The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-07-29


tsrest. not merely Of his own section Of coun-
try, bat thai Of the whole nation, and each en-
deaveriBg to yield so much he felt could Be
properly and honorably conceded, without the
/ sacrifice Of what was ESSENTIALLY due TO his own
constituents and the people Of all the States
The conferences Of the committee were in this
spirit-aftended with free and ample discussion:
ami, after a full interchange of views, vote
was taken on proposition moved by the Sen
aior from Missouri. Mr. Atchison,) shat the
spirit Of the Missouri compromise be adopted 10
govern the settlement OF ell the territories of the
United States" On this question the commit
tee divided, i've for and three against the mo-
ton. The Senator from Indiana, Mr.. Brightly
| then moved the proposition, notice Of which
had been previously given in the Senate, con-
| tanning the words Of the Missouri compromise
As the condition Of the territory was nov
said to be different from that TO which that com
promise applied in 1920, motion was made by
the Senator from Kentucky, (Mr Underwood
TO amend that proposition by providing that ''all
| the territory in New Mexico and California,
| south Of the parallel Of 10 80 minutes shall
be placed on the same footing I'm all respects rs
10 slavery that existed in Louisiana while il was
IL territory" On this question the committee
divided, four for the motion and four against IT,
After the failure Of this motion, the question
was taken on the proposition of the Senator
q
miitee being again equally deyided
At this stage Of the proceedings, all compro-
mise appeared 10 be- impossible. But the com
mittee proceeded afterwards 20 consider a propo-
sitien 20 sndeayor 10 adjust the great question,
at least far to enable Congress TO extend
the laws over and provide for the administration
Of justice in the territories, leaving for the pre-
sent the sediment Of IL TO the laws OF the popu-
atiOn, or the adaptation of soil, climate and all
| q "A zfn n the rfn kfuda n Ii.
While il was admitted on all sides that by far the
greatest portion Of the territories was properly
adapted 10 free labor, and would necessarily he
free soil forever, ycs II was also with equal una
nimity conceded That there was a portion az il
where Nee labor never would be introduced,
owing TO the climate and the peculiar produc.
tons Of that portion.
II was thought that II Oregon, which no one
magines can ever DO slayehOlding, could be or
ganised as the people Of that territory desired by
the temporary adoption Of their present laws,
nterdicting orProhibiting slavery till the terri
torial legislature proposed 10 be organised by
popular vote, under the bill referred To u.s. could
enact some law on the subject, most of the OBJ
Ieetions which had been urged in debate to the
18th section would be 0bviaied without any sac
rifice OF principle by those who urged them; and
haf, after thus disPosing Of the question, so far
as relates TO Oregon, the territories Of California
and New Mexico could be organised in the same
bill by the appointment Of governor, secretary
and Judges, TO compose, according 10 the old
Precedenis, a temporary legislature for each of
these territories, but without the power to Iegis-
late on the subject Of slavery, thus placing thai
question beyond the power Of the territorial iesi.
ature, and resting the right to Introduce or pro-
hibit slavery in these two territories ON the con
siitniion, as the same should be expounded BY
the Judges, with a right of appeal 10 the Sr-
preme Court Of the United States. II was
thought by this means Congress would avoid the
decision OF this distracting question, leaving il
TO be settled by the silent operation Of the con-
stitution itself; and that in ease Congress should
refuse TO touch the subject, the country would
be slayeholding only where, by the laws of ma
ture, slave labor was effective, and free labor
could not maintain itself On the other hand.
in case Congress should hereafter choose 10
adopt the compromise line of 80 deg. 30 min.
north OF which suppose it is not expected thai
slave labor can be introduced, or any rule of set,
uement, il will be free TO act as 10 its wisdom
and patriotism shall seem fit
After many conflicts Of opinion, these views
Tins generally expressed, were substantially
agreed upon with great unanImity, all the mem
bers Of the committee agreeing 10 make the re-
port, and but two Of them Zone from the North
and the other from the South Disappearing any
OF the material features as they understand it
Il a
bill In accordance with these views Il contains
some important anne ndments to the Oregon bill.
particularly so far as it corrects the defective
description OF the boundaries in that bill
do not expect, sir, that this or any other
proposition which the wit Of man can possibly
suggest, will prevent agitai on on thu, subject.
which is now daily spreading through the coun-
ny. and ! fear, dividing II into geographical
parties III the Missouri compromise of 50 deg
hss. -. a..
Immediately raise the standard Of repeal and yi-
tate as hercely as ever. We know that, sir
They will agitate after the passage Of any bill
put this bill resolves the whole question between
the North and South into a constitutional AM a
Judicial question. II only asks of all men AZ
all sections 10 stand by the cons titu1ion and snf
fer that TO settle the difference by It's own tran
gull operation. IL the constitution settles The
question either way, let those who rail at the de-
cis'on vent their indignation against their an
cestors, who adopted il. We offer no bill 20 in
troduce slavery By Congressional enactment in
TO any free territory. II, as the South contends.
the constitution gives the right to carry their
slaves there, they will maintain that ri,,ht
III, as the North contends, the Constitution
confers no such right, they will yindieate the;,
claim. And Oregon win be at once organised
as aterritory, with power TO elect their own leo,
islatnre-a power, which the committee think
cannot now, with any Propristy, be conferred
upon the population Of the two other terrific
ries. H .....r .|
now. sir. have the honor to report, as an
amendment and a substitute for the bill r.ferr.d
10 The select COMMITTEES, "a bill to establish III.
territorial Governments Of Oregon, California
and New Mexico" The COMMITTEE. mir nj |
becoming modesty, desire 10 say that they do
notview their work as perfect; bat il IS the xery
best which, under all the embarrassing circum. |
stances OF their position, they have been able to
propose. To the Senate they appeal fer assist. |
ance 10 correct any errors into which tl,ev NAV |
have Inadvertently fallen. But il is the homes,
opinion Of large minority of the Committee
that, by the passage Of this bin, the safety Of
me Union viii be placed beyond tho reach Of
agitation, and that the question. and tha o,I,,
question which now threatens TO end.nger n |
may be- not Immediately, but ultimately, put al |
The bill WINS then read first time, AMI unan. |
imously ordered to be printed.