Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-04-06
THE CALIFORNIA QUESTION.
Is SENATE, ArRIL 4, 1850.


resolutions submitted time since by Mr. BELL, which
Mr. FoorE had moved TO refer to select committee of
thirteen.
commenced yesterday, which will be Published hereafter.
Mr.. C0RWIN and Mr. HALE also made explanatory
statements, which will be published in connexion with Mr.
UNDERwooD's
Mr.. FOOTE re1t obtained the floor, and said DO not
rise take part in this discussion my object is if possible,
to get vote upon the motion to refer the resolutions Of the
Senator from Tennessee TO acommite Of thirteen. II how
any Senator desires to adess the Senate upon this sub
ect will move TO postpone their further consideration until
Tomorrow and TO make them the special order for twelve OF
half pssteeven O'clock on that day.
RaRtANb. my cuieEgue desires address the
Senate cd this subject hope the question will not now be
taken, that be may have opportunity to do so.
Mr.. F6oYE-. have conversed with the Senator's col
league understand that be is willing TO be heard on some
other However, he desires TO be heard before this
question is taken, willing give away him. there
fore move, s hakthe further consideration of this subject
be postponed till Tomorrow cock, and that be made
the special order for that hour. &.,
Mr.. WEBSTER. Mr.. President, far from enter.
tanning any wish prevent the honorable member from Ar
addressing the Senate this topic but think
duty remind the Senate that have now gone through
the fret four months of the session. and although willing
10 admit that the circumstances weresnch
justify geatdea odeay in the dispatch the public business,
yet after all, the time TO have at which, with
all convenient dispatch and without degree
upon the freedom Of debate, should proceed to
ion Sir, may be permitted say that it will require
weeks and perhaps months and most deliberate attention
the laws which will be necessary, when the question Of the
admission of California shall be decided way or the other
wish, therefore, to say that far ss my opinion and
conduct in the Senate CO. shall endeasoI TO take such
Of voting and acting bring this question Of the
Admission of California to decision BY the Senate.
am then willing to SO and take up the Territorial cues
tion!he question Of Government for the Terories-and
~ upon the whole that am inclined TO think il will
~be the best way proceed 20 take the Territorial bills and
'a,act upon them.
Sir, the honorable member from Kentucky M CLAY,)
who moved series of resolutions these Subjects whom
the honor of addressing the occupant the
chair, will matter of right, if he chooses exercise
hour be entitled reply the remarks which
have been made upon his propositions. That is matter of
courtesy due to every member OF the Senate and espe
ciay due to him. There also an honorable member from
Tennessee, Mr BELL) who has brought forward series of
resolutions .He, too, is entitled be heard in reply to OBJ
jecons which have been suggested 20 his propositions do
say ha. The debate should extend further but
is my judgment that it becomes consider whether
will discuss question to-day and another tomorrow, with
out coming any result upon the great question before
Sir as far depends upon me, have said, there will
be- by vote mne restraint upon debate at ALL None
at all. But think ought bring the subjects TO
have tendency point; that instead Of Postponing
these resolutions the other series, from day day.
and keeping them all debate ought pretty
10 resolution to take up Of practical
character and debate il till ready TO upon it. That
is my view The two precise questions the two forms in
which the questions presented, most fit think for pac
tica action the amendment, moved by honorable
Der from Missouri (M BEsTos) the resolution Of an hon.
amendment that resolution, insrucing the Committee
the Territories bring in bill for the admission OF Cafo
MIA unconnected with any other subject and the bill which,
before had time any resolution upon that point
to any vote upon that question, has been reported
Now, appears to sir with great difference TO the
judgment Of Others that true is to take up the
bill reported from the Committee Territories for the adms
sion Of California and debate il. mean say that
opinion adopt that procedure. after the
honorable member from Kentucky (Mr CLAY) the hon.
orabe member from Tennessee mr. BELL have had pro-
per opportunity reply the objections which have been
urged against their respective propositions At the time
wish to say to the honorable member from Mississippi, (Mr
FooTE that, though have objection to come to
upon his proposition, vet conceal from him. and
do not wish to conceal from the country, that my opinion
that we have to point upon this general subject
which every we'll informed Of he be possibly
after report Of the committee My opinion is that we had
better proceed to take these subjects beginning the be-
ginning. unwilling, will take occasion say, if the
Senate will not consider too much espassing it's
attention. am unwilling te leave any of these questions open
to bethe Of hearbunings and discussion and dissats
faction through the recess f to have any recess
which may be much doubted.) am for acting Caor-
MIA, and then the Territorial bills reported from
the Committee Territories am for taking them up and
voting upon them and any amendments made such
have been suggested ready upon such amend
ments. And my opinion is sir, that do nothing
important the satisfaction Of the country nothing that will
relieve mems minds from apprehension nothing that will
have such general quetude act convenient!
and proper upon the bill for the admission Of California and
then upon the bill bills for the creation of the Territorial
Governments in New Mexico and the rest OF Territories,
and pass bill such the majority of the Senate shall ap
prove. That is my judgment and in pursuance of these
opinions, and according to these opinions, will be my
duct here. %..r. ...~ .'".
wish this body come conclusion upon California
my opinion is made up. wish this body then to
conclusion upon the character Of the Territorial bills
willing upon them the principles and opinions which
have already avowed and do apprehend sir, entire
in these opinions by majority Of this body and
my conviction IT, that when these bills shall up, and
this body shall decision upon hem-upon what
be called the contested part the-the majority Of this body
will 70 conclusion exceedingly useful to the country
In extending 10 II more harmony, quiet, and satisfaction
ST. desire may SOTO preserve the credit OF this
great Republican Government in the estimation OF all
the world do not wish hear said the other side OF
the Atlantic that this great constitutional free Representative
Government cannot 60 with certainty and Dispatch and
without mpedment that it is liable great hiatus every
now and then that the great principle Of free is
likely after ALL dot to be satisfactorily exempied in this
great Republic s friends home and abroad have ondy
hoped aud predicted DESTROYS tina. should take such
course IN regard to these exciting questions will enable
Us 10 dispose Of hem and and go through with
ordinary duties Of legislation And will take occasion TO
say sir, that do no, expect harmonious legislation
upon any Of the subjects which touch the great interests Of
the country until this question shall be settled. There
gea' questions highly important questions for The decision
wheh the county, North and South aud in the Centre have
locked with great interest the action Of Congress this
session Fer one, despair Of any wise and temperate and
just legislation until these disturbing questions be removed
And, therefore, wish that the questions tba, have been
brought upon US by the Of the three years.
somewhat Unexpectedly, shall be settled wish them 10 be
settled the principles the constitution of the Jni