The Port Gibson herald, and correspondent., 1850-12-20


not, sir, propose to notice the consttu;ionality of
this bill; but am frank to admit. that many gem
tiemen ofthe South, have conceded the consti-
tutional question.
Before close my observations on this subject
| beg to refer to the legislation Of Mississippi
on the slave trade. In the convention which
formed the constitution OF this State, in 1899,
a clause was offered by J. A. Qnitnlan, (del-
egate from the county of Adams.) which prohi-
ted the Introduction of slaves into this State
for sale or merchandise from and after linn
tied period. In pursuance OF this clause OF the
constitution, in April br May 1887, q think A.
G. Brown. member of the legislature from the
county Of Copiah, introduced bill imposing a
fine and Imprisonment for the introduction of
slaves into the State for sale. This law stood
upon our statute books as the law Of the land
up to l843 or 1874. Some six years.
now proceed 10 notice the bills providing
governments for the territories of New Mex
leo and Utah. These bills, deem TO be free
from any well founded objection. They are
founded OH the principles Of the constitution, and
to go no further, we secure in them The follow
ing important points:
1st. Congress neither aboliShes or establishes
SLAVERY.
T.
latve authority Of those territories 10 prohibit
slavery, and if the law of Mexii abolishing sa-
very had any existence in these territories
since the treaty of Gaudaloupe Hidalgo, (and /
do not believe they had) they certainly have no
existence now; for sthe constitution, and all laws
of the United States which are not locally inap-
plicable, shall have the same force and effect
within the said territories as elsewhere in the
United States'
Sd. When admitted as States, it's expressly
provided, that these territories shall be received
into the Union, with or without slavery, as their
constitution may prescribe at the lime OF their
admission. Such. sir, are the leading features
OF these bills. Arethey not after the model fur
nished by the South? Are they not free from
objection? Where is the Wilmot Proviso in
| these biils2 Will any gentleman have the kind
ness 10 point it out? Where is any clause pro-
hbiting the STAKEHOLDER from going with mis- pro-
perty into any part of the territories? II either
one of the main features of these bills are differ
ent to the description have given, let it be
shown.
1t now remains for me to notice the provisions
of the fugitive slave bill. This is emphatically
Southern Bill. il was drawn up by Mr.. Mason,
Southern Senator. 1t was advocated by
Southern men. Itisfree from all objection So
far its provisions have been carried out, and | am
not without hope, that the storm Of opposition
which it meets from Northern fanatics will soon
subsde, and that the law abiding citizens will
see it properly enforced.
Now, sir. taking all these measures as a gen,
era plan of settlement, am willing to waive
my objections to the admission OF California, and
the abolition of the slave trade in the District OF
oonnioco ~, ohido hxt thopo
| long as fley remain the laws of the land
have objections, sir, but ! do not admit that
"prompt and peaceable secession, would better
our condition, or restore tie slave trade TO the
District Of Columbia? Would our slaves be
more secure, or more valuable out OF the Union
than in ii2 Would we have any more room for
the diffnsinn of slavery by 'peaceabe secession,
| than we now have? Who can point me to the
page in the Worlds history, where case Of
"peaceabl9 secession" has occurred? Look at
our revolutionary struggle, to the revolt of Mex
| leo from Spain, and the overthrow Of Mexico by
Texas.
Sir, DO not DENY to freemen the right Of rev.
olution, but let not gentlemen deceive them
selves. Secession or disunion means war or it
means nothing Will not the SAME causes which
part us, still continue? If we do separate, it
will be in anger ano hatred, and the least cause
ofirrilation will light up the whole country iu a
blaze ofwar. Seryile instructions will become
| frequent, and the sunny South; now smiling in
peace, prosperity and happiness, will be clad in
sack-cloth and ashes. We have been engaged
in many wars since the foundation of this repub-
lie, and have always been successful; but sue
cess in any conflict between the northern and
southern portions Of this confederacy would be
as destructive as defeat: it would in the end be
destructive to both And it is a fact worthy Of
our serious consideration that a war between
brethren-is always more bloody and relentless;
than any other sort. 1t is the more cruel be-
cause the insult comes from source whence
we expected better things.
"Earth has no curse like love to hatred turned"
Sir, however distasteful it may be 10 others,
this to me is still the glorious Union. Under the
government which was purchased by the treas
ure and commented by the blood OF our fathers,
we are freemen. Our wives and our children
are free. Our homes and our domestic altars
are protected Not only do we enjoy the bles-
sings of civil liberty, to degree far beyond that
of any other people on the face Of the earth, but
we have the inestimable blessings of religious
opinion and worship, and while the government
does not establish any religion, it throws the
broad shield 0tits protection aroupd all. Again,
Sir: Can any man estimate the influence which
our example has exerted upon the nations Of the
earth? Before the foundations Of this republic
were laid, liberty had no home. the world was a
despotism. Kings and priests claimed divine
right to rule over the bodies and minds Of men,
and suffering humanity was crushed with re-
entess cruelty. But our example is gradually
working revolution among mankind. Kings
have been hurled from their thrones, and repnb-
lies established, and if we are only true TO our
selves the day is not distant when the world will
hold jubilee. Sir, when know that the best
hopes of myself, my wife and children, as well
as The fate Of all mankind are intimately connec-
ted withthe destiny of this government, cannot
follow any man or any party who favors its
overthrow. When we fall, the hopes of the
world are entombed beneath our ruins!
In conclusion, Mr.. Speaker. and gentlemen,
allow me 10 warn you in the language Of thepa-
triots of former days. Listen TO that great man
who was '..first in war, first in peace and first in
the hearts Of his countrymen. WASHINGTON:
eIn contemplating the causes which may dis
turb our Union, il occurs as matter of serious
concern that any ground should have been fur
nished for characterizing by geographical dis
ordinations, northern and southern, Atlantic
and western, whence designing men may en-
deavor to excite belief that there is real diff
ference of local interests and views. One of
the expedients of party TO acquire influence with
-