The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-03-01
CONGRESSIONAL.
DEFERRED DEBATE.
In SESArE-.uonday, February 26, ISi9.
EVENING Session

Mr. HUNTER said rise not to make speech at This
late hour but PROFOUND question the honorable SEN
alor from New Jersey, who has made modifc on to his
amendment, which, so far am concerned, requires
some explanation. AS originally introduced sir he
proposed to leave the President carry out the mil
ry and judicial of the United States over the Tar
,;ores of California and New Mexico. This mornino he
modified read, " the officers of the Mexican gov
eminent" Now SIR rise for the purpose of ascer,ainng
what his sentiments, and what those of other gentle
men associated with himwhether they are willing TO
promise Sir have had no part or lot in these
amendments but when they offered determined
there possibility by compromising the matter to
give government to those Territories without sacrificing
what believe be the rights of portion of this Union
would be ready to and IN the effort suppose sir that
the scheme Of the senator from New Jersey before being
modified in this wny would accomplish this object without
deciding, things are, with slavery could or could
not exist IN those Territories 1t is KNOWN sir that there
parties in relation TO this qeston-one maintaining
hat all the laws Of conquered territory remain i'm force
the other maintaining that only those powers remain in
which not inconsistent with the constitution of the
United States.
Now, sir do not propose to argue this question whether
those laws inconsistent with the constitution of the United
are those territories repealed is not NV pur
pose the senator from Massachusetts, mr. WrpsTERl
said the other day, to introduce any topic which might
create excitement but | am willing to compromise the
matter provided that the question regard slavery in
territories be left undecided | do not ask that
you will decide in favor of my views Of question: as to
the fundamental rights granted by the constitution in
regard the permission of slavery those territories hut
on the other hand have right ask, if the gentleman
compromise that he shall introduce an amend
which rcafrms tina, Mexican law forbidding slavery
and decides il be in existence. Sir | examined his
amendment, before his modification this morning was in
,rouced and seemed to at the tme that left the
question undecided but from the character Of his speech
seemed TO me he did not so intend it, | knew the
amendment would mean what it purpored to mean
and what he might say it meant. Blu. the modlf-
cation he introduced this morning put different face
upon 1t for he specially leaves the Mexican law in
existence, and thus reahms that Mexican law destroy
ing what understood be his system of compromise by
leaving the question undecided He said it made no dit
ference VIII ether the sMe
used TIC as it makes all the difference in the world for
believe that rights in that territory sustained by
the fundamental principle the constitution But he strikes
out the word existing /" and introduces "Mexcan." Now
sir wish to ASK him whether he intends reafrn that
Mexican law in relation to slavery Why, sir, if he does
would he frank, candid and direct introduce the
Wimot Frovso at If he does not, let him shape
his amendment to leave the question undecided that
may, without deciding this question, establish temporary
government and if may say for the time military gov
eament which shall enable preserve the public prop
ey and the people against anarchy Let him
make IT. he pleases TO carry out so much of the existing
Mexican law may not be inconsistent with the rights of
the States.
Sir prepared to extend upon any such principles of
compromise government. to that territory but it am
asked for amendment which to reafirm the
Mexican law prohibiting slavery there ask why not in
,roduce the Wmot Proviso? Would it be direct
Would it effect the thing as, perhaps the gentle
inends' Why, sir if that be his meaning, this
compromise at all and confess, sir am fortified in this
suppositon thse he did not a compromise by
the speech he delivered in support of his amendment
am ready put end to these differences am will
ling to do all amy power promote compromise in order
that this question may be settled that may give the peo
pie SO much government may be necessary keep the
peace protect public property and to save the land from
anarchy and violence; but all the way do it s to
keep this question undecided and at rest. do not now
speak of the amendment of the from Wisconsin,
Alr WALKER. | prefer that to this because, sir, it
leaves the power TO the President of the United States
TO make such regulations may consistent with the
sluion of the United States for that territory. To that
extent then, 1t ID limited proposition than this.
came here prepared to meet that question with the North
with the spirit with which they should make their
poposiions but they present proposition which does
not permit me to acquesce without violating my duties to
the South When they ask to agree to the regulation
Affirming all the former laws of Mexico in relation sa-
very 1t asking yield the very point in dispute. II
that DC If VIC reafrm that Mexican law
might as well adopt the Wilmot Proviso wish
10 know sir if this is the object to reafirn that law
have another question PROFOUND to the gentleman. I'M
derand that he refuses the constitution of the United States
to those territories Now all know that there certain
powers given the Catholic Church these territories -
powers utterly inconsistent with constitution (Which he
says does not prevail there and he proposes rea
arm the Mexican law ask him if is his purpose rea
hm all these laws relating I'd religion. II seems TO thai
ms point also requires xplanaton.
Mr.; DAYTON. wish-not for my own sake but fol
The sake of the Senatehat might be relieved from any
i'her questions IN relation TO the matter but have no
The slightest objection to answering the questions of the
senator from Virginia mfr IUNreR When introduced
inns proposition, 1t was not introduced scheme of com
promise at ALL 1t was introduced known precedent
acted upon heretofore under precisely the clrcum
stances well understood and found purpose
preferred ", therefore, to any new proposition
Mr.. HUNTER. Did that law say Spanish laws" OF
me 'exsing laws" of Forida'
mr. DAY ION. shall come to that in moment. Tha
vas my purpose IN the introduction Of this amendment
ow this precedent, and copied verbatim e Hterdm
save ony IN the provision with regard Florida relating
Iee persons of color. The knows why struck
that out believe.
Mr.. HUNTER. 1t was not at my req aest; have nc
OBJECTION to such n law.
Mr.. DAYTON. 1t with view to accommodate ant
meet The suggestions made with spirit of good celin:
ny southern trends the other the chamber
WIN mat exception, the amendment is upon the preci
pan OF The Florida law, with the addition of appropa
uon to carry out.
under tt ss circumstances having discussed the ques
ao" my friend upon the right Mr.. BERRIEN, for who's
ga' aaDments we all have the highest respect suggested
me that there was species of temporary military
government recently established in California, and that
might prevent misunderstanding change the phaseoogy
ne suggestions agreed to this morning suggestion
made by HIM, and in his hand writng--madc by
oo southern genemen-i not having been applied to by
northern man upon the subject They modi6 ation
made SIMPLY the feelings and wishes of southern
gentlemen upon this point and with any of m,
o~h because, according TO my view of the matter tn
amendment had offered, with the exception Of claus
uniting the time of its validity, tantamount to tin
amendment 1t stands desired difficulty, M
Misunderstanding, upon the subject and learning from III
suggestions of gentlemen around that it might possib
create difficulty in regard to this subject accepted tn
moolhcatIon. There government, according to m
understanding in California; mean American govern
mnt; and, speaking Of the government existing there
we spoke as thought of the government which cxs,e
were at The time of the SESSION. just as you spoke OF tn
NSung laws of Florida, when you passed the law for tn
government OF that Territory by the existing laws, RI
erlng TO its laws at the Of the cessica That was m
non; but to relieve any difficulty, acceded to the mod
hca'ion proposed.
MI HUNTER. 1t seems to me that the gentleman doc
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