The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-07-19

United Stales acknowledge that doctrines have beer
required to kiss the rod OF oppression. inflicted by
hdent majority they are no longer worthy TO be free peo
pie free republic they have shown signs of degen-
eracy which would forfeh their righ, to place unde
free institutions.
have thus indicated my views. and given fol
them Weask for but little ask that the constitution
may be preserved. Neither the Union the consttu
on are N danger II the majority would but stay the
policy They have but to pause to AVOID the resistance
with which they may be met The constitution in
tended as the shield OF protection for that minority; but
without the power of enforcing it, il only
colorado sanction for INSCRIPTIONS majority When
assailed by majority, am referred to that majority for
redress. Why. Mr. President, do not Of what avail
the constitution is if the majority give il consruc,
ton is said that the majority in republics pre-
vail majority breaks the constitution, and asks to be
sustained in it by the submission OF the wronged mnori
ty How deiusive and dangerous are these gcneraes,
SO often repeated
There hes been security in the equilibrium that
has been maintained in the Senate but that equilibrium
IS dlssoving and crumblng every day. under the fana
cal spirit which prevails, and too much influences The
deliberations OF those who occupy the responsible position
and should discharge the sacred trust OF statesmen
have no reliance on this mere equilibrium: il s passing
away and then what security is there for the minoy
The Executive is the only functonary that will in theory
De the representative OF all of every section.
But every administration will have strong template
to throw itself upon the support OF majority at the
pense Of IN unresistng minority. Well, then, il mi
n0rity in this government finds itself subjected TO
Jory, growing out OF considerations such have sug
protection Certainly the advantage of the constitution,
ii IT. get il, will be its shield But what other pro
tection' This has few Of those checks and
balances thai would give them veto operation In the
Roman republic The people iet secure against their own
mad violence in the Of the tribunes That operated
as the safety-valve We have such check, no such
controlling power for protection against the danger OF
numbers. TO what, then, will we resort Why, there
was once provision in the constltuonas il was before
the convenonrequiring in certain cases. two thirds
vote to carry measure; but, suppose, II should
10 nFnr,r finn ! ha rba ab q
reasonable one AT one time wsest and best
thought such provision indispensable, and undertake
to say II would be good provision il il could be restored
and It wasa fatal compromise when was stricken out
IN consideration that the southern States should have
the privilege. till the year s0s to import African slaves.
have no idea that any provision that would control a
majority be lngratted into the constitution.
And yet | sure il would give il strength, and the
Union the true element OF stability. The Union orgi-
mated in very different state OF things from that existing
Ii had the spirit of vitality, and had fewer dis
tracing interests Common feelings aud fewer interests
from exiea OF territory were toleable guarantees Now
take the liberty to suggest one mode by which the
South can preserve themselves and the Unlon too and
il by union among themselves. That would be the
tribune to which would resort to check the wild ex-
cesses OF the power OF a majority.
Yes sir, the southern States were united, and they
could make their northern brethren understand that thus
tar they might 90 and no further, this whole Union
would be safe and all portions OF il would hold their
ations to each other safe and honorable terms II
could leave here with the satisfaction OF knowing that
there was perfect adjustment for the time being,
would be satisfied that northern aggression would have
stopped before II was necessary to resist II out OF the
cOns aion But federal honOrs have iascnations that
cannot well be resisted they carry with them the means
OF dividing minority, far as il regards measures,
and consents to main lis own interests But might be
asked shall such minority always be excluded, or deny
to themselves the aspiration such honors Certainly
not But when il was ascerianed that by concerted ac-
ton we could divide majority we might dictate terms
for security. III could be felt a potential nfu-
ence il would have the practical operation of veto.
am Tar from undertaking federal honors They are
the rewards and ought to mould the character OF states
men When southern men men cannot xps 10 OF are ex,
federal councils To make these honorable they must
be reconced 10 sef-respcct
hope this union among ourselves Of the South is not
10 be regarded subject for repToach For II II has
come to that, submission all that is left II that Is the
sacrifice who will make it. IL is one that may not be
m ade without a fearful contest. They who exact II may
and that they may have to look over when is too late
10 escape from IT,
know there has been much said abou, the feeling OF
portion OF this Union. being ready to dissolve IT,
be terrified controlled by any mpuia,ions oil
that kind This Union has its Just according 10 the
that s made OF IT. Ii may be used great trust To
effect the greatest ends that time committed to hu
man inslutions and II is in the power of patriots and
statesmen 10 make subserve those ends But when \
shall be made instrument OF partial legislation, and
to pander TO the views and ends OF hypocriical dema
gogues. IL will to be object OF veDeraton un
ese ts worshppers shall be like those OF JugEernau
who regard IT pions service to PROSTATE themselves
and be crushed by The wheels oI DIS car DeneVe All
of its real friends. and the charge OF criminal design
upon lis duration with an Ill grace from those who
have adhered 10 selfish and unjust purposes.
Those who have introduced here the doctrines which
called upon TO question have no right to measure
the extent OF my opposition. What that measure Will be
! do not know. am willing to accede to any peaceful
constitutional measure which will tend to preserve the
Union itself these means may be too long dlsregarded
thee is limit. | am astonshed when hear The Ian
guagc sometimes used by the representatives from the
"oh thIteen"-from Massachusetts. Connecticut, Rhode
Island, New York, and New Jersey-making war upon
their brethren OF the southern sections OF the Union
which seems 10 me TO be but the policy that results 10
their own suicide They give way TO these wild fanaoa
Suggestions OF policy In dsrcgard OF those admonlt,ons
which should address themselves to them from their pas
history, well in view OF their future destiny They
wagnx against their interest, under the lnhn
Of feelings which were not ncucaed by their an
cesiors, and sowing the seeds OF disunon.
There are too many topics involved in this debate fo
to touch upon them without proracting my remark,
b yond the limits which justice to others will allow.
have said What designed to al this time but with
il. would If dared make suggestion TO the admins
atlon, which has now in a measure, the control OF ths
destInes OF this country and u would be, that they
should experiment upon the 1ahection which EXIST
in portion of this Union. know sir, It is deeper
far deeper than il has been exhibited this floor
fear II has been too much disguised And Ia not con
hned to South Carolina. some seem TO CONSIDER It
Some would be glad to her isolated from others, ant
thereby to be made easier victim The people OF othe
southern States are speaking out and. II events are no
arrested. there Will he but voice, and that voice vii
come IRON the mass OF the people The press and poll
ticians cannot much longer deude them. What STATE
may be the st to be involved in measures OF resistance
know not South Carolina has sometimes cried ont Al
sentinel But there are others having greater INTEREST,"
At stake, and will be put ultimately in great danger The,
will look to their security and interests, and all the plant
ing States will move man.
!, sir dwell upon this, because wish my constituent