The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-09-17

the Territory The sixth section however provides that
all laws passed by the Governor and Legislative Assem-
shall be void and of effect II such an act OF repeal
should be passed, il would bring the question again be-
fore Congress for It's approval dsapproval Such
art certainly very unlikely TO be passed by the legsa
live authority of the Territory STILL the positive plohi-
bon contained IN the ordinance of 1887 is preferable
making hna disposition of the question; and it is in
accordance with the whole legislation of the country in
| respect to Tenor les situated like this shall there
fore, at proper tme unless other does
offer an amendment 10 that effect
lregret exceedingly Mr. President, to have taxed the
patience OF the Senate long but believed per
forming duty to high principles, and TO the State have
~ part The honor to represent and no ration could
induce me to shrink from the performance OF H.
Before conclude, desire to state some positions
which took last winter in discussing what was termed
he three million bill thought then, and think stil
hat they constitute the only practical and reasonable
basis for the settlement OF thus question They were
these:
l. An external interference with slavery in the States
violation of the compromises OF the constitution, and
dangerous to the harmony and perpetuy OF the federal
Union
should in respect to slavery be received is found
If slavery therein at the time of the acquisition il
should not be the subject of legislation by Congress On
the other hand, II slavery does not exist therein at the
OF the acquisition, lis Introduction ought to be pro-
hibed while the territory continues to be governed as
such
g. All legislation by Congress in respect TO slavery in
the territory belonging the United States, to be
operative when the inhabitants permitted 10 form
State governments and the admission OF State into the
Union with it, by force of the sovereignty such
admission coniers the right to dispose of the whole ques
on of slavery at its discretion without external inter-
ference.
These positions were in substantial accordance as
supposed with the declared opinions of the Legislature OF
New York and they have been recently reafirmed so
far the exclusion of slavery from territory in which
does not now exist is concerned.
believe this to be the only just equal and reasonable
basis on which this question can be amicaby settled
Such result may he hopeless. Extreme views both
sides may defea, all adjustment of it friendly terms
If So shall have the consolation of rejecting that while
my opinions lie between those extremes-whle they
have been advanced trust, in language can
deem offensive, they have been maintained with sead
ness which ought always to accompany settled convic-
lions Of right and duty.
Mr. President, conclude by saying for New York.
think am authorized TO say by her Legislative resolu-
lions, that while she will adhere seadfasily to all the
compromises of the constitution, and while she will re-
sst all interference with slavery in the States
,horzed and dsoganzing, she will consent to its
extension 10 territory in whch it does not exist and
especially where it is now prohibited On the contrary,
she will, in every constitutional mode oppose all such
extension, as of evil tendency in government, wrong in
itself and repugnant to the humanity and the civilization
OF the age