The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-09-06
CONGRESSIONAL.
REMARKS OF MIR. YULEE.

States in acquired territory.
Mr. Dickinson of New York having submitted, on the
inh December, lSi7, the following resolutions:
Rssored That policy requires the government of the
United strengthen its political and commercial re-
aons upon this continent by the xaton of such con
uguous territory as may condnce to that end and be-
lty obtained and that neither in such acquisition nor
ia the territorial organization thereof any condition be
eoDsnuonay imposed institutions be provided for or
established inconsistent wh the right OF the people thereof
form free sovereign Sa,e, with the power and priv
leyes of the original members of the eoniederacy
Rsoired That ia organizing territorial government for
territory belonging to the United States, the principles of
,efgoveDment upon which federative system rests
will be best promoted tue true spirit and meaning the
constitution be observed and the confederecy strengthen
ed by leaving all questions concerning the policy
therein TO the Legislatures chosen by the people thereof
Mr. YuLrE, the 18th January, submitted, as a sub
slue for these resolutions, the followings
Resolved, That the territory belonging to- or which may
acquired by the United States is, the property
of the Union and sovereignty the same vests The
Rsoved. further That the federal government has no
delegated authority, the territorial community any in
sad territories by which the equal right OF all the
The un,ed States to acquire and enjoy any OF the
common property may bs impaired or embarrassed.
Mr. YULEE addressed the Senate in explanation and
support OF his resolutions as follows:
has seemed 10 due to all the interests involved
that there be clear understanding OF the position of all
parties in this country upon the question which these
resolutions relate So far the senator from New York
and those who agree with him, design repudiate the
pressing its prevalence in the North, they entitled to
profound thanks; and Join in commencing the spirit
with which they have sought to advance towards sat
sfacory adjustment of differences But it is impossible
for me to close my eyes to the TACT that although various
approaches have been made since the last session. the
direction OF the constitution. of these attempts have
reached point satisfactory to the public mind aud we
TO all practical intents very much where we stood at
the last session. ...- - f-e
What is it in the principles of the Wimot Proviso tina,
eycles so justly the alarm and Indignation of the south.
States OF the Union? That Proviso contemplate the
exclusion OF the people of portion of The States OF the
Union from the use OF acquisitions obtained through the
md h,tf tho ,l,In l.
by resting this discrimination upon ground injurious to
the moral pride and dignity of the South 1t strikes at
The security OF property in the southern States by aiming
to surround them with Gordon of States having anago
mist institutions; and threatens the security of their
rights BY disturbing the political equilibrium OF the two
gea! sections OF the Union On these accounts, the Will
mot Proviso is justly regarded, by large portion of the
people OF the Uhion odous attempt to insult to be-
Tray and TO nlure them 1t is feared as an attack upon
the compromises Of the constitutions and execrated
dsurbcr OF the harmonies of the Union. In its incep-
uon aud its application, and in all its aspects is dis
tasteful to all who, viewing it as do. reverence the
unon respect the rights of the States or set any value
upon the dignity OF citizenship 1t is needless for me to
say, that as iiege citizen of southern Sate can lend
no aid directly or indirectly, to results injurious as
those involved IN the Wilmo Proviso combine in
political effort with any party which, in the remotest de-
gree, suffers Its faint to rest upon it
Since the last session of Congress- several propositions
for settlement of the question have been advanced from
distinguished quarters. For one heartily thank them
all for the noble spirit of independence and Justice which
they have exhibited disposition to Practise But their
advocates of their opinions, results practically the
as those of the Wmo Proviso. 1t becomes important
therefore, 10 explore still further the field of the con-
sulntion fora secure foundation TO our rights
The two leading propositions to which will refer be-
cause they seem to comprehend in their scope all the
rest,
First The Missouri compromise line as the rule of set
lement; and
Secondly transfer OF the question to the inhabitants
OF the territory.
Neither OF these satisfies me- Legislative compromise
Is the most unsafe and shifting ground upon which the
rights OF people No other evidence of this is
necessary than is furnished by the fate of the tariff CON-
Congress upon this very Missouri compromise The
constitution furnishes the enduring and steady basis
OF night and the legislation of Congress is incompetent
to modify or compromise the terms of this fundamental
compact; Tor otherwise the creature may control the
creator.
Nor is the proposed transfer of the question to the in
haoants OF the territory less Objectionable II is not
only IN conflict with the duties and authority of Con-
sess but 1t resigns to the first few persons who chance
De upon acquired territory the whole disposition of the
destiny OF our territorial possessions
ne lnsufcency OF either of these plans to avert the
evil effects of the Wmot principle seems to be conceded
y Their respective advocates, who, while they paroti-
acr' doubtless from honest convictions grounds which
Mey acknowledge must produce the practical re-
sas They hold, that because the laws of Mexico pro-
D slavery 1t could never exist in territory acquired
ron her, unless expressly established or authorized by
congress and one branch OF them assign the inhab
AUS OF me territory an original right OF Legislation
slavery thus denying to Congress the power to legs-
ae Tor the protection of citizens in the Territories of
the United States -
VI course, the repeal of the restriction depended upon
.hsress, 1t would be in the power of the North to con-
ol lhe question: as they have settled majority in the
ouse OF Representatives, Or if the question was left to
the inhabitants of the territory those who were transfer
ied with i, would fix its destiny as non-saveholdng
eory oy continuing the restriction and excluding the
settlement of shareholders 49,
lnir fULEE referred to sundry evidences to show that
ue were the views and acknowledged antlcpatons en-
erlalned upon the subject. by many who were resist
ns lhe agitation OF the Wmot Provi.o in the north
Mr. proceeded Thus it will be seen that both these
same practical result the Wilmot Proviso-namey
m shcclement OF the South By belt of nom slavehold-
peIIN and existence ~ f'0N
Inc only difference can see is in the temper which is
h,1,eu' While the advocates of Wilmotism march
81 y up, with hostile spirit, to the violent immolaton
VI lne States OF the South, the advocates of the other
peposnons acting, as believe, under an erroneous
ePuoh OF the constitution invite us TO aid in our own
'1auoh' mus converting the execution into (eO de
a. however we may estimate their respective motives
laai ELECTS would be the same, and therefore with
'q u decision TO be repeed
'SesihS That is the right of citizen of the south
n,sd a YES 70 go upon any territory belonging the
suned States which is opened to occurtion and 10
ue upon 1t securely with his slaves aud other proper
AVN ",uei tie guarantees OF the constitution; and be-
h w, lurther that Congress is bound to throw over
sheld OF Its protection the enioyment of this
ds against disturbance from any quarter, deem il
ea ue Slate represent to dispute the opinions which
b "cl win my belief And engage in the discussion
,a W readily, IRON the conviction that, the advo-
a these doctrines manifest purpose to plant them
fr,,n NJ no