Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1849-03-02
South Carolina Resolutions.

SENATE CHAMBER, Washington, Feb. 9th.
Mr.. BUTLER presented resolutions pass
ed by the Legislature of South Carolina, de-
claring the readiness Of that State to cooper
ale with her sister States in resisting the APP
plication of the principles of the WiImot pro-
viso to the territory recently acquired by the
United Sta tes, which he desired to have read;
and the resolutions were accordingly read, as
follows:
The Joint Committee of the Senate and
House of Representatives upon Federal Re
~laticns. 70 which were referred so much Of
ihe Governors message as relates to the agi-
tation of slavery, and sundry resolutions up
on the same subject, beg leave to report the
following resolution, as expressing the undi-
yided opinion of this Legislature upon the
Wilmot ~proviso, and all similar violations of
the great principle Of equality which South
Carolina has so long and so ardently MAIN
tanned should govern the action OF the States
and the laws of Congress upon all matters at
fectipr the rights and interests of any men,
Der Of this Union:
Resoped, unanimously, That the time for
discussion by the slaveholding States as TO
their exclusion from the territory recently ac-
ouired from Mexico has passed, and that
this General Assembly, representing the feel
inus of the State of South Carolina, is prepa-
red to cooperate with her sister States in re-
sisting the application of the principles OF the
Willnot p%roviso to such territory, at any and
every hazard.
Resolred, unanimously, That the Governor
be requested to transmit a copy OF this report
70 the Governors Of each of the States Of this
Union, and to our Senators and Representa-
tiyes il. the Congress Of the United States.
Mr.. b, said Mr.. President, when sover-
eign State presents such a resolution as the
one read from your table, it is a significant
omen of the times. Its very brevity is a
commentary upon its import and intent. 1t
purports to have been passed by both branch
es of the Legislature, and in the name Of the
people of South Carolina, and comes here
under the seal Of the State. 1t is my duty to
say that it is not the expression OF transient
popular excitement, but it evinces the deep
conviction of a people who think that theiI
rights are dangerously threatened, and will
be put in peril by the action OF Congress
which is the common agent, and should be
the common guardian of all the parties to the
Federal compact.
South Carolina will not seek or desire ar
occasion for the application of her resolution
She will do no offensive act to bring abou'
such a painful emergency. But should she
be lorcPd 10 meet the lnIedleheu ISSUE aHu
required to take an attitude of resistance tC
the unjust and aggressive policy of a BLIND
and self-sustaining majority, it would bs
treason in me as her representative to suppose
that she would not make her words good, OIL
subject herself to all the hazards oil a trial.
And in this she will not be alone. Virginia
has already spoken a language too solemn
and deliberate to be mistaken, and which was
made the more impressive by the language
of my friend who sits near me, [Nlr. Hun.
ter. When States make such pledges, thro'
their representatives, they impose upon them.
selves an obligation to maintain them. The
neonle of South Carolina entertain a profound
respect for Virginia, and many Of her people
cherish hereditary attachment to her SOIL his,
tory, and institutions. South Carolina Will
stand by her to the last, and sustain her IN
whatever position she may think proper &c