Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-08-19
SPEECH OF Mr.. STEPHENS,
OF GEORGIA,
On the Proposed Compromise Bill, &c.

On the Proposed Compromise Bill, &c.
HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES,, AuGUsT z, la4s.
The House having under consideration the two Messages
of the President in relation peace with Mexico and the or
ganzaton of Territorial Governments for New Mexico and
California
Mr.. STEPHENS obtained the floor, and said
Mr.. SPEAKER The messages Of the President now under
consideration embrace subjects of grave and momentous in
teres involving the peace the happiness the prosperity and
honor well as perhaps the safety OF the republic There
many topics alluded to in these messages which require
the calm and dspassonae consideration of this House, and
also the mature and deliberate consideration OF the people Of
this country So far this House is concerned, do not
believe that the proper consideration be given to them at
this session. The time is too sho even If the prevailing
temper here was not unsued lis from the excitement
of Presidential canvass enter upon the investigation with
that freedom from passion and GOODNESS OF judgment
ta for wise and prudent action intend therefore, before
taking my seat to that the further consideration OF
these messages be postponed for the present. and that they be
laid the table, up the next session Of Congress
Before making that motion, however, wish to submit some
views upon of the subjects embraced in them. wish
had time to speak of all Of hem particularly the Presidents
attempted justification for the exercise OF those extraordinary
powers which he claims as his legitimate right conquer
under the laws of nations, but hour will not allow
this. And intend at this time confne myself to
topic only, which the organization Of territorial governments
in New Mexico and California.
Here Mr.. IsGE of Alabama interrupted and said that,
from the intmaon Of the gentleman, he supposed he
going to discuss the slave question and if he hoped he
would not close his speech by moving lay the subject
the table, but would allow the opportunity for reply
Mr. STsPHEss continued by saying, it is not my object,
Mr. Speaker to prevent reply Ny intention only to
save time. If the gentleman from Alabama any other
gentleman wishes to continue this discussion, individually
have objection, and so far the argument shall submit
Is concerned, shall certainly nepose obstacle any
reply that any gentleman may desire to make. therefore
now notify the gentleman that shall not make the motion
Just intimaed.
II - NJ @
OF inquiry which passed this House days ago. calling
information touching the character and form Of in
these late conquests to have msconceved the object
and scope of those resolutions and in his message refers only
to those which established by his ORDER
and which ne says necessarily ceased at the termination of
Now, sir, my object only inquire into that
subject but also TO be Informed of the and character
the which would necessarily exist there upon the
displacement dissolution of those which temporarily
Illegally and unconstitutonaly in my opinion set up by
himself Before esslate properly for any people, and
particularly the people ola conquered province must know
something of the nature character and form Of their
ment and something Of the laws in existence and force in
the country at the time Of the conquest.
The object and intention of my resolutions get some
information upon this point well Others But UPON this
the to the call of the House silent and the
Of this information constitutes of itself very good for
opposition any Legislation by Congress these Terrific
res until il be obtained. But SIR have much graver
reasons than this for myopposion to the Territorial bill which
was rejected the other day in this House, my motion. It
is object at this time speak upon that measure which
some gentlemen are Pleased to call the compromise BILL"
but which might be more properly entitled Articles of Captu
laon the part of the South. So far from being com
PROMISE the bill proposed nothing short of abandonment
the position Of the Souh ard surrender Of the just rights
OF her people to equal participation in the acquisitions
Of territory. The surrender corert but it was no less
complete and absolute.
This intend to show Never was any measure more
grossly nsnamed mscaled II was no compromise in any
sense Of the word. compromise is mutual yielding Of
rights for the purpose adjusting and settling differences and
difficulties But in this case, there such mutual
cession The whole question to be left in the last resort
to the Supreme Court Of the United States upon whose dec
sion one party was either TO get all lose ALL And
tanning not the slightest doubt that under the South
lose ALL adopted the speedest and eectual means of
defeating it.
gentleman from Virginia, the other day, (Mr. BArLr
minated that the bill laid upon the table for party effect
and Tor party purposes and he seemed TO express great
greet at the defeat OF the Sir far the action Of
this House concerned for nobody but nv
self undertake TO answer for party, partisan, and
other know not by what motives others were ac-
uaed perhaps the motives different and numer-
the members themselves. But, far as was con-
cerned tell the gentleman from Virginia and the coun-
try, that governed by deliberate judgment upon
the real character Of the and trust shall be able
to show him and the country that understood what do
ing when met that bill with firm resistance the very
threshold OF your action Ii in my opinion Just such
measure in this House from any quarter ought
have voted for, and particularly from the South
And this sir affirm, in the first place. BECAUSE while il
was urged compromise and settlement of the agating
question which greatly dstracs the public mind il
really settled nothing but opened wide the door for greater
and more alarming excitement Those gentlemen Of the North
who advocated it. claimed ii complete triumph OF their
principles while those Of the South suppose were prepar-
ed to to their constituents and tell them that it fully
ed all their rights. Now cir, do believe in compromises
settlements that fully and clearly and distinctly un-
derstood on both sides at the time.
What is the point Of difference between the two great
sections Of the Union The North insists upon the policy Of
excluding the institutions of the South from the whole Of the
new Territories while the South contends that she is in Jus.
ce, entitled TO equal share Of whatever country be
acquired by the blood and treasure OF all And how
was this difference proposed 10 be compromised and settled
Simply by the adoption Of measure upon the meaning and
import Of which leading both Sides at the time diff
ered as widely they did upon the main question itself SO
lar from settling the question, "poung oil upon the
bled waters such could but have multiplied diff
cues increased excitement and "added fuel to the fame
this reason in my judgment the bill should have met ia
vo from quarter The real question: the great issue be-
tween the two sections Of the country has met sooner
later, and shifting of responsibility in order to get post
ponement for the purpose Of carrying Presidential election
relieving candidate from almost universally condemn.
ed position, will successfully evade IT, And when il met
want il met fairly and squarey.
But in the second place. Mr. Speaker, is my object
show that for far greater and controlling reasons
Southern should have voted for that measure do
often make sectional appeals upon this ooneve unless
repe attacks, 10 maintain what believe TO be right and
just Ia this instance feel bound 10 do So no less in obed-
ence to my inclination than from sense Of duty 10 those
whose honor and interests have been conded TO my charge
And that duty shall this day discharge faithfully and
essy let the consequences be what they may That BILL