The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-12-29
THIRTlErH CONGRESS.
SECOND SESSION.
House OF Representatives.

SLAVE TRADE ~ THE DISTINCT OF COLUMBIA.
After prayer the reading OF the journal and prelim
Y The SrrAKrR announced the question to be, the
notion consider the vote BY which the folio wing
traffic prosecuted in this metropolis Of the
rlubs in human beings cfatts contrary 70 natural Jus
and ioorO1,y reProas oour country Throughout. snris
and s s.f hnS5 s s,r .nf herse
Resolved, That the Commute OF the Of Columbia be
instructed bin as soo Aprscicable prohibiting the
consideration, az entitled TO the floor He remarked
that If there improper excitement grosing out of
the adoption Of the resolution, there had been ample
time to become perfectly calm 1t was well known that
the North as well as the South entertain differe MT
o. ptims nts this question. Every vote thereon,
which had BE- taken theHouse since he had had the
honor to ocsupy a seat here. either lay on the
tbe under the operation Of the previous question:
moved nv a member of the South without giving a n
nifty for debate This wrong in priu ple
wrong those OF the North, who not disposed to
carry messuresto extremes The subject Of slavery in
the District OF Columbia was one which occupied the
ate ption Of every lover Of his country. He had
brought to bear upon IL the limited abilities Of which
he Was possessed. He had come to conclusions
which would control his action hereafter and which
would have controlled II heretofore If he had had
Cpl ort nifty for explanation He would not undertake
totpssk Tor the people OF the North he claimed no
ouch authority; he WAS invested with none; but he
would undertake to speak what be believed to be the
Sere IL = at the North that there
are PERI ops (sms in number howeverl who say they
are in favor of dissolution Of the Union unless
very be abolished in the District of Columbia There
are few in the South who, he forced to
believe were not uniavorsbet to such result unless
they maintain the balance OF power in the repub
lie. This portion, be thought. vas small likewise =
There another cl ass at the North of no merit,
seeking to acquire emipence by agitating this subject
with designs in the future. There a small at
the South, exercising equal unanimity, and with no
and south in his humble Judgment, are prepared to
make every proper sacrifice to every thing which
is consistent with the rights and interests of
the whole country, so to adjust this subject
as to save and Ierpetuate our insttutions.-
To this latter class he claimed to belong With regard
to the District OF Columbia his opinions these
the abolition of slavery would depend entirely the
will Of the people resident in the District Many Gifts
people have been thrown here without their consent,
by the action Of Maryland and Virginia, and the ge
neral government though the constituted authorities
under the constitution They have voice in the
election Of the National Legislature, but Congress has
full and ample power Of legislation them. How.
ever every principle CT right justice, and morslty
they are nabls, be REGARDED Therefore in his
opinion, slavery within this District should not be
by the request Of the people who reside
his heart. Every fibre of his frame WAS struck with
horror at this institution in all its shapes and aspects
j. the abolion Of the slave trade inhs District an
rton to this rule He humbly submitted that 1t
was He oud to reconsider the resolution, fiji
becau,e Of the Language employed in drawisnhp the
resolution and, secondly, because 1t doesenot in
dictate in what manner the prohibition is intended to
be enforced. 1t is comprehensive in its language,
would prevent any resident from. disposng Of his
slave however great might be the necessity and be-
the people of the District, which should not bUtole
rated unless with their consent or by their request
MI TUcK-I desire to ask q question. 80
The SPEAkER.-Does the gentleman from Michigan
MIR STEWART replied that If the House would not
consider him disrespectful he would 60 on without
interruption. II he had time he would not object
answering questions but he preferred to go CsGo
on go onD He should vote for reconsideration for
He doubted the propriety Of the exer-
siee Of this by Congress and he much preferred
that the municipal authorities, Of the District should
resolution be perfected because it would remain
the statute book a. precedent; he desired it to be
amended. to show TO those to come after what
the opinion of the House. Mr. Stewart quoted
the remarks Of John Rsu dolph Of Virginia, and the
slave trade in the District of Columbia ans said that
Maryland at ths day by law prohibits the traffic in
human slaves as merchandise 1t would not therefore
be deprving the people OF the District OF any rghts
which enjoyed by citizens Of the State He said
that Ii the fixed and unalterabe determination of
the North preserve the territories in such state
they came into the possession of the government
far as relates TO slavery In Louisiana, Texas AID
Florida, slavery existed when they came into the
Union; and as New Mexico and California are free,
the mutt be so maintained He glanced at the late
election esults spoke about the South not standing by
the Of the North who formerly favored them
in Congress- and said that late events had absolved
Northern men from every tie and they were now at
liberty to according to the dictates of their
consciences After advertng to other points he CON
cludtd by the remark, "As for myself, am prepared
to the question transferred to the party which is
comm into power We will then perceive whether the
interests Of the North the South will be protected
am repaired to transfer the subject to the ad.
ministrstion II they carry out what they profess, it
win be happiness to them whatever the effect may be
upon the country"
About this time, Prince John Van Buren, came into
the hail. in few moments Afterwards, he and Mr..
Giddipgs INDUCED In brief confsb
Mr.. VIEroN reminded the House that this day was
purpose Of suggesting that this subject be postponed
until day certain, when the Houee would be fuller
be .eoet table to the House. He moved therefore that
tie potpor ed until this day week. for the purpose Of
20 ng into Committee Of the Whole on the State Of
1he Union. ('Agreed, n"agreed y
Mr. GoesIN remarked that this day week had been
set apart for the consideration Of the post office bill
MIR VINTor then named this day two weeks.
Mr.. wEsTwoRrH-I move to lay the question of
consideration on the table. Ono mo" "no.'D II
any wants to speak let him introduce another
solution.
MI. c. B. smrrH-D Doe. this motion supsrseds tina.
Of the gentlman from Ohoi
The SpEAKER-lt does.
MT SMITH, wish to offer an amendmsut.
Mr.. wEsIwoR1H.oh! let the RESOLUTION stand as
II IL; It embodies the Impressions Of the members
(Hod on to your motion, John y
The SrEAKKR-Wil the gentleman from Illinois give
way for the gentleman nom Indiana!
Mr.. wEsTwoETH Vill insist my motion, and
call for the yeas and nays.
Mr. snrIH-I beg leave to ray that occupy posi-
ton somewhat peculiar ! want to make single
word Of explanation. e. Go on.n Lay the Ia
bic I" Whats The quettion.'O
NE. WEsrwoRTH-f the gentleman viii introduce
his resolution at another time will go for the pre-
vious question, and vote aye" CHATS fair ~
ton for . few moments, ] will renew it.
Members were standing up in all parts OF the House,
crying Order order" " Question, question: "Yeas
and nays" The voice Of Mr.. Smith could scarcely be
heal shove the din.
TIE srAKsR Qnock. knook)-A motion to amend
the refolution be made until the resolution is
reco psid.red.
Mr. ssIra-I merely wish to give notice of my In
teption to offer am. Bdment.
The SrEAKkR-It can be done by unanimous consent
tWhstis It! Readr @read u
Mr. JosEs OF Tennessee ri.e to question Of order
IA voice In smother part Of the hail. What does
Jonesssy '''l ssk whether q motion to lay on the
table 70 not pending?
The SpEAKER-ItM
Mr.. Josts- Then the motion must be withdrawn
before the sme noment be offered
Mr. WEsTwoRrH-I would not be doing justice to
myself II II" Go ahead 20 " Question" "Ques-
tit Is" rap, rap
Mr BI;IY-I call for the yeas and nsys on laying ON
the table.
Mr. McCtxrs.Np--Ifve override the NATHAN of tbs