Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-06-30

THIS Is not applicable to the nliiDtioh Oh save
nv in territories; and furthermore, it is an ar
gument nd hominem Ell women, which has al
ways been held contrary to sound logic.
NUMBER II.
Briefly, then, am opposed to the exercise
"of any jurisdiction by Congress over this mat
"ter; and am in favor of leaving to the people
"of any territory, which may be hereafter ac-
"qured, the right to regulate it themselves, I'M
der the general principles of the Constitution,
Because"
"l. I do not sec in the Constitution any grant
"of the requisite power to Congress, &C.,
Cass's Letter.
NoTE At is not my purpose to discuss
great Constitutional question. 1t has already
been done by men whose abilities are not to be
questioned. The hour of discussion is past.
SO far as Legitimate action can settle question
of this kind. it has been SETTLED. 1t is my pur-
pose to place tacts and results, side by side, with
the opinions Of Lewis Cass. In the light of
these facts, behold him. On one side, is the &C.
ton of the government from the days of its foun-
dation, on the other, the opinions expressed in
this letter. With the clear results of the pow
erful discussion on the Missouri question, weigh
the title argument of Lewis Cass. Under the
above declaration Of his, let the ordinance of
1887 be considered.
This ordinance has formed the model, in most
respects, of all our territorial governments, and
is remarkable for its mastery display of the
fundamental principles of civil and religious
liberty. 1t passed while the Convention that
formed the Constitution was in session. There
is every reason to believe that it had powerful
influence in bringing about the adoption of the
Constitution. For two difficult questions to ad-
just, were those Of the admission of States, and
the slave representation. These, so far as the
territories were concerned, this ordinance final
ly adjusted. 1t was unanimously adopted. Now,
was it inconsistent with the Constitution p
then, most early it was repealed by that instru-
ment. Butt the Convention intended to re.
peal it, they would have done so. Yet imme.
datey after, when many of those who framed
the Constitution were members of Congress, the
supplement to this ordinance, we are told. wa.
adopted.-Was it, then, unconstitutional Wa.
it an ordinance applicable to particular ;crr
tory. and, having performed it Office, is it func
tas o0icio3 Was it passed under certain " i'm
perious circumstances ~ know this ordinance
was once pronounced rash assumption
know Mr.. Cass talks of an existing necessity
and hints at rather violent impcaton;' bu
all these .hings are now too late. That no
bic monument to the purity of a patriots heart
to the genius Of high-souled statesman ant
jurist, has received the repeated sanction of The
Congress of this Union. Heaven forbid, thai
motives of low ambition, or plots ofdemagogues
shall weaken its spirit and betray its prnc
pies!
| This is the noble language of the ordinance
And for extending the fundamental princ
spies Of civil and religious liberty, which form
"the basis whorcon these republics, their laws
"and Constitution are erected to fix and es.
"tabish those prime Piles as the basis of all laws
4" Constitutions, and governments, which forever
thereafter shall be formed ID said territory; to
"provde, also, for the establishment Of States
"and permanent government therein, and for
" their admission to a share in the federal coun-
cells on an equal footing with the original
Estates. at as early periods as may be consist
"ent with the general interest
"lt is hereby ordained and declared, by the
"authorty aforesaid, That the following arti-
" clcs shall be considered as articles Of compact,
"between the original States and the people
'and States in the said territory, and forever
"remain unalterabe, unless by common con-
sent;'-
And this is the language of the Sixth Arti-
ticle -
"There shall be neither slavery nor involun-
"tary servitude in the said territory, otherwise
"tlan in the punishment of crime, whereof the
"party shall have been duly convicted"
And this is the language of the act Of Con-
gress March G, 1s20.*-
al Sec. VIII. In all territory ceded by France
to the United States, under the name of Louis.
lana, which lies North of thirty-six degrees and
thirty minutes North latitude, not within the
limits of the State contemplated by this act
slavery and involuntary servitude, otherwise
than in the punishment OF crime, whereof the
parties shall have been duly convicted, shall be,
and is hereby, forever prohibited"
Unfortunate man Was it "existing necessi-
ty,' or s. imperious circumstances" that at this
time led to this rather "violent implication"
Are you making master strokes for the presiden-
cy, or death strokes to the Constitution, and the
long cherished hopes of the free portion of this
Union? Most noble slave, do you presume to
quote the language Of the father of his country
to exhort FREEMEN to betray the heritage of their
fathers? Wear thy shackles and thy honors,-
Greet the Constitution with kiss, and deny it
ere the cock crow once. How are you not
worthy of the pity of those, who have souls and
hearts to love their country, more than place
or official honors, or party, and would sooner
make its flag their winding Sheet than thus,
without necessity, hide the black demon in its
glorious folds!
CIVIS NATUS.
THE Missouri Compromise.