Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1848-08-05
COMPROMISE OF THE SLAVERY
QUESTION --

The proceedings OF the Senate on the Is,
were of great interest. On that day, Mr..
Clayton. from the select committee on the
slavery question made report, accompanied
by bill for the organization of the Terri
tories of Oregon, California and Mexico.
No special report was made, but we annex
the remarks of Mr.. Clayton on presenting
the subject to the Senate. a..
The National Intelligencer thus alludes
to these proceedings:
Our readers are apprized that one Of the most
important Of these questions which sometimes arise
as if to try the strength and durability Of our
Union, was referred to The select Committee OF
eight members in the Senate of the United States
on the 18th instant. In the formation of this
committee every sectional interest was consulted
and represented, and each OF the political dvs.
ions had an equal weight
We may easily suppose that the most opposite
views were presented and defended by the dis,n-
gushed Senators who formed this Committee; and
those who were best informed of the inherent diff
6cuties which stood in the way OF an adjustment:
and favorable report, had but faint hope that this
question could be; settled during the present SEES
sion. And yet many ardent friends OF The Union
and Of their country, Wing and Democratic, were
of opinion that by deferrng an adjustment the diff
fculties attending it would increase greater ex
acerbation would ensure; and that geographical
parties would arise, endangering at no distant day
that union OF free and independent States which
can alone ensure peace at home and reposs abroad
This Committee, however, yesterday reported
bill which we sincerely hope will put this ques
ton forever to rest. This bill proposes to esab.
fish Governments for the Territories of Oregon,
California, and New Mexico, upon such princi>
Piles of universal Justice and constitutional right
as it is hoped will challenge the approval Of every
calm and rejecting mind.
The bill provides Territorial Government for
Oregoa-continuiDg inforce the laws which have
been passed by the present temporary Govern.
ment until the Legislature, 10 he created by this
act. shall pass other laws in conformity to the
wishes and interests Of the people whom they will
represent.
As it regards New Mexico and California, it
provides for each government such as that first
given to the Michigan Territory; but at the same
time restraints those Territories from passing any
laws on the subject OF slavery. freedom of religion
or importing the right of the United States to the
unoccupied lands Whatever rights of property
are TO be enjoyed by persons removing 10 those
Territories. derived from the Constitution and
Laws Of the United States. are to be referred to
and decided by the Judicial Power OF the United
States. subject TO an appeal from the courts with.
in the Territories 10 the Supreme Court Of the U.
States.
Hence it is apparent that the rights and claims
o. the North and the South on the subject OF
slavery are reversed; and without giving the sane
ton Of the United States to further extension
Of the territory in which slavery will be recosni
zed, the future character OF those States will de.
pend on the character, the habits, and the wishes
OF the people who shall hereafter form the State
Constitutions for the Territories.
We sincerely trust that this scheme. proceed
ing as it undoubtedly does from the most patriotic
motives, may put on end forever to question
from the agitation Of which alone the enemies OF
our great and glorious Union derive any hope of
succeeding in their insane purposes.