Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1850-05-23
Tbtrtp- first Congress.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, May Is.
The Senate chamber was much crowded with
spectators to day, to hear Mr.. CIay's speech up
OIL the report OF the compromise Committee.
The California Bill was taken up, when Mr..
Clay spoke two hours upon the subject. Dur
ing the delivery of his speech, the galleries
were densely crowded. lie said, although no
member of the Committee agreed precisely with
him in every particular embraced in the report,
yet that fact simply was no ground for dscour-
agement. He INDUCED hope that they might
yet agree upon all essential points /; aud that the
Senate would pass the proposed measures by
handsome majority. On the action upon this
report the peace of the country depended. He
defended the claim of California to the right of
representation in Congress. The proposition Of
36 deg. 30 min. as her Southern boundary, came
stronger from the South. If slaves were taken
to any part Of California, they would escape by
land and sea.
lie regretted the difference of opinion be-
tween the President and himself, in relation to
this subject Non-action, relative to the other
territories, was dangerous policy, and would
lead to the organization of independent govern
mcnts on their part. He congratulated the Sem
ate, that the heat Of passion upon these ques-
tons had begun to subsde. He believed that
the North and South were about to cone togeth.
or as brethren. Had the President been better
informed, he would haze recommended more
comprehensive plan OF settlement He feared
that b'oodshed would ensue between Texas and
New Mexico if their boundaries were not speed
lily defined and settled. He thought provision
forbidding Territories to legislate on Slavery,
would operate equally for the North and South.
He alluded sarcasticaly to Mr.. Stewards bill,
and showed its connection in theory with Carl
sons doctrines, recently promulgated at the
Tabernacle, in the city of New York. He had
no concessions to make to that class OF politi-
tlclans. He was glad to observe so many at the
North who were disposed TO drop the Wilmot
Provlso; and believed that seven tenths of the
people were ready to vote for the plans of the
Committee. lie hoped for harmonious ter
mlnalon of the present controversy.
HOUSE.
The House, in Committee Of the Whole, re-
sumed the discussion of the Presidents Califor-
MIA Message. Mr.. Clark made warm but good
natured speech in favor of the Presidents plan,
which caused much merriment Mr.. Savage
made strong ant-slayery speech, when MIR.
rieacham obtained the floor, and the House ad-
journed.
SENATE.
WEDNESDAY, May IS.
| The debate on the compromise bill was re-
sumed. Mr. Douglass moved to lay the subject
on the table and proceed to the consideration of
the California State BILL separately as II test
question, which was lost. IHr. Davis of Mass
moved an amendment, prohibiting territorial leg
islatures from interfernf with slave property
He said his object was to ascertain whether they
were disposed to protect slavery. A desultory
debate followed. Mr. Clay opposed the amend
ment MIR. Yulee supported it and advocated
the extension of slavery. Mr.. Foote opposed it,
and quoted the Southern address that they did
not wish the extension of slavery.