The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-06-29
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Ma. nls aA&s he 1ss0lss6 spssst 81 ths ossvep
sii to-day, psssssslHS 70 ssAss hh pestssn % W.
slavery question. Hs sryuussts hsd Just - mach
special spplics ths Oregon bill, the sssvsry
question: or the circumstances Of the country - they
had to the quadrature Of the circle The speech might
have been spoken hundred years ago, or might be
hundred years hence, and would have been equally
suitable to both periods IL was studious effort to
avoid everything that could by any possibility be con-
strued BY those unfolding either side of the question
as antagonistc their views. lie considered the ques
ton, practically, but interesting abstraction,
and accordingly, he entertained the Senate with
lengthy series of generatiss all the time carefully
avoiding the positions of Mr. Calhoun and Others who
have treated the question He proposed to prove that
Congress has power slavery in territories belong
ing to the United States and quoted from Madison
and others his cotcmporaries to sustain this position
In this Mr.. Dix has fallen into too common error
citing with unquestioning Difference the writings of
Madison, Jefferson, and others OF that time. The
truth is any one reading the FederaIist and other
papers, in which the statesmen OF that period pro-
muigatcd their views ON questions OF public inte-
rest, viii find as many arguments on one side,
as on the other. Questions Of public policy were
then in their infancy, and no one knew what shape
they would ultimately assume II was no time
forming permanent onos and hence it is, that
the opinions formed at different times by Mr. Madison.
1t is therefore, extremely idle to quote their views as
decisive on the question OF slavery, or on any other
To attempt to shape the Of the
by those Of the Is absurd The nation and the age
progressive; and the slavery question, above all
others, Is one of the present, not Of the past.
MIR. Dix likewise argued from the authority Of legis-
lative enactmens and judicial decisions and went into
politico-economca dissertation laws of popu-
1aton to that it is duty TO discourage tho
multiplication of the black race and foster that Of the
whites. He reiterated three positions enunciated
by him a year ago, and which absolutely nothing
He did not to perceive that his exposition Of the
second is an absurdty The proposition is, that newly
acquired territory should be permitted to remain
was before its acquisition; and this he explains by say
ing that If slavery exist at the time Of acquisition
1t not be disturbed by Congress; 1t do not exist let
an ordinance be passed prohibiting 1t until the territory
become State This would still be sided inter-
ference with the question by the federal government
lit is unjust that slavery should be interfered with
when already existing II Is quite unjust that it
should be interered with by antcipatory prohibition
Mr.. Dix declared that he would maintain these prn-
ces fearlessly not suffering himself to bs deferred
by any considerations whatsoever. This boldn ness is
really charming, considering the nature of the Sena-
tor positions He need not apprehend however. the
slightest Inconvenience, from the many
such views as he epuncate from this time until
the close of the session. They words, in
tended to moan nothing, and most happily carrying
cut that int ntion.
II will be difficult for Mr.. Dix to explain his present
position to the satisfaction Of his State his views
are those Of the barnburners why he suffer him.
self TO be influenced by MIR Benton TO support Cass
The sentiments of the latter the question slavery
directly contrary to those Mr. Dix is to
enertainfor to those he really does entertain it
would be difhcult to form opinion.
is 1t not an insunerable outrage the people, I,
postpone tho passage Of the Oregon BILL to DELAY
the other business Of Congress- the uttcrance of
sucn unmeaning generaties, those of which Mr.
Dlxs speech Is wholly made up? GALVIENSIS.