The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-01-14

The following liberal article is extracted from the Pitts
burg Morning Post of the 18th inst II oucres ihs move
ments upon this District in the proper spirit ne Posi-
is perfectly right in saying that Congress derives s pow
ers from the constitution what it authorizes them TO do,
they have the power to do-nohing more; and that "a
strict construction is (of eourse) always the safest for the
country" How different is this from the message Of
Governor Johnston OF Pennsylvania, who contends
that the constitution "permits slavery IN the States
where il at that time existed and that, because 1t beas
an TIA paia and expressive page agreement Tor the
further extension, therefore Congress may forbid it,
This we repeat is reversing the whole theory OF the
stutjou which gives only certain limited powers to
Congress- and therefore, what is not deeg sted, pro
hibted to it," and is PRESERVED to the States epecyey
or to the people" ,.,t4
SLAVERY IN THE DsrRicr OF COLUMBIA Considerable
emf prevails in the public mind, trou ghoul the
nv in relation the proposition recently Introduced in
Congress abolish slavery in the District OF Columbia
This quite there has been no subject since
the organization OF the government which has tendency
AZ nucb II, 10 disturb the peace of beloved Union
Every good citizen deap regret the agitation OF this
question as good possibly out OF it, and unm
tied may be the result Slavery we admit the
curse that the fair character OF the Ame
Can Union but il existed at the formation Of present
system of government and still, exists by force OF the
pact which was then entered into between the various
sc,ion of the nion Maryland and Virginia, two slave
a- ceded TO the Union scrip OF land, ten miles square
Known Inv the ame of the Dstric OF Columbia In this
nj strict the inhabitants retained ali eir original rights in
regard to the subject of slavery. .,.
Now the question arises, Has Congress the power legally
to abolish slavery the District of Columbia The powers
of Congress are extremely limited, and are derived from
the constitution of the United States What that consltu
ton authorizes Congress To do they have the Poptr 10 do
nothing more strict construction of the constitution Is
always the safest for the country and thus viewing that
sflxn If tina nnIOn fhuf cpp
no such powers upon Congress Besides being the national
legislature of the country Congress are the local Legislature
tie District hence they the agents servants of
the inhabitants of the District, and should not any
law, in relation thereto which the citizens of the District
do not expressly authorize and request them opass For
Congress 10 undertake force laws upon the people OF the
District without their consent, is species OF tyranny
which every thinking man must condemn as wrong
The people the District of Columbia have not requested
Congress- to abolish slavery therein The proposition og
mated with few Hospurs in The House OF Representatives
who are extremely fond of notoriey and live and baen
the midst of excitement
ssThe time will come (and ferventiy hope that 1t Is
not far disan when slavery will be abo.ishea not Only
in the District of Columbia, but in many States oil the
Union where it now exists. Public opinion upon this
subject is undergoing radical change The s.vehod
ers themselves in many places, admit that it is WI ons 10
buy and sell human beings, like cattle in Market and had
il not been the violent conduct Of the pseudo phlanth
ps two or three States of the Union would long since
have abolished slavery within their limits OF this there
is no manner doubt Let Congress further this
subject than constitution of the country authorizes them
to ACT there danger of the peace and harmony
the Union being continually disturbed.