The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-14
Mr.. Ing. and the California Constitution.


In his speech on the 18th instant, in the
House Of Representatives., Mr.. INGE, of
Alabama, made use of the following Ian
guage:
'We have strong reasons TO believe that the pro
viso' incorporated into this constitution was ap-
proved by Mr.. King, who was understood to speak
by authority of the Administration in support of
il. views, and who could with propriety suggest
to the people of California the adoption of measures
best calculated to give them cffect.''
Mr.. lNGE was speaking of the constitu-
ton of California, and The eighteenth clause
OF its first article, which is in the words
following:
"sEcrIeS Is Neither slavery nor involuntary
servitude, unless for the punishment Of crimes,
shall ever be tolerated in this State
In reply TO the allegation Of Mr. INGE,
we have only TO state that Mr.. KING had
nothing to say, and said nothing, to the
people of California on the subject of sa-
very. 1t is true that he recommended the
establishment of State government, but
as to its particular provisions he had as
little to say as Mr.. INGE himself. If he
had been disposed 10 interfere with the
action of the convention, or to advise at
its deliberations, it was entirely out of his
power. During its session he was one
hundred and fifty miles from the scene
Of it, PROSTATE on a bed of sickness,
and prevented by his physicians from in
tercourse with any person on this or any
other subject These facts are of them
selves sufficient to show that Mr.. KING is
in no manner responsible for the section
in the constitution Of California TO which
Mr.. INGE refers.
AT the South, Bitter-endism now holds
President TAYLOR responsible for the
excluding clause. During fhe summer,
Bitter-endism at the North has been
a.sailing him for sending out Southerner
and STAKEHOLDER to California for the
purpose OF inducing him to incorporate a
clause in her constitution establishing
slavery. 1t was on this ground that the
Loeofoco, electioneered against the Ad-
ministration at the North.
Mr.. KIYG's feelings, position, interests,
ans associations were appealed TO in sup
port OF this allegation; and if the Califor-
MIA constitution had admitted slavery,
these would have continued TO be APP
pealed to, in proof Of the determination Of
President TAYLOR 10 force slavery upon
the new Territory. Mr.. KING interfered
in no manner or form with this or any
other subject touched in the California
convention. II was no part Of bis mis-
sion; it was not his intention or desire.
If Mr.. ISGE desires TO speak advisedly
on this subject, he has only to consult
with DR.. GwlE, one Of the new Senators
from California, southern gentlemen by
birth and education, an opponent Of Gen
eral TAYLoR's Administration, and always
a member Of the party 10 which Mr.. TNGE
belongs He will be able TO enlighten
Mr.. ISeE upon this subject, and we re-
commend TO Bitter Endism generally that
il should fortify itself with facts from this
or some other source, instead Of relying
entirely upon the strength Of its magma
ton or belief Mr.. GILBERT and Mr..
WRIGHT, members elect Of the House Of
Representatives, both Locofooos, will either
OF them probably be able TO furnish Bitter
endism with correct, if not satisfactory,
information.
u.norf NJ the Secretary of the Trea.urv