The North-Carolina standard., 1850-02-06

). Mr.. CIayss Speech aud Resolutions.
Mr.. Clay subsnitted in the Senate, on Tuesday the
s9th Of las month"; the following Resolutions, intend
ed as Compromise between the North and South on
the Slavery question 1t has been rumored for some
time past, that Mr.. Clay was preparinga Compromise
on this question; and these Resolutions, we presue
are the result of his most anxious reflections on the
subject. They are as follows:
sit being desirable, for the peace and harmony Of
the Union Of these United States to settle and adjust
amicably all existing questions OF between
them, rising out Of the institution OF slavery upon
fair, equitable and just basis, therefore
1. Resoived, That California with suitable boun-
daries ought upon her application, to be admitted as
one of the States of this Union, without the impose
ton by Congress Of any restriction in respect to the
exclusion or introduction OF slavery.
Q. Ressed That, as slavery does not exist by law,
and is not likely be introduced into any of the ter
ritory acquired by the United States from the republic
of Mexico il is inexpedent for Congress to provide
by law either for its into, or its exclusion
FROM any part of the said territory; and that aPPro
pirate territorial governments ought to be established
by Congress in all of the said territory not assigned
as the boundaries of the proposed State of California
without the adoption of any restriction or condition
on the subject of slavery.
g. Resolved That the western boundary of the State
of Texas ought to be fixed the Rio del Norte COM
mencing one marine league from its mouth. and run
ming up that river to the southern line OF New Mex
leo; thence, with that line, eastwardy; and so con-
tinuing, in the direction to the line as establish
ed between the United States and Spain, excluding
any portion of New Mexico, whether lying on the
east or west of that river.
4. Resolued, That it be proposed to the State OF
Texas, that the United States will provide for the
payment of alp that portion ofthe Legitimate and bona
de public debt of that State contracted prior to ts
annexation to the United States, and for which the
duties on foreign imports were pledged. by the said
State, to it's creditors, exceeding the sum of g.
in consideration of the said duties, pledged having
been no longer applicable that object after the said
annexation, but having thenceorward become payable
to the United States; and upon the condition, also
that the said State of Texas shall, by some solemn
and authentic act Of her Legislature of convention
rclinquish to the United States any claim which 1t
has to any part of New Mexico.
S. Resored That it is nexpedien to abolish slave
in the District of Columbia. whilst that Institution
the consent Of that Sate without the consent OF the
people of the District and without just compensation
to the owners of slaves within the District.
6. But resolued, That it is expedient to prohibit,
within the District the slave trade in slaves brought
into it from States or places beyond the limits of the
be transported to other markets without the District
of Columbia.
7. Resolued, That more effectual provision ought
to he made by law, according to the requirement OF
the Constitution, for the restitution and delivery OF
persons bound to service labor in any State. who
may escape into any other State territory in the
Union.
8. Resolued, That Congress has no power to pro-
hibit obsruct the trade in slaves between the slave
holding States; but that the admission or exclusion
~f k,o,, AA SnN4
pends exclusively upon their own particular laws"
Mr.. Clay said he had devoted long time to the
preparation of these Resolutions, and he earnestly de-
sired that Senators would examine them thoroughly
before opposition was raised to them. He then pro-
ceeded to speak at some length in explanation OF
his Resolutions; and knowing the interest which is
felt by our readers this subject we give his re-
marks as we find them reported in the Washington
Republic:
"As to the first Resolution above, Mr.. Clay said
it acknowledged by all that there had been some
rregularity in the movements adopted in California
resulting in the formation Of constitution, and the
application her part for admission into the Union
as State. The course pursued was admitted to be
irregular. 1t was not preceded by any act Of Con-
gress defining her boundaries, was the usual Prac.
without being authorized by an act of Congress.
formed constitution and knocked at the doors Of
Congress for admission into the Union. He had op-
posed that departure from the usual practice, but the
majority had decided otherwise; but it must be ac-
knowedged that there far greater reason for the
course pursued by California, than there was for
Michigan to do what she had done. Happily the
event Of Michigan's admission into the Union had
proved highly advantageous; she was now bright
in the constellation and she has sent here to
mingle our councils Senators Of great ability, and
one particularly of the most distinguished character,
and with whom they all might associate with pride
and satisfaction.
If California be admitted too, even with these ir
regularities, like Michigan. she too may send here
Senators actuated by patriotism and desire to pro-
mote the good interests of the country The resolu-
luton provides for her admission into the Union, and
forms part of the general plan he had prepared fol
the settlement of the difficulties now existing.
The second resolution proposes two trnths, one OF
law and the other of fact The truth of law is. that
there does not exist. at this tme slavery in any por-
ton of the territories acquired from Mexico This
truth the conviction of his own deliberations; he
was that there other Senators who enter
tained different ground; but when those Senators
have considered the question more fully, they will
perhaps change their opinions. If they should still
hold to their opinion, he thought it likely they would
find themselves in a small minority The next truth
stated in the resolution was one OF fact was, that
slavery not likely to exist in the territories
acquired from Mexico. 1t was one evident to all
Senators. From all he had heard from all that had
been stated by the witnesses of affairs there; from al
that had transpred, and all that would ranspre, he
was satisfied that slavery would never exist on one
single foot Of that territory, not even if established
there by authority of law. Facts are of importance
to the consideration Of this subject. He ask Sena
tors, and particularly those from the free States, te
pause and consider well upon what had occurred
CURED since they had left their homes and their
stituents had been reDeatedv declared that slave