The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-01-11

niger and, in connevion with that. the question of re-
consideTatl ION, proposed Yesterday.
Mr. DAYTON. 1t must be obvious to every member
of this holy, Mr.. President that this debate has wan.
deret very much from the original proposition and il
will ever be when the subject which has been touched
upon by some members of this body referred TO- NY
simple purpose, sir in calling the attention OF the Senate
TO this reference that the Judiciary Committee might
be LETT free 10 the exercise OF certain discretion common
in such cases-to report upon the questions in
voyed in the memorial wish this memorial to stand
other memorials ordinarily stand when referred TO our
committee aad think sir, that the remarks which have
been made by my friend touching the memorial that he
has presented TO show the oprety of the course
which suggested. Why, what do they SEEK Does nv
friend who offered this memorial now anticipate any action
by Congress upon il Not al all. lie says he expects no
action all But there is 10 be convention which is TO
assemble in Kentucky and peradvennre the expression
of an opinion by so respectable committee as the Judi.
cary Committee might have some influence upon the
action of that convention In other words, Mr. Pres-
dent, TO be furnished with brief OF facts and
the judiciary Committee is desired express opinion
not with view, or hope. expectation ef any action
upon the subject invoved but that influence NAV be
had upon the convention which is to assemble in Ken
lucky. And now sir there is statement OF the whole
OF the matter. beg that the Judiciary Committee may
be left to the exercise of sound discretion whether i
will will not be made business with them inves-
tgate, look into, explore, and pronounce upon every
question which any citizen may think proper to advert To-
Sir, there other The members of the
Senate know full well how that committee is constituted
They know that stand alone There are four senators
from the South, and but one from the North. Does any
man, any hesitate doubt as 10 what will be
the action OF that committee! No one. l might be
willing TO go far be who goes farthest; and upon
the adoption of the petition, would go far he who
goes farthes in reference 10 appropriation by this gov
eminent 10 relieve us from the OF free blacks But
now, sir, is there probable, even possible hope
that opinion is 10 be got from the Judiciary Commit
tee in favor of the constitutional power Of this govern
ment 10 make such appropriations at this time
Mr. WESTCOrr. Will the senator from New Jer-
sey give way in order to enable me to state fact Of
which he is probably not apprzed' There is petition
referred to the Judiciary Committee, now pending and
upon which their opinion will have TO be exercised pray
fhprI ynU Tho nj
from this country by our vessels of war
Mr.. DAYTON Yes, Mr.. President, and suppose ii will
act upon that matter according to their sound dreten
II they think it advisable to prepare written report
pressing their opinion upon the whole matter, they will
do so. But if they do not peradventure, the petition
may lie in the committeeman for time to come.
But when the Senate instruct the committee in advance
take action by particular then we feel ourselves
bound to respond to the instructions of the Senate.
But, sir, have another objection to foresallng the
Judgment OF the committee upon this question; and Is
because am unwilling to open another topic of excite
ment unwilling to drag INTO this exciting question
the only institution which now concilates by awakening
the kind feelings OF philanthropists both of the North
and Of the South. The Colonization Society, that in
times past has placed itself for its upon the
sound feelings, and good hearts, and individual philan
lhropy of cilzensl do not wish that to be brought in
here and to have southern feelings enlisted against that
institution account OF its connexon with this great
question of excitement For Heavens sake, let us keep
clear of that
The senator from kentucky and those whom he repre-.
sens, many of them in favor of this institution and
one of the most distinguished citizens of Kentucky is
of its fathers. And now, this is be dragged in here
and if the Judiciary Committee is to be called upon for
expression of opinion under instructions from the
Senate, TO whether not the government can, and
whether not the government will aid in the colonial
ton OF Tree blacks this, too TO be dragged into the
vortex.
have personally sir, no senstveness upon this sub.
ject Senators know full well where and how stand
Butfor one, sir do depecaie unnecessary aclien. do
depecate unnecessary excitement. And ask only, >n
reference to this memorial the course of action which is
common in the reference of matters of this kind.
4 ls no rfn A1r Innf IN
the time of the Senate. BY an examination of the 18th
rule, believe have right to move to strike out that
part of the senator's motion which relates to instructions
to the committee. ! make that motion in order TO do
away with the whole difficulty.
The question being then taken upon the motion to strike
out the instructions, it was agreed to.
The question recurring upon the simple motion to refer
to the Committee on the Judiciary,
Mr.. MASON rose and said do not mean TO enter
into the argument addressed to us by the gentlemen
the other side OF the chamber When the question shall
properly come up for discussion upon this interesting
topic shall feel myself bound to take part in i, But
wish now to sayand intend no dsrespect whatever
to the honorable senator who moved this reference
the constituency ne represents in the State OF Kentucky
that do not feel myself at liberty, representing as do,
OF those States where the institution of slavery pre-
vails to permit any inquiry of any kind, far my
vote can effect it, 10 be entered into this floor upon
any matter pertaining to that subject 1t is subject, sir
which this body cannot approach without doing in
jury and mischief to our institutions and feel my
self called upon. whenever the subject is presented
here, in any form, so to direct my vote to carry out
what believe to be the views of the State of Vr-
gnia; and, as one of her representatives here am
prepared say that she will tolerate no inquiry OF any
kind upon that subject. And, sir, should feel that
humiatny myself, when called upon TO discuss any
matter pertaining to that subject not for the ale
glance which Owe and which the State of Virginia
cognlses, to the constitution and it only with
to the feeble aid which may be able render project
ing that constitution from violence, that shall take any
part in the debate when it arises. | am conscious
that such debate will arise and when it does
shall feel myself called upon express clearly and fully,
and, trust, nellgently, what the of Virginia
must be when that question is forced upon u.s. she
will indicate il at the meeting Of her General Assembly.
now about 10 take place And when the line is drawn
there there will not be of her sons, be his political
party what 1t may, who will finch from marching up to
that line, stand who may upon the other side.
l do not feel bound to say more, sir than that feel
myself called upon to vote against inquiry upon this
subject, in any form whatever would be very happy
to lend any aid to the counses of the State of Kentuck
but must respectfully submit to the honorable senator
from Kentucky, MR. UNDERwooDl who has moved
this inquiry, whether there is any in that State
that has ever looked at the constitution at all, and
10 capable of understanding its provisions, who be-
ieves that the Congress of the United States possesses
portaton asked for take the ground that there is
one who believes Congress possesses any the
power to appropriate money for such deportation. II
such be the fact, how can our action hereahoug that
action have no doubt would be negative the notion
how can our action enlighten the people OF Kentucky!
should hope sir, it would be the pleasure of the Senate
to refuse the reference Of the subject proposed to be IN
CURED nto because, under present circumstances we
ought not 10 inquire into il. .oos.b
M. DAVIS of Mississippi Mr. President, it is ey-
ceedngy 10 be regretted that from day day those as