Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1845-1851, 1848-12-26

IL the House Of Representatives., on tde subject Z
N.QrevU.

S.arery.
I'm. SPEAKER In moving resume the conside
ration off, M Is JOINT resolution on the subject OF
slavery" my object the consideration and speedy
passage of that resolution. Already have the terrific
RES Of California and New Mexico petltioned Con-
gress upon the subec Of territorial governments. and
1 think necessity now exists for speedy action on
tins subject. ! am surprised ut the course pursued
by gentlemen, differing politics from myself.
ths subject. The gentleman from Wayne. (Alr.
JuI.an.) the first TO introduce resolutions on this
SUBJECT and 10 urge the necessity of their speedy pas
sage. Other resolutions were introduced by other
gentlemen, TINS subject, aud al were referred 10
select committee composed OF member from each
Congressional district. This committee reported
No. Il, JOINT ,luion the subject of slavery"
and recommended it, passage. Notwithstanding the
prOfeSSeG solicude OF those gentlemen for speedy ac-
ton this subject fad these gentlemen
seeking to reard the passage OF this resolution,
by trying 10 substitute others and by moving to
commit with Instructions and await the tardy notion
Of said Committee.
The conStitutonaiiy of the application of the ordi-
Of ISL to the territories of California and
New Mexico may well be doubted Gentlemen who
have advocated II, consttutlonali,y applicable
such territories, have based their arguments solely
upon precedent Let ; carefully examine those pre-
cedenis. When the Northwest territory, which en-
brnced what - known AZ the States Of ONO In
diana, Illinois. Michigan and Wisconsin,. was, in
r.. Vf,J
Virginia, II slave territory; and slavery being
peculiarly State institution. Virginia had u right
permit the Incorporation of the oh section. and the
federal government had right h insist on the moor
poason Of such section IN the articles of cessOn And
far It's cOnstutIonalty concerned. it is now
wholly nmateraI the ordinance of 1871. having
been passed two years before the adoption Of the pre-
constitution of the United States and sanctioned
by II, hence Congress might with proprlety, in the
organization of any territory, with view OF It's be-
coming State, within the II ATS Of said Northwest
territory, reairm said ordinance. But when you pass
beyond such territory, Congress must look to the
stuIon alone for is power and authority TO legsate
on this, well as all oter Subjects and 10 pre-
cedeut. BY reference :, art u. States,
which defines the general powers OF Congress, their
authority to leglsaie on this subject the territories
cannot be found. Turning then, the last clause of
Sec 3, art A. cons. u States, II Is provided that Con-
gress shall have full power TO dispose Of and max all
needul rules and regulations respecting the territory
other property belonging to the United States &c.
II urged BY those gentlemen, that this clause Of the
constitution gives 10 Congress full power 10 legslae
for and indeed, the absolute control of the territories,
now. and IN all time To come. doctrine aniagonstic
in all lis practical bearings to the independence Of
the States and to their ights-a doctrine Mt war with
the Declaration Of lndependence-a doctrine at war
with the very genius Of institutions. and one fit
only to be advocated by those who MAINTAIN the right
of kings and mobiles to rule by divine authority doc
trlne, which, in these United States has found IFS
only advocates in the federal party, under the lead OF
Alexander Hamilton and John Adams.
In order 10 come To correct understanding of this
Clause oil the constitution, II Is only necessary to bea
mind the obvious distinct territories
aud :" naturnl persons. The constitution does not.
did, recognize slavery as federal ins,itu-
,ion and 1t IS only by the municipal law Of State
tina, II can have any existence even there
The 9th and 10Th articles amendatory Of the consti-
tuition, provide " the enumeration IN the constitution
of certain rights, shall be construed to DENY or
dlsparage Others retained by the people," and tina,
tie powers not delegated to inc Uniied State, by The
constitution, nor prohibited by 1t To the States,
served to the States respectively, to the people,.
The constitution in itself being grant Of power, the
people and the States the grantors, the agent gran
tee the fedora. government exercise power
not clearly granted by that instrument. And we look
vain 10 that sacred charter Of our liberties for the
authority commended for by these gentlemen.
am apologist for slavery. and here in my place
state, as have stated elsewhere I regard ii as q
moral and political evil. and therefore unwilling
10 see il extend its blighng influence into the fail