Washington telegraph., 1850-02-20
MIR. CLAY'S RESOLUTIONS.

MR. CLAY . hEOOLO l1OINO.
The question of slavery has for years
past been regarded as one upon whose
amicable settlement depended the exist
ence of our Union. The North hushed
into brotherIy acquiescence by regard Tor
the constitution, or by prudent desire
to advance her own interests, has, until
a few years past, attended to her own
affairs and forborne to interfere with mat
ters in which she had no concern. But
the Moth has grown prosperous, her pop
ulation has become dense and restless,
and too many of her politicians and phil
'lanthropic abstractionsts. placing sell be-
fore their country's prosperity ana safety
are now ready by their reckless ambition
or rsickly sentiments Of humanity, to sever
a Union purchased by the worlds best
bood and upon whose perpetuation rest
this freedom and happiness of mankind.
Whilst all is exciting i'll Congress on
this vital question, and the wisest heads
and best hearts of the land are searching
out some means of relief, Henry Clay
comes forward as in similar cases, of old,
holding up the olive branch of peace,
and again nobly mediating for the contin-
uance of that Union which his powerful
and patriotic efforts have more than once
preserved.
The following are his resolutions on
the subject, introduced recently into the
United States Senate. We know not
what will be their fate;but we are satisfied
that if members will only enter upon the
settlement of this momentous question III
the same unselfsh and patriotic spirit OF
compromise, justice will be done to the
South, the North be quieted and satisfied,
and the Union preserved.
Whereas, it being desirable for the
peace, concord and harmony of the union
of these States, to settle and adjust ami
cably all questions Of controversy be-
tween them, rising out Of the institution
of slavery, upon a fair, equita BILE and
Just basis, therefore.
ReSOIUed, That California, with suita-
bic boundaries, upon her application, be
admitted as one of the States of this
Union, without the imposition by Con-
gress of any restrictions in respect to the
exclusion or introduction of slavery with
i'll these boundaries.
Resolued, That as slavery does not exist
by law, and is not likely to be introduced
into any of those territories acquired by
the United States from the Republic of
Mexico it is inexpedient for Congress to
provide by law, either for its introduction
into orits exclusion from any part of said
terrtorities, and that appropriate terrific
rial governments ought to be established
by Congress in all of said territories, not
assigned as boundaries of the proposed
Statai Of Ca'ifnrnia withont the ahnlitinn
of any restriction or condition of the SUBJ
ject of slavery.
ResoIred, That the western boundaries
of the State of Texas ought to be fixed
on the Rio del Norte, commencing one
marine league from its mouth and rum
ming up that river to the southern line Of
New Mexico; thence with that line east
wardly, and so continuing in tine same
direction to the line as established be-
tween US and Spain.
ResoIred, That it be proposed to the
State of Texas, that the United States
will provide for all that portion of the
legitimate and bona fide debts of that
State, contracted prior to its annexation
to the United States, and for which the
duties of foreign imports were pledged
by said State to its creditors, not exceed
mo the sum of-dollars, in considera-
ton of the duties as pledged, having
been no longer applicable to that object
after said annexation, but having thence
forward become payable to the United
States, and upon condition also. that said
State shall by some solemn and authentic
act of her Legislature, or of Conven-
ton, relinqulsh to us any claim which it
has to any part of New Mexico.
RESOLVED, That it is inexpedient to
abolish slavery in the District of Colum-
bial whilst that institution continues to
exist in the State of Maryland, without
the consent of the State, without the
consent of the people Of the District, and
without just compensation to the OWL
ers of slaves within the District.
Resolved. That it is inexpedient to
prohibit within the District the slave trade
in slaves brought into it from States or
places beyond its limits. Let those with
in the limits of the District either be sold
therein as merchandise, or transported to
other markets without the District.
ReS0lUed, That more efectual provi-
sions ought to be made by law for the
restitution and delivery Of persons bound
to service or labor in any State, who
NAV escape into any other State or Ter