Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-02-08
rAlrty-Flrst oongro..-First Session.
TuEsDAY, january 20, 1850.
SENATE.

The first business of any public Importance or, at
least of any interest to readers, was the intro
duction, by Mr. Clay of his proposed compromise Of
the slavery question Which is contained in eight
resolutions, as follows:
It being desirable for peace, concord, and harmo-
ny of the Union of these States to settle and adjust
amicably all existing questions of controversy be-
tween them arising out of the institutions OF slavery
upon fair, equitable, and just basis: Therefore,
1St. Resolved, That California, with suitable boun-
daries ought upon her application to be admitted
one of the States of the Union without the imposition
by Congress of any restriction in respect to the
cusion or introduction of slavery within those boun
daries.
3D. Resolved That as slavery does not exist by
law and is not likely to be introduced into any of
the territories acquired by the u States from tho
Republic of Mexico it is inexpedent for Congress to
provide by law either for its introduction into ex
clusion from any part of the said territory and that
appropriate Territorial Governments ought to be
tablished by Congress in all of the said territory not
assigned the boundaries of the proposed State of
California without the adoption of any restriction or
condition on the subject of slavery.
3d. Resolved, That the western boundary of the
State of Texas ought to be fixed on the Rio del Norte
commencing marine league from its mouth, and
running up that river to the Southern line of New
Mexico; thence with that line eastwardly, and so
continuing in the direction to the line as estab
lished between the U. S. and Spain, excluding any
portion of New Mexico, whether lying on the east or
west of that river.
4th RESOLVED, That it be proposed to the State of
Texas that the United States will provide for the
Baa a p9bc det 81 that State nror to
its annexation to the United States, and for which
the duties on foreign imports were pledged BY the
said State to its creditors not exceeding the sum of
$, in consideration of the said duties SO pledged
having been no longer applicable to that object after
the said annexation, but having thenceforward be-
come payable to the United States; and upon the
condition also that the said State of Texas SHALL by
solemn and authentic act of her Legislature or
convention, relinquish to the United States any
claim which it has to any part of New Mexico.
5M. Resolved That it is inexpedient to abolish sla-
very in the District of Columbia whilst that nstitu-
ton continues to exist in the State of Maryland
without the consent of that State, without the
sent of the people of the District and without Just
compensation to the owners of slaves within the Dis
trict.
9th. But resolved That it is expedient to prohibit
within the District the slave trade in slaves brought
into it from States places beyond the limits of the
District either to be sold therein merchandise,
to be transported to other markets without the Dis
trict of Columbia.
7th. RESOLVED, That more efectua provision ought
to be made by law according to the requirements 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 Tie
Union.
And 9Th. RESOLVED, That Congress has no power tt
prohibit obstruct the trade in slaves between the
slaveholding States but that the admission or exclu
sion of slaves brought from into another of then
depends exclusively upon their own particular Laws
a Mr.. Clay commented on these resolutions, remark
ing in regard to the FIRST that the action of Calfor
Ma, in framing constitution, was somewhat oat o
s order, but so had been that of Michigan which
n II similar manner, had formed herself consti
tuition and knocked at the doors of Congress for ad
l, mission as a State, without any previous act o
T:ols
r, admitted and he thought California should be ad
e mitted also.
In regard to the second Mr. Clay said that it pro
posed declaration of two truths of law, the 9th
s. er of fact In his Opinion tho existing law Of tn
e territories acquired from Mexico opposed to sla
very, and far he could judge the actual fact
of the case were unfavorable to its introduction.
es did not believe that it would be introduced into
1t foot of the territory He thought it the
duty of Congress to provide governments for the
A rtores without any proyiso for the exclusion ad
ne mission of slavery.
Ii The third and fourth resolutions have reference
he the territory and public debt Of the State of Texas
of The boundaries proposed for Texas such as to
lie nquish to the United States all the territory whic
lie that State claims in New Mexico and the Unite
a. States is to the payment of all that debt
as which Texas while independent nation, pledge
m the duty upon imports. Mr.. Clay does not thin
al that Texas has any right to any of the lands in Ne
r. Mexico, but she has claim and for the extngust
at ment of this claim he is willing make the propose
It, in regard to the debit besides, since by annexato
the fund pledged for the payment of this debt becam
the property of the United States he thought br
lot fair that this debt should be paid by her.
W. Mr.. Clay classes the fifth and sixth resolutions
IL r ri
substantially the principles which was asserte
by threefourths of the Senate, in a resolution passe
&c in 1888, which affirmed that Congress should n,
mt abolish slavery in the District of Columbia while
k existed in Maryland and Virginia. and not then will
ny out the consent of the people of the District
9re without due compensation being made to the owl
lu- ers. The sixth resolution Mr.. Clay said related
ny a matter which had grown to be nuisance. It vi
Ids not ;nteDdad tn ;ntarfaro With tho b fd +o,sf
ny of slaves between the inhabitants of the District
IN mong themselves with the people of the
lo States, but to prevent Washington from being ma
lal mart by regular slave traders, which he knew
unpleasant both to Northern and Southern Senator
LOU The seventh resolution he considered too evide
to require any remarks. It was the subject of b
~ under consideration.
~ The eighth resolution contemplated action );
W was merely the expression of truth established
the highest judicial authority in this country.
tbe In conclusion, Mr.. Clay made an appeal in fav
in of his measure of compromise. He said it had
Law him long and anxious reflection, and he hoped Ser
or tors would not hastily reject it. He proposed til
Tho d;Sc,scor If tho resolutions he hxed thatd