Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1850-08-15
Refused n Seat.

names are VIM j. Brown Cyrus L. Dunham and Willis
A. Gorraan. We sincerely hope these gentlemen will
be remembered by their constituents. Twenty-Five
other members also from free States leagued and
voted with the South against New Mexico having
representation in the American Congress. Why9 Be-
cause New Mexico wishes to have nothing to do with
Negroes and these freemen, falsely assuming TO repre-
free States uncursed by the stain of Slavery
in favor of extending the chains the growth and
prosperity Of that free and Independent people. Il is
strange that they should have much dislike to free
as they are from free States, Yet by
their Judge them; and just decision of
their constituents would doom them to a residence in
slave territory beneath the smiles OF the Institution they
wish extend, and which they devotedly worship
The above paragraph is from the Western Com
mercial, Aurora, Ind. A paper protesting to be
neutral in politics and religions but which in truth
is sailing under the black and pratical flag of Adolf
ton. The editor is one of those small souled fanatics,
who can see no reason for any movement in Con-
gress unless it is in some way or other connected
with niggers. greater tissue of assumption, igno-
rance and falsehood crowded into so short
an article. The truth is, Slavery had nothing to do
with the question-but law, precedent and the Con-
stftution had. The report of the majority of the
committee was made by Mr.. Strong, of Pennsylva-
MA gentleman known to entertain strong free soil
views, long before il was known that New Mexico
intended to form a State Government, or what
the views Of the people on the subject OF slavery.
The law of Congress of 1919, provides, that every
Territory Of the United States, in which there is
temporary Government shall be entitled 10 dele
gate who shall be elected for the term, and in
the same manner, as members Of Congress; and
such delegate shall be entitled 10 all the privileges of
member, except the right of voting Now, New
e L. ,yoJ
There was no temporary governnent organized,
and ne delegate has been admitted without these
requisites.
When Wisconsin was admitted into the Union,
the boundaries of the State left large portion of
what had been originally Wisconsin Territory, with
out her State limits, and from that portion where the
Territorial organization still continued, Mr.. Sibley
was admitted a delegate, until Minnesota was or
ganized.
In the second place, Hugh N. Smith was not elect
ed by the people. A selfconstituted convention,
composed of seventeen persons met in Santa Fe and
agreed TO send agent to represent them at Wash
mgton. Nine out of the seventeen voted for Smith,
who was whig, and eight voted for some other per-
son who democrat He was elected for no
particular period, and for other purpose than to
use his influence to secure either Territorial or
State Government.
A similar agent was sent, two years ago, from
Oregon, in the person of Mr.. Meek. He was paid
his expenses; but he never claimed to be entitled to
seat upon the floor of Congress- with the privileges
of delegate; to engage in debate, introduce bills
and resolutions, and perform any and all acts which
member of Congress might do, except TO vote.
He was more modest man than Mr. Smith.
We again say that, in our opinion, from reading
the debates well the reports slavery had nothing
to do with the question. 1t had no bearing on il.
Whilst we say this much, have no censure to cast
upon other members of Congress from Indiana, who
voted differently from Messrs. Durham, Brown and
German. They doubtless had their reasons and we
will not call them in question, much less impugn
! their motives
When New Mexico is organized, as Territory
and Mr.. Smith presents certificate Of an election
as delegate, by the people, he will be admitted
and until that is done in our opinion he should not
I be.
We like plain, frank man, and we would advise
this abolition editor, in future, 10 do his neutrality
and hoist his ebony standard, that the world may
know what he is, and where he is
0tFExceptions have been taken, by several wing
Io1, In a &c Ill