Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1849-01-25
THE SLAVERY QUESTION
The Southern Caucus.

treme measures on both sides, with the papable
purpose of troubling the incoming admlnls'ra-
ton, if they can. We believe, however, mat
they arc destined to a signal defeat; that Gen.
Taylor will abide firmly by the Allison letter,
md cheerfully sign the Wilmot Proviso, if odop
ted BY Congress; that the Northern Wings will
firmly support every efficient and wise measure
70 preven, the extension of Slavery; and that
the Southern Wings as body will deuounce
,ro.sovery notification. Such, at least, are the
signs Of the times;
The editor of the Tribune, writing the day on
which the caucus was held, says:
"Bu, this much ,ciH say, for it is truth that
ought to he generally known The Southern
Wings ,oW be party neither in wod nor deed 10
ann attempt 10 diride The Union, because Of The
exclusion OF Sdrery from the .NeiU Territories. So
They know well that such exclusion is fixed fact
"a part of The necessity of the case - and they
are fully resolved not to sever the Union on ac-
count Of it. They would greatly prefer that the
Wimot Provso in terms should not be enacted
by Congress. deemirg such enactment need.
less irritation aud alarm ofmany Of their Consti-
tucnts- but, Proviso, or no Provso, they never
exuect to sec foot of slave territory west of the
Rio Grnndc. At enst half of them would not
have slavery extended if they could. They re.
sist the Proviso enormously, for the reason above
mentioned, not because they expect or wish 10
extend slavery.
From tho New York Herald
WASHINGTON, Jam l6- P. NJ.
The Southern Congressional caucus me: at
half pas, seven o'clock last evening, in the Sen.
ute Chamber.
There were between eighty and ninety South
ern members of The two houses present.
General Houston moved that the galleries be
o, ened to the reporters and the people. 1t WIS
lost by vote OF So 10 80.
Mr.. Calhoun, from the Committee Of Fifteen
presented the address prepared by the committee
and the proceedings Of the committee and its
Subcommittee Of five. 1t appears Tint the I'D
dress Of Mr.. Calhoun, as rendered to The com
mittee Of five, recommended the resistance of
the South TO the enforcement Of the Wllmo,
provisc.
Mr. Clayton Of the Sui COMMITTEE, moved tc
strike out that part, which was agreed to. Iht
address was then adopted by the Committee,
to Q: Messrs Calhoun, King and Bayley for it
and Messrs. Morehcad and Clayton opposed t.
it. The addless submitted to The main Commit
lee OF fifteen, was adopted, z; Mr.. Rus
voting, with six Wings, against it. AS thus q
greed to. it was submitted 10 The general caucu
by Mr.. Calhoun, and reud.
AIR. Fuo'e moved that the address be recev
ed Mr. Morehead objected to the motion; h
ulu MOI UUUeISluUu IL Hc lUOu5lt lUe pdptI wa
received when presented.
Mr. Foote withdrew the motion, and moved
resolution that such members OF the meeting u
thought proper should sign the address, and tina
it be kept open for twenty.iour hours for other
to sign
mr. Morehend objected 10 the proceeding
II was equivalent TO u dissolution OF the meeting
without any expression Of opinion upon the at
dress. Tie address is recapltulatlon ct IN
nggressions OF the North upon the institution I
slavery, and recommends union among the pee
pie of the South, in view Of the great danger
hand.
The motion of Mr.. Foote, as understood, We
Withdrawn.
Mr.. Clayton moved 10 lay the address upon Ii
the table, as n test question.
Mr.. Calhoun objected as the motion at ono
arrested the privilege of discussion.
Mr.. Clayton Withdrew the motion tor the pre-,
senl, for the purpose of affording privilege f.
debate.
Mr.. Calhoun took the floor, urging disSoli
tion o(Me Union preferable to a submission Of Il
South 10 The enforcement of the H'imot Prou,s
IN reference 10 the new territories.
Mr.. Bayly compared the grievances Of Il
South to those Of the colonies Of America, whit
drove Ilem to rebellion.
Mr.. Underwood asked if the gentleman fio
Virginia wished this address 10 go out as de
laruiIon of independence?
Mr.. Babylon, not YET"
Mr. alUrehead moved series Of resolution
declaring The Union indivisble-'he prosper
of the States and the happiness OF The people d
pendent upon it that the late movement for II
abolition OF slavery, in The District of Counbi
violated the spirit OF the constitutions; and tn
tie South were opposed to the Wilmut Provis
but that they believed the whole question won
be settled, by splIit of compromise, in ma
Eer acceptable TO both sections Of the Union.
Mr.. Calhoun said he would agree TO these re
olulons with the addition OF another declare
that the South would prefer dissolution to ,
abolition OF slavery through the aggressons
the Norh
Mr.. Morehead replied in vndcation of t
Union.
Mr. Foole asked flhc gentleman of Kantnc
would consent to sustain the Union if the w
mot Provso we're passed in reiereLce to the ne
territories?
Mr.. Morehead- 1.-THE Union, sir, even wi
the Wmot Provso."
Mr.. Foote nsked if, in case the Provi
should be followed up by direct attacks
Slavery in the States, the gentleman would ST
consent 10 submit for The sake Of the Union
Mr.. Morehead replied that, if the necessity
meeting such attacks should come, lie would
prepared 10 answer, but he did not anticipate a
such necessity. He made strong and earnt
appeal in behalf Of adherence TO the Union.
Messrs. Calhoun, BOyy and Holmes, on I
one side and Messrs. Underwood, Morehe,
Houston, Rusk, Clayton and others, on the 9th
kept up the debate I'LL near ~ O'clock at nigh
MIR. Stephens was for the Union; and "
the view oil ending these caucuses, moved an
journuent sine die, but the motion was lost,
to 30.
Mr.. Berrien believed that all talk of disso
ton was idle that the idea of dsunion col
not be entertained; that the thing was mpos
BILE; that the people OF the country could me-
be persuaded or driven TO that extremity; Il
they loved the Union and knew its value too "
to consent 10 lis dissolution. lie would pref
in lieu OF the proposed address TO the South, Il
1t be recommlited, with instructions 10 the Gu
miuee to prepare an address 10 the people of,
whole Union, appealing as well to The sense
justice OF the North, as 10 the people of
South.
The motion 10 recommt, with instruclio
was lost
motion was then made 10 reconmit the
port, which was agreed to, "A to 49,
Various motions were made for another inc
ing, and il was finally agreed to hold another
Monday night next. The meeting then adjor
ed.
The caucus was pretty nearly divided betw
nd ha l.