New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1848-07-26
THINGS IN WASHINGTON.
speech of ,Ir. Clarke of X. 1.-The Presi-
dents Message.
Correspondence OF Inc tribune
WASHINGTON Monday, July

WASHINGTON Monday, July o.
Mr.. CLARKE Of Il. J. made this morning most
sensible practical, comprehensive speech upon
the Compromise. He discovered, with the sa-
gacity OF LAWYER, the ingenious devices by
which the question Of Slavery was indirectly toll
Grated and even strengthened in the bill while
AT the same time. he avoided the practice. too
common with the legal profession, OF resorting to
special pleading for the purpose OF puzzling rather
than convincing the mind
Mr. CLARKE Is not by profession a lawyer, but
he evinced 2 knowledge OF international law, as
well az the principles OF law Itself, that had been
credirabe 70 even distinguished members OF the
profession
He had consentea to a report OF the Compro-
mise, without pledging himself TO its support
He introduced three amendments 10 counterfeit
any unfortunate Interpretation that might attach
% the Compromise, and make It, IN truth, an ally
Of Slavery.
One that il be Incorporated IN the bill that no
act Of the Territorial Legislature OF Oregon, ad-
hitting or toleratng Slavery, shall become law
I'LL approved by both Houses OF the Congress Of
the United States
He said il had been understood aud asserted in
Congress. at the time OF the contemplated admis-
sion of Texas into the Union that Oregon was to
be admitted free How had the compact, ex-
pressed or implied, been observed
The second. that the law Of the Republic OF
Mexico Of 1857, abolshing and prohibiting Slavery
within any portion of It's Territories should be held
as ia full force by our country.
Ia this relation. Mr.. CLARKE stated that there
seemed 10 be difference oil opniona to the dicta
IL certain writers on the Laws OF Nations 10 the
purport that the laws OF a conquered country re-
main lu force til the action THE cOnquerng power
repeating them. He wished 20 remove all doubts
from the subject TAR relates 10 the liberation
Of Slavery in the acquired provinces by express
statute
The third amendment was to the effect Of I IN.
derstood nj that the right Of appeal 10 the Supreme
Court should be reserved 10 every person who
might become an inhabitant OF the new Territories
Mr. CLARKE enforced his reasons for these
amendments with good sound argument. He was
listened 70 with respectful and earnest attention
by Senators, and large audience Of outsiders
The President was graciously pleased today 10
communicate to the House an answer % Mr.
SrEPHESs' resolutions for information in regard tc
the conquered territory, Sc.
The President advises the House and the coun.
Try that the reason on which be went to war, wa.
for the settlement Of the boundary line on the
northern side Of Texas. Santa Re was an iutegra
portion Of Texas, uDiustly withheld By Mexico
Our arms have secured 20 Texas her rights, am
avenged the arrogance of Mexico. Such seemed
AZ least the character of his communication OF
the subject.
he IS satisfied that our new acquisitions vii
much more than pay for all the expenses Of th'
war, and for the price Of purchase. He seems b
Judge Of the value OF the Territory from the nun
Der Of its acres.
The men who were hung Tor shot,, in New
Mexico, richly deserved their fate, though no
guilty OF treason Such appears his ground 70
the execution Of American citizens without tria
BY Jury.
However, any person can read the message arr
| Judge for himself.