The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-07-18

Of the most important questions which has pre-
scented itself before us this Congress, is the one
in relation to the relative rights of the United
States and Texas over the territory lying east Of
the Rio Grandc.
1t is proposed by this resolution to admit
the delegate from New Mexico, to decide
without deliberation or discussion, a question
which involves not only the rights of a sovereign
State of this Union, but also the future peace
and even existence of the Confederacy itself
II is confidently believed that, had the late
President marched the forces of the Union into
that territory with view of maintaining its auth
orty, it would have resulted in conflict of arms
Gentlemen may sneer at the impotency Of Texas
in so unequal contest, but sir, no one couldsay
to what extent it would have involved others
The entire South is deeply interested in the
question land Texas would not have been the
only party.
have heard gentlemen, whose opinions are
entitled to weight, express their belief that had
the late chief magistrate lived, civil war
would have resulted in sixty days from this
time This was said without any intention OF
impugning his patriotism. The right of Texas
to all the territories east of the Rio Grande, is
certainly one that admits Of doubt. No one
can say it is free from difficulty. Why, then,
in the mere wantoness of power, the majority
should undertake to decide in this impromptll
manner, u matter which so seriously threatens
the peace and harmony Of the country II gem
tlcmen from the North do in truth feel that love
and veneration for the Union which they pro-
fcss, l ask them, in the name of that Union so
venerated, to abstain from avote, for which no
urgent motive can be assigned No one will
say that it is Of much consequence whether
New Mexico has Delegate here or not no
interest of hers can suffer for the want of one,
and why unnecessarily add another to the n,,.
merous firebrands on this floor, which are even
now Kissing forth destruction to the Confeder-
acy. Such vote would be another outrage
on the South, the more insulting, as it will be
uncaled for and unnecessary, for it will only
evince general contempt for every right which
she may, under any circumstances, contend for.
Mr.. FITCH opposed Mr.. MEADE 'samendment,
ON the ground that it settled the boundary question
in favor of the claim of Texas. He was against
expressing any opinion upon it.
The question on the amendment of Mr.. MEADE
was then put, and it was not agreed to---yeas So,
nnys 80.
Mr. FITCH nextproposed to fartheramen the
amendment, by adding that, in admitting the said
Smith, the House disclaimed expressing an OPT
Mon upon the boundary dispute between Texas
and New Mexico: which was agreed to, without
a discussion.
Mr. GORMAN offered an amendment declaring
Mr.. Smith admitted, provided he had been duly
elected by the qualified voters of the territory
under the election laws thereof.
After speech from Mr.. G. in support Of his
amendment it was rejected.
On motion the Committee then rose.
The SPEAKER next laid before the House a
letter from the Hon. GEORGE w. CRAwFoRD, Of
ferng to submit the question of the legality of the
payment Of the interest on the Galphin claim to
the courts of justice, and to plead in its ustfca-
ton, only the act of l647, under which the prin-
cpal had been paid which having been referred to
the committee on the judiciary, !.
On motion, the House adjourned.