Weekly national intelligencer., 1848-07-29

of general interest Were they to do So should be read
to commit them to that fate TO which distinguished Senate
from Indiana (Mr Hannegan) anxious to consign Mr.
Polk should be abandon the line Of $40 40 in the Oregon
depth Of inamy from which the hand Of
econ would raise hem. Let look at the courss
Of the Senate the question which before them
the slavery compromise When committee appointed
TO take charge Of this question: did they wait 10 know wha
might be opinions upon the subject No. they wen
to work like and Senators, guided by their opinions
independent branch of the Government and seeking
give effect the dictates of their judgments and the
counses and to settle question which may be amos
considered big with the fate Of Rome itself l-wil
say Mr. Speaker, in passing that am inclined to give my
support to the proposition which they have introduced in the
Senate, not only because exceedingly anxious TO bring
this vexed question amicable adjustment but because
have much confidence in the prudence and wisdom of the dis
tinguished who compose the committee. shall reserve
10 myself however, the right to investigate the subject and
to take such my own judgment shall suggest
We should egislae in this hall, repeat, Mr. Speaker,
upon opinions and judgment and ideas OF
the rights Of the people and the provisions Of the constitution
When any proposed becomes not to inquire
argue here in places either whether the President
the Senate may be in favor Of it. but whether is proper and
right in ITSELF and calculated promote the interests of the
country Let this be always coaise, and need
fear stand before constituents though should differ
in opinion with the President the Senate BOTH Tnee
might be and proprety in members of this House seek
ing to interchange opinions in private intercourse, with those
belonging the other together they constitute the Legs
latve department Of the Government and Il is very NATURAL
of experience and character should have weight in the
formation of opinions But while such might be the
case there would be universal burst Of indignation here
the supporters opponents any TO seek to deter
from voting according to judgments, by
ing inmatng that the Senate would certainly undo
nuly work, and that were, therefore, expendng
time TO no effect How much more loudly and Indignantly
ought to raise voices against the position assumed
either directly indirectly, the other side, in reference
the probable nay almost CERTAIN exercise Of the reto power
by the President il persist in retaining obnoxious
ton in this bill In assuming this position, these gentlemen
may believe that they taking democratic groundha they
acting in conformity with the spirit and letter Of free
constuton-hat they guarding the Independence Of this
House and the rights Of the people but cannot, for my life
bring myself 10 the conclusion cannot but think that
the effect Of their course if they succeed, will be to destroy
the strongest buwak which is yet e to against the
croachmens of the President and produce combination
Of functions of distinct and independent character, in the
Executive already become arfuy powerful from lis station
and its patronage.
Whatever others may do, Mr. Speaker shall not wait to
learn whether the President will this bill because the APP
preparation for the Savannah river may be retained and the
threats of such result will have influence upon my
conduct.
Mr. MEADE here asked the gentleman from Tennessee if
in his opinion the President ought the BILL should he
think it contained unconstitutional propositions
Mr.. BARROW. Certainly but that is not the question
here. contend that have right know, to
inquire beforehand what the President may deem constitu
ona or otherwise what may be his in reference
any particular which may become the subject of
legislation in this hall What he may have done heretofore
Of what he may do hereafter with him
self for which he alone, and not will be responsible. II
may be that there something in the proposed appropriation
which may give different character, in his estimation
from the internal Improvement measures he has previously
vetoed The fact that the distractions ia the Savannah
placed there by the Confederation and with the inen
ton of preventing the approach Of hostile fleet flourish
ing Southern city, may furnish him with good plausible
for giving his assent 10 bill containing pro-
visions for the support Of the civil and diplomatic portions Of
Iof, thaxx nf
and the salaries Of his Cabinet. Other may infu-
bis course, he may have the manness to
knowledge change Of opinion upon this great subject in
which the people feel so deep interest At all events it is
not business duty forego opinions,
surrender rights because he may possibly probably,
apply that kngy prerogae, which he is fond of usng
to smother of interest and importance, which
majority OF this House may deem proper and constitutional
Let him act he peases let him the BILL and thus
the words Of gentlemen the other side, stop the
wheels OF Government" for one, humble and undistin
guished as am, win be ready the issue go be-
fore the peopeas The advocate Of the independence and dig
nifty Of their representatives against the dctaon nterie
of the Executive department.
shall vote Mr.. Speaker for the motion reconsider,
which have doubt will prevail shall then oppose any
sort that may be made TO strike the Objectionable"
section The bill will most probably pass the House with this
section 10 it. II will then 60 the Senate and should il be
passed there, will be to the President According the
predictions threats Of Of his friends it will be
ed to this House with his objections The effort viii ploba
bly, be made 10 pass his head the requisite toods
VOTE and should that effort fail it will then become duty
determine what further steps the interests Of the country
may require to take.
This is the simple aud direct course, sir, which the cons
tuition points out and which becomes the representa-
ves Of the people pusue without being stopped
ed asde for moment by the apprehension the threat that
abors may be rendered uess by the will and power Of
man, who, though President is yet thank God
absolute King Whatever may be his conduct LET do
duy and the result to the verdict OF those to whom he
Is amenabe, well oursevesa free and intelligent people
who be their political predictions what they may,
consent approve Executive encroachmen supaon