New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-05-28
XXXI-t CONGREss-FIrst Session.

SENATE. WASHINGTON Monday, May q, 1880.
Mr.. DowSs's resolution Of Inquiry, as to whether
the SEQ contract for carrying the mails between
New.York. New Orleans, Chagres, Charleston, &c.
by Mai Steamers, has failed to be performed, and
in what particulars, was taken up.
Mr. Dowss modified it so as to direct a general
inquiry into the performance of the contract for car
Tying the mail to Liverpool and on the California
routes.
The resolution as modified was adopted.
After the reception of reports, and presentation
of petitions, the bill to establish a Branch Mint in
New.York was taken up.
Mr.. DAVIS of Miss. moved an amendment pro-
viding for two Assaying Ohices-one at Stockton
and the other at Sacramento.
Mr.. UNDERWOOD expressed himself opposed to
the amendment and in favor of the establishment
OF Mint in California.
After some debate, in the course Of which Mr.
BADGER gave notice of his intention to move to
substitute for the proposition, to establish Mint
IL New York, similar proposition in favor of San
Francisco The bill was postponed until Wednes-
day next
The Omnibus bill was then taken up and the
amendment moved by JEFFERSON DAVIS, and
modified by Mr.. PRATT, was read
Mr.. DAVIS said that lac had assented 20 the mod
hcation when shown him in manuscript bat upon
Seeing IL III pIlHt, nc lOunu tue NOfu
there which he did not recollect TO have seen in
the manuscript, and which, if he bad SEEM would
have led him 20 reject the modification He de-
sired now 10 modN the amendment, so as to meet
the issue suggested by the Objectionable word, by
striking out the word lawfully and inserting
coniormaby to the Constitution and laws of tue
United States"
Mr.. MASON then addressed the Senate, and gave
an explanation OF the views of the minority OF the
A & fba ylo
repudlate the scheme Of Compromise This first ob-
lection was to the provision in the fugitive Slave
blI, allowing trial by Jury to a fugitive, because
during the tendency of the legal proceeding il de-
prved the owner OF the ri ht and power to dispose
OF his Slave. 1t was also in derogaton of the true
dignity OF the Stakeholder, who was thus deprived
OF the absolute control of species of property
Again he would never himself consent to the ab0-
hton OF the Slave trade in the District of Columbia
but If even such were not his own sentiments bis
hands were tled-the legislature of Virginia having
designated that measure as one OF series upon
the passage OF any one of which, by Congress, the
Governor was directed to assemble the General
Assembly OF the State for the purpose of taking
such action as might be deemed proper in vindica-
ton Of the night OF her citizens TO take their prop
erty OF every description into all the territories Of
the United States. la the course of his remarks
he expressed himselfi in favor of the Missouri Com
promise line, but ppOsed 10 the admission of Cali
iornla south OF that line Free territory. To this
he would never assent nor to the surrendering OF
a large portion OF Texas, now acknowledged to be
Slave territory TO the General Government, 70 be
disposed OF as The Government should deem proper
He proceeded at considerable length to argue the
adaptation Of California to Slave labor, and the
cause AID object OF her Constitutional Convention
in excluding Slavery. Having concluded his re-
marks. Mr. Clay asked Mr. Mason whether be
meant to be understood to say that he would be
willing 10 take the Missouri Compromise line 10 the
Pacific, without any Legislation by Congress with
respect to Slavery on either side OF that line
Mr. MAsOS replied for himself that he would
Mr. CLAY then asked whether all Southern Sena.
tors would be willing 70 abide by that line, with
the condition named.
Mr.. MAsoS said the Senator from Kentucky
might very soon receive direct answer to his In.
qures If he would himself intimate q willingness
20 abide by that line.
Mr.. CLAY said, that for himself he would have
no objection TO the extension Of the Missouri line
across Utah and New Mexico, bu. not through
California.
Mr.. FooTE submitted some remarks, and read |
from debates IN the Virginia Legis AZURE, to show
that Mr.. Mason was in error In saving that he was
under instruction not to consent to the abolition OF
TIE slave trade IN the District. The last resOlu
tons upon the subject passed by Virginia most
signifcantly omitted 10 enumerate that measure
among the prospective wrongs Of the South.
Mr. MAsos replied. that the abolition Of the slave
trade IN the District came under the general scope
Of the resolution against any act interfering in any
manner with the rights and interests OF the slave
holders.
Mr.. CAss inquired of Mr.. Mason what was 10 be
The advantage OF running the line OF 80 80 20 the
Pacific, without any provision excluding or inhlbit
ing Slavery either north or south OF that line.
Mr. BERRIES said the answer 10 the inquiry was
,byiOus the line would cut of from Caliiornia-in
he whole of which Slavery was inhibited-four
md half degrees Of territory, believed % be
adapted to Slavery, and leaving that open 70 the
people TO determine for themselves the question OF
slavery thenn.
Mr.. Mason resumed the conversation with Mr.
LAY and said that IL that Senator would assent to
be running Of the Missouri line 70 the Pacific and