Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-03-16

sion might again be applied in case the pro-
position of secession should be talked of over
the grave Of Andrew Jackson In conclu-
sion, Mr., Webster delivered most impas-
stoned and eloquent tribute to the value of
the Union, and the spirit of patriotism and
philanthrophy which would maintain it.
Mr. Calhoun rose 10 reply TO the observa.
tion made by Mr.. Webster that the acquisi-
\ tion Of Florida and Louisiana resulted from
the increase Of the cotton growing interests
or the desire Of the South to extend slave
territory. The acquisition Of Florida was the
result Of an Indian war, and Louisiana was
purchased with a view to the navigation Of
the Mississippi. He denied that in his con-
nection with the project of Texan annexation
he was actuated by any desire for the exten-
sion Of slave dominion. t .,.
lie had advocated the annexation of Texas
in order to defeat the scheme by which sbo-
litionists sought her connection with Great
Britain, with a view to The abolition of slave
ry in the States where il existed. 1t was
upon this ground alone that he had advocated
it. The Senator had said that the South ac-
qniesced in the ordinance of 1887, without
dissenting voice. Mr. Calhoun contended
| that that measure was under discussion three
years before its adoption, during which it
met with much opposition and was finally
adopted as a compromise. He compimented
Mr.. Webster on the bold and manly position
which he had taken in relation TO the arrest
of fugitive slaves.
The Senator was willing and prepared to
fulfil contracts and stipulations, and TO vote
for a bill having for its object the better en-
forcement Of those stpulations; but he must
say TO the gentleman that all penal laws upon
the subject would be imperative unless the
people and Legislatures of the Northern States
would be cooperate. The Senator had ex-
pressed himself opposed 10 the Wilmet pro-
viso and ready 10 throw open the territories
TO the slave States as well as 10 the free.
MIR. Calhoun hoped that in the same spirit
the Senator would be willing 10 remove the
Iimpediments placed in the way Of the slave
holding emigrant, by the Mexican laws in
force in California. He could not agree with
Mr., Webster that the Union could not be dis
solved. Could no insult, broken faith, or ag-
gression, produce that resultl The Union
could be broken, and could only only be pre-
served by an exercise of justice, good faith,
and rigid adherence TO the constitution.
Mr.. Webster followed in reply. What he
desired TO say was, that the breaking up OF
the Union by voluntary secession of States
was impossible He did not doubt that a
course of oppression or aggression might pro-
duce resistance upon the party oppressed,
but that would be revolution-not secession.
In rejoinder TO MIR. Calhoun's answer to his
position about the cause which produced the
ACQUISITION of Florida and louisiana he would
suggest that it was usual for wise statemen,
having an object TO accomplish always to
take advantage of occasion 10 accomplish it.
The occasion might be Indian wars, the Sc
curing the navigation of a river, or what not.
(Laughter.) Again if the object of Texas
annexation was simply TO prevent her acqui-
sition by Great Britain, could not that have
been done as effectually by making it free
territory as slave ? (Laughler.)
In conclusion, he said that when the direct
question OF the admission of California should
come before the Senate, he designed saying
something in relation to the boundaries and
Constitution of that State, and the expedien-
cy of admitting her, under all the circum-
stances, into the Union.
Mr. Calhoun again rose. He said, that in
claiming Texas for slavery, the South thought
il would give them by no means as much as
they had been excluded from in the West.
Mr. Walker took the floor, and the Senate
Adjourned.
The AwftI Steamboat Disaster on the alabama
Riper-7he Loss Of Thirty Lives, and ouer
a Quarter Of a Million Of Dollars in Cali.
tornia Gold &c., &c.
We published, on Saturday, and in yester-