no right upon Congress TO prohibit the existence
of slavery in any territory, and therefore Con.
gress can convey no such rigt to the inhabitants
of such territory; and that any stipulation by
treaty to that effect, is equally violation ofthe
guarantees of the constitution.
7. Resolccd, That. our Delegates to the De.
mocratic Convention, proposed 10 be held in
Baltimore on the 9TH of May next, to nominate
candidates for the office OF President and Vice.
President of the United State, are hereby in.
struced TO support no persons tor these offices
who will sanction any attempt to interfere with,
or control the equal right of the Citizens of
each and every State, with their slaves or any
other property, to remove to and occupy terrific.
nv which now belongs to the United States, or
may hereafter he acquired by them. whether
such interference, or restrictions are imposed by
Congress Directly through ts own acts or medi.
a,ely through powers conferred on or conceded
10 tho inhabitants ofsuch territory.