The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-12-05


and thus secure to this new republic on the Pacific the
glory, the prosperity, the rational progress which have
shed such ustre around that founded upon the shore oil
the Atlanuc
with great propnety explained to the Senate the position
IN which he is placed on this subject connected with
his friend General Cass not now member of this body
The subject bearing the opinions and prospects OF
both Gen Cass and Gen TAYLOR has been often adverted
to In this debate While am yet my feet desire to
say word OF two on this aspect of the debate.
speak of absent from this chamber with every
feeling Of respect, and with some reluctance 1t is I'D,
and believe truly that General Cass has within the last
two years entertained two opinions this subject the
in direct conflict with the other In other words, he
has changed his opinion respecting it. Whereas he was at
one tune in favor of extending the ordinance OF 1887 over
all terrory he denies the power OF Congress
legislation by inerposing his veto His position, at pres
emit Is fixed But, sir this facility IN forming and chang
ing opinions, in gentleman at his time OF life, gives
some nope tina. IN the future ne may no. oSnGasy per,
change in the two past years his opinion gives hopeful
expectation that he may change back in the two years to
come AS Major Dussld passy would say ne W WI,
the whole subject is 10 be given over to the Unlimited
discretion of the territorial legislatures AS TO General
Taylors position in regard to this and all like subjects OF
domestic policy, here declare that if did not consider
him pledged, by his published letter to Captain ALISON
not 10 nerpose his veto on such subjects OF legsaon
be certainly coa not get my vote, nor do believe that
Mr. HANNEGAN. | would like to be informed by the
Senator from Ohio, he has referred TO Gen Cass's
position and he about to give his support to General
TAYLOR If he give General Tayors views the
subject and what his opinions be- as expressed IN his
message to Congress-
Mr. CoRwIN. | cannot
Mr.. HANNEoAN. | understand the senator from Ohio
10 say that If General Taylor would in,erpose veto
upon the subject, he would not vote for him under any
circumstances.
Mr.. CoawIs l would not nor would any whis In
Ohio, unless, indeed found him opposed to Just such
another man who had great many bad qualities beside
taught But sir, have to say that 90 not oe'ieve
that General Taylor could get the electoral vote OF Tree
State in America il it not for the belief that prevails
that, upon this subject well upon any other OF do
meslic policy, where the power Of Congress had been
sanctioned by the various departments OF government
and acqulesced in by the people, ne would not through
the veto power interfere to crush the free VIII OF the
people, expressed through both branches OF Congress
repeat. sir that if Congress, having the power as de-
fined by the Supreme Court acted by Congress In va
rious shown by your legislation, sanctioned IN
so many ways and TIL now cheerally aeg'esced IN by
and extend it the three Territories in question: and
the man in the White House should ntepose his veto,
and again and again thrust his puny arm IN the way OF
the legislative power, and arrest for long time the popu-
lar will, will not say he would be impeached, tried
and (f the law SOY have his head broughto the
block Patience might in its exhaustion give way e iu eH
cial trial all fall before the summary vengeance OF an
abused and insulted people
know very we'll that the Senate is weary OF this de-
bate wish only to state another fact. which will
show what it is which brethren OF the South now de-
mand Ii you take the Of the free States and the
slave States they exist and compare hem you Will
find that the latter predominant When the constitution
was formed, and when all the territory which you then
had was brought into the Union the free States had an
excess of 100000 square miles the slave States;
but when you had acquired Louisiana, Florida. and
Texas and added them TO the Unon and when you have
added the claim of the South that they will carry their
slaves into Oregon, New Mexico, and California, what
will then be the condition of the free States' The slave
States will have one-thrd more power IN the Senate OF
the United States than the free States could ever have
Sir if this he viewed at all question OF power,
what have stated would be the exact result of yielding
to the present claim OF the South and this will be the
result unless you prohibit the introduction OF slavery
into these Territories Sir have the working OF
this system Plant thirty shareholders among three hum
dred inhabitants who not shareholders. and they will
maintain their position against the three hundred Let
suade the forty that better that the institution
should exist 1t capital and social position, opposed to
labor and poverty. How this war may wage in the fu-
ture will not say but thus far the former have ever
been an match for the latter.
But, sir, do not like this view OF such subject II 1t
merely comparison OF strength OF contest tor rela
tive power, could yield without a struggle But an
called on lay the foundations OF society over vast ex
tent OF country If this work is done wisely now ages
unborn shall bless rs, and we shall have done, IN our
day, what experience approved and duty demanded Ii
this work shall be careessly badly done, countless
millions that shall inherit that vast region will hereafter
remember our folly as their curse our names and deeds
instead of praises shall only call forth cxecraon and re-
proach In the conflict OF present opInons have listened
patiently to all Finding myself opposed to some with
whom have rarely ever differed before, have doubted
myself; re examined my conclusions; reconsidered all
the arguments either side and still obliged 10 ad
here to my first impressions. may say my long cherished
opinions If part company with some here whom
habi,uay respect still find with the of the past
whom the nations veneated. stand upon the ordinance
of 1857. There the path is marked by the blood OF the
revolution stand in company with the linen OF l7s7-
their locks wet with the msls of the Jordan which
they passed their garments purple with the waters OF the
Red Sea through which they led us of old to this land OF
promise With them to point the way, however dark the
present. hope shines upon the future; and, discerning
their foot prints my path, shall tread it with unfalter
ing trust.