The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-05
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES..

MIR. JOHNSON, OF Tennessee, IN pursuance OF
previous notice, introduced bill To encourage
agriculture and for other purposes, which was re-
ierrcd 10 the Committee of the Whole on the state
of the Union.
Mr.. BAYLY called for the regular order of bust
ness which
The SPEAKER said was the calling of the COM
mittees for reports.
Mr. KAUFMAN remarked that there were
great many members present and, in accordance
with the suggestion of the gentleman from Illinois
(Mr. McCLERNANp) yesterday, he moved that the
House go into Committee on the California mes
sage.
MIR. BAYLY said that many reports were to be
made from committees.
Mr.. KAUFMAN withdrew the motion, and
Mr.. STEPHENS, of Georgia, renewed it,
The question was taken, and decided in the af-
frmative.
The House accordingly went into Committee
OF the Whole on the state OF the Union, MIR BOYD
in the chair and resumed the consideration of the
Presidents message enclosing the constitution of
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
Mr.. THOMPSON, OF Mississippi, said that the
whole question was in the hands of the North, the
great North and so far as the spirit had been man.
Tested, the mperious North. The entire response
bility rests upon them He wished, in candor and
frankness. to appeal TO them as patriots, not poll
ticians--as those loving their common country,
with desire TO see our institutions flourish and
doing nothing to impair the love and affection
which should exist at the North and the South. 1t
said that there was no such thing compro-
mise-no means of coming to an understanding Ii
So we have arrived at that point where the enemies
of our country would meet, namely, that are
incapable of self government 1t was said that
party or the other must yield. The North have
nothing but prejudices and feelings TO yield; the
South have rights to surrender. He believed that
the matters can be adjusted and that there is pa
trioism enough to reconcile difficulties; and he ap-
pealed to the members of the progressive Democra-
cy, with whom lac has acted, TO come to the
rescue. With the breaking up and entire separa-
~ tban to ka
in imminent danger. We are now at the point
where this question must be settled forever. He
did not believe that this Administration could set
tie the difficulties, and was OF opinion that the Pres
ident had usurped power In interfering with the af
fairs of California. He advocated the running of
the Missouri compromise line and the doctrine of
non intervention with regard to slavery; opposed
the admission of that State, and likewise the pro-
posed adjustment of the Senate's committee of hr-
teen. He had no doubt that the North and the
South want to settle the question. They say, "let
US have peace, tired" And cannot we deal
fairly and justly, and have the independence to do
right
Mr.. JOHN A. KING, of New York, said that,
when the for the acquisition of territory was
made, the warning was given that the North would
never consent that it should be slave. The express
sion of the North was decidedly against the extern
sion of that institution. If he thought that the
compromise of the Senate would put an end To the
controversy, he would give to it his supports but he
saw no certain results to come from it, did nc
believe thata bill OF that character could ever re-
ceive the sanction of the people. He advocated the
admission of California, who came here with con-
stituton honorable herself and to the nation, and
enjoying the public sympathy. We have but one
duty towards her, and that is TO admit her. welcom-
ing her a sister into this great American Union.
Shall she not come in free, and not be loaded down
with subjects not in legitimate connexion, and, in
this plan Of the Senate should fail be sent bac
in order that better bargain may be made, There
was plan TO which he gave his approval. IL car
res weight and wisdom, and emanates from one
who has a name unimpeached-the President. IL
was the only settlement which be made, and
which the American people are prepared to make.
MIR. McMULLEN asked the gentleman whether,
If the people Of California had presented herself
here with a constitution containing provision re-
cognising slavery, he would vote to admit that
State with il.
Mr.. KING replied that he was not bound 10 give
an answer. When the question came up he would
be ready TO respond He spoke for himself when
he said what he did, and met the case as il existed
The people Of the North desire not to invade the
right Of the South, secured by the Constitution;
but they will not consent the further extension
Of slavery. He repeated, that he preferred the plan
Of the President TO any other.
Mr.. BINGHAM, Of Michigan, several years ago
expressed his views against slavery, and he had
seen reason 10 alter his opinion. And he again
spoke on the same subject.
MIR. BOOTH, OF Connecticut, advocated the ad-
mission Of California into the Union, who, he said
came here with clean hands and an honest heart;
and he spoke in condemnation Of slavery, quoting
from the Bible 10 sustain himself
Mr. HOWE obtained the floor, when the com
mttee rose, and
The House took recess until seven O'Clock