The Arkansas banner., 1848-02-08
SERECH
i AR Dickinson, on tho Annexation of Ter
 Pit0Fv,

FitoFy.
 The Senate proceeded to the consideration the following resolutions, submitted by Mir DICKINSON: Rssolrsd, That true policy requires the govern meni of the United States to strengthen its political and commercial relations upon this continent by the lauexaiion of such contiguous territory as may sonducr to that end and can be justly obtained 1; and that neither in such acquisition nor in terri snal organization thereof can any conditions be |coositutionaly imposed, or institutions be pro- rded for or established inconsistent with the right d the people thereof to form free sovereign State. with the powers and privilege of the original mem befs of the contederacy.
 RssoIeed, That in org mixing ,snntorisl govern nent for territory belonging to the Gnited States, |;he principles of self government upon which our federative system rests, will be best promoted-the true spirit and meaning of the Constitution be ob- served, and the coniedsracy strengthened, by ieav |ing all questions concerning the domestic policy herein to the legislatures chosen by the people hereof.
 Ar. DIcETNsoS said
 We are admonished by the exigencies of the times Iud prevailing sehtiment of the American people. strengthen our political and commercial relations apon this continent and the annexation of such hgaous territory can be justly obtained. well os the positive benefits the acquisition may confer, n to shut out forever, far practicable the per licous influences, and impertinent intermcddlings of European monarchy: ani while the circumstances aader which iAis policy may properly be enforced. are too varied and contingent to be enumerated or suggested, the state of our relation both foreign aud domestic, demand that it be fully declared bel! re the world. We have been compelled by misguided Mexico to resort 10 the ufisma raiis of nations for an adjustment of grievances. With her capitol, her pOt's, her Notifications and principal towns in possession, she spurns all proposals for aecommods hoa, and We have no alternative left consistent with aa'iona spirit or self respect but to retain of the possession allotted us by the tribunal of her own
 ecion, ample indemnify for the wrongs she in some saae moment consent 10 negotiate, she can furnish indemnity only in territory and this government can accept of no terms but such as give full compensa. ton; so that wheteer have peace or war, treaty treaty. the question of territorial acquisition | cannot be avoided. Had we remIined at peace with Mexico, the same policy of acquisition would sOon- CT or laes have been presented, and should treaty of peace be negotiated. and uli indemnity be paid
 n money, Of which there is no prospect, the ques- toa of extending possessions conld not long be postponed Although clearly demanded by nation al interests and almost universally favored by the Anerican people this policy has been embarrassed
 an element of irritation calculated to arrest if not ieieat It altogether. Some who profess to favor 1t, 10 only upon condition that domestic slavery shall
 De prohibited by Congress in any acquired territory others with marked determination oppose any in- crease with such restrictions, and both these classes propose 10 operate with the opponents of aequisi- ton unless their peculiar views respectively are sdopted
 Believing that policy so emineniiy national, seoud not thus be defeated, or put at hazar-that Ae legislation of Congress can have little infiu- snce over the domestic regulation of territory, aa its temporary governme nt IS matter of seeon-
 aTy importance compared with the policy of aeaai- nton, and that It's domestic regulation may be safe
 entrusted to those most deeply interested in the institutions they may establish, have introduced these resolutions. They were presented that the Senate nigh. form and pronounce its judgment be- iOse the country, upca the two great questions em- efaeed therein. which engage so large share of the public consideration. They do not, as is supposed ey some bring here with its prohtless discussions and exciting eoaseqa the yexed question Of slavery, for 1t was here before them, but they pro- pose o transfer i, hence, and leave under the con su'aiion all questions concerning the erection or
 oneIhon Of this institution in the territories. 10 the
 inhabitants thereof that its intrusion may not hereai
 s arrest the policy, defeat the measures disturb ae eou0eiIs of the nation. They were offered in
 ae hope that all who believe in the great cardinal pnheipie of freedom-the capacity of man for his oSa government, would harmonize conflicting Opin- oas and unite upon this common ground of justice and equality.
 The people of the original States declared that to s'n more perfect union. establish justice. insure Sones'ic tranquility, provide for the common de- seSee promote the general welfare and secure the
 ass'ngs ot liberty to themselves and their posteri- v 'hey established the Consultation. Although the 'uetes oi confederation which gave place 10 this nuament, provided for the admission Of Canada 10 .e ne Union, and the comprehensive terms employed
 @eIpa'a the objects of the Consultation, show that aaIfow territorial boundaries were contemplated, s apparent that few statesmen at that early peri " '. 'oresaw the early growth VIC were destined to sian: The wisest and sbiest of the time, tiinidly
 onated fer years at the close of the last century. v ue rght ot navigating the Mississippi, and pro-
 s.a 10 hx upon that river as the western boundary " lhe United States forever
 Ahd ih negotiating for the territory of Louisiana. vn government sought 10 procure only a portion, .aa ne greatest share was virtually taken upon s~uPaaoa The policy which from oae aequisi- AAs already given to this Union four sos ereign s' and holds others m reserve, was at the time lea with virGience and de8anciation, and ss s@s oi dIsunion, which may he prottahiy con- es tsther than copied by those who are alarmed elemsn, ss So4isisha, too, was Spanish province, contained se'sa popaiaticn, strangers to our form of gov ees' and was transferred with its people from Esla 10 France, and from France to the United ss' within a lew hours; and yet, what State has s'esea.sd. tsmtoIy beyond the Mississippi was then re fasa S almost without the pale of probable eiyi- {. Hoa, and the expedition of Lewis and Clark
 as aogta of ths Colambis, where the mailof the