Democratic banner., 1849-07-02

was the first bill of the kind ever passed, and
marks an important stage in the progress of sg-
and entertainments in reference to
slavery in the territorial aspect of the subject
1t has given a new and powerful impulse to the
aboiitionists. Instead Of resting satisfied with
SO great a step in their progress, they are now
urging with greater zeal than ever towards the
accomplishment of the object they have in view.
OF the truth of this, we have ample evidence in
what has occurred already in the House of Rep
resentatives, where the popular feelings are soon
est and most intensely felt.
Although it has been in session but little more
than one month, a greater number Of measures OF
an aggressive character have been introduced
there, and they more aggravated and dangerous,
than any have been for years before. And what
clearly discloses whence they take their origin, Is
the fact that they all relate 10 the territorial as.
pect of the subject Of slavery, or some other OF
a nature and character intimately connected with
it. The first of this series of aggressions is a
resolution introduced by a member from Massa-
chusetts, the object Of which is to repeal all acts
or parts of acts which recognise the existence
lof slavery, or authorize the selling and dispos.
ing Of slaves in this District. On question Of
80 against leave. The next was a resolution Of
lleICu ny d ucHlOCI iIOlI OHIOs ~
COMMITTEES on Territories to report forthwithb bills
for excluding slavery from California and New
Mexico.t 1t passed by a vote of l07 to 3d.
That was followed by bill introduced by anoth-
er member from Ohio, TO take the votes of the
inhabitants of this District on the question wheth-
er slavery within its limits should be abolished,
The bill provided, according to the admission
of the mover, that free negroes and slaves should
vote. On the question 10 lay the bill on the Ia
bic the votes stood--for, lO6; against, 10. To
this succeeded the resolutions Of a member from
New York, in the following Words:
"Whereas the traffic now prosecuted in this
metropolis of the republic in human beings, as
Ichattles, is contrary tn natural justice and the
fundamental principles Of our political system
and is VIGOROUSLY a rsproach t" our country
Throughout Christendom, and a serious hindranct
to the progress Of republican liberty, among The
nations of the earth. Therefore
"Resolped, That the Committee for the Dis
Itricr of Columbia be instructed to report a bill, a.
soon as practicable, prohibiting the slave trade
lin said District
r On the question of adopting the resolution, thu
votes stood SO for, and SO against. He was fol
lowed by a member from Illinois, who offered
resolution for abolishing slavery in the terrific
ries, and all places where Congress has exclu'
sive powers Of legislation; that is, in all forts
magazines, a~rsenals, dock yards, and other need
full buildings, purchased by Congress with tht
consent of the Legislature of the State.
This resolution was passed over, under
the rules Of the House, without being put
to vote.
The votes in favor of all these measures
were confined to the members from the
ln0rfharn CfoSoa Gorl conStal ne those al
both parties. There are some patriotic
members from that section who voted a.
gainst all of them, and whose high sense Of
justice is duly appreciated.
We have now brought to a close a mar
%raiive of the series of acts of aggression and
Iencroachment n cted with the subject OF
this address, including those that are con-
sumated and those still in progress. They
are numerous, great, and dangerous, and
threaten with destruction the greatest and
most vital of all the interests and institutions
Of the South. Indeed, it may be doubted
whether there is a single provision, stipu-
~lation, or guaranty of the constitution, in
tended for the security of the South, that
has not been rendered perfectly nugatory.
1t may even be made a serious question,
whether the encroachments already made,
without THE aid of any other, would not, if
permitted to operate unchecked, end in g.
Emancipation, and that at no distant day
But be that as it may, it hardly admits Of a
doubt that, if the aggressions already COM
menced in the House, and now IN progress,
should be consummated, such in the end
would certainly be the consequence.
I Since reported to the House.