The freeman. (Fremont [Ohio]) 1849-1850, 1850-02-23

uon any Wheres Nnefe the people olu not dc-
sire it
The question of slavery without the limits of the
States was dehatable one Slavery within the
States was undesirable On the question of Sl;,-
very without the States there was room for diff
ference of opinion, but not for such diferance of
opinion as would lead to the breaking up of this
Government
He differed widely from his friend from Miehi-
gan (ME. Cass) as to the binding authority OF de-
cisions of the Supreme Court and elementary wri-
ters on the constitution. He regarded, that when
a constitutional question was once decided by com
petent authority, it was settled, Otherwise there
nothing settled under the constitution, but ali
was still unsettled.
He put It TO gentlemen TO say if there was not an
Rctuai existing power somewhere to introduce or
exclude slavery from the Territories. If SO where
was the power? Before the treaty with Mexico
that power was vested in Mexico she having then
the territory aud the Sovereignty over it. Mexico
parted with the territory aud the sovereignty TO
United States and new the United States have
all the powers AMI sovereignty possessed by Mexi-
co before the treaty. The power does or does not
exist, And, if it exists, the United States have all
the powers possessed by Mexico, under lie nalta-
tions of the constitution.
There was no power given to Congress in eS-
press terms by the constitution over the subject "f
slavery, but there power given in express
terms infinite variety of ether subjects
which were acted upon every day. 1t was an IN
cdental power Where there was power to ac
quire there was a power to control. He willingly
admitted that Congress had the power To introduce
slavery into the territories; the powers Of introduc-
ton and exclusion went together.
As to the second truth, that slavery was not
likely to exist in any part of the territories he had
a few words only to say. California, by her own
had axoiuH.d from her
its; and there, f any where in the territories, II
was most likely that slavery would have found
foothold; and if slavery is not permitted there.
where else in the territories it likely To be in
iroduced? In the cold and mountainous district
the climate and soil forbid It's Introduction Then
it truth that slavery not likely to exist in
any ptrt Of the territories All knew this to be the
fact; then why should there be any hesitation in
declaring it?
In the free States, where the Wilmot Provisn
was first aitated this territory about to be ac-
quired. and the people there were taboring under
the apprehension that slavery would likely be e2
tended to those territories and. under this appre
hension, instructed their representatives to v"t"
against IL But there is new no cause for any such
apprehension. If the representatives from those
States could have held intercourse with their con-
stituents since the fact of Cafora's action has be-
come known, and could have pointed oat to them
the dangers of pressing the Proyiso when all they
wanted would result as well without its enactment
as with it, those constituents would tell thn to
forbear; to cease pressing the Wiimot Proviso.
and relieve the country from dangers. They
would tell them tn come here and calmly and Qu
city settle AL the difficulties that threaten the
Union
Mr.. c. then proceeded to the examination of the
third and fourth resolutions, proposing certain
boundaries for Texas, and to pay the debt of Tex
as, for which the dnties he. imports were
pledged while she Il Republic. He held that
the United States had no power to divide or cut
of any portion of that or any other State; but in
all questions of unsettled boundaries the United
States had the power to settle them
The boundaries of Texas had never been posi-
lively determined, and the United States had the
power TO do SO now. Moreover, it was proposed to
pay her debt; and this was proposed as comprnm
ise in the hope that that State would agree to the
settlement of all difficulties. and restore peace and
harmony TO the country.
Mr.. Foote said, that if the Senator would give
way he would move the adjournment.
: Mr.. Clay aequiesced, stating that he would fin
ish his remarks Tomorrow. And then on mo-
ton.
The Senate adjourned,
FEBRuARy 6TH-Thc Compromise Resolutions
were taken up, in regular order. The crowd be-
ing very great
Mr.. Clay said that if any person came there
with any expectation of hearing him make any dis
play, they would be greatly disappointed; his own
health, the season of the year, well the
of his own life. all admonished him to say only 50
much necessary TO the explanation and sup
port of the measure under consideration.
The fourth resolution was under his consideration
when he closed yesterday. After further brief
explanation of it, he proceeded to the consideration
of the fifth resolution.
This resolution was. that it is inexpedient to
abolish slavery in the District of Columbia whilst
that Institution continues to exist in Maryland,
without the consent of that State without the CON
sent of the people of the District and without just
compensation to the owners Of slaves within the
District
An objection was made on the occasion of the
presentation of the resolutions by Senator to the
recognition by this resolution of power in Cong
ress to abolish slavery in this District He had
never doubted this to exist in Congress He did
not believe that any could doubt that power
who would calrnly examine into the subject
The Constitution declares Congress shall have
power "to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases
whatsoever such district may, by cession of
particular States and the acceptance of Congress,
become the seat of Government of the United
States" What language can be conceived more
comprehensive than the words "exercise exclusive
legislation in all cases whatsoever" Suppose sIa-
very was abolished In MARYLAND and VIRGINIA and