The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-05-19
THURSDAY. MAY is, 1850.

The subject being under consideration,
MIR. FOOTE continued his remarks as follows Mr.
senator from Florida, the views which II entertained
touching the question which has been freely discussed
on this occason IN regard to the validity at the present
newly acquired Territories reasseted the doctrine pro-
mulged in the Southern Address, and endeavoed show
that the senator from Florida had placed himself in
held in respect by the address put forth by the
vention lately held in the State OF Mississippi, out OF
whose proceedings originated the scheme of the Southern
Convention, shortly 10 assemble in Nashville. stated
what understood TO be the opinions on various
sons declared here by several distinguished members OF
body including the late llustrous from South
Carolina, Mr.. CALHoUN.] who, whilst living enjoyed so
much OF the public respect and whose character and sage
teachings come TO were canonized from the
tomb In confirmation OF all that have heretofore said
upon this subject and with the view Of eectually relev
ing the uneasiness which to oppress the mind OF
the senator from Florida in regard to the overwhelming
influence which he fears is to be exeed upon the public
judgment OF the country by the opinion expressed by the
honorable senator from Kentucky CMr CLAr.l in favor
OF the validity of these Mexican laws will now read
short extract from that admirable address to the people Of
the southern States which emanaied during the last
er from the pen OF one to whose authority when living.
the senator from Florida understood pay more than
ordinary Difference. kallude to Mr. CALHOUN;
There akin to this that the Mexican law
abolishng slavery st Ia force in New Mexico and Cali
iorna, when not particle OF its authority sovereignty
that followed, extingushsd the whole with annued
all her laws applicable to them except those relating
may necessary 70 prrveai anarchy, and even these
continued only by sif1anos, and the implied
iIs conquered and only from .is necessity Of the case
Her laws aboshing slavery not embraced la the
cepton and II would be taken OF IT, the
of Congress could be implied 70 continue Ia
which IL bad no right to establish.
But sill higher ground may be taken. The moment the
territory becomes ours, constitution passes over and
covers the WHOLE with all It's provisions which, from their
joint and authority Of each ana AZ Ss SAFE. 'es Of
the Union, aud sweeping away every Mexican law incom
s s ss AND sss"s %
State they belong, whether be situated the northern
equal rights Of projection IN their property, relations
person Ia the territories of each aud all the States
which made the Catholic religion tho exclusive religion oi
the county aud which let In the religion Of all
lions; which swept away all the laws prohibiting the
dncton Of properly OF almost every description sbso
uiey. and others under the condition Of paying duties and
letting them In duty free until otherwise provided for,
swept that which abolished slavery and Ia property in
slaves No distinction be made between Il and any
other dcsc pon Of properly thing, with
and the equal tights Of The several States Of the
Union and their citizens.
Mr.. President, have not concurred with some OF my
friends upon this hoor, and elsewhere, who have from
time TO lime expressed strong and regret nj
the conflict OF opinion which has arisen among the dis
nguished statesmen and urss Of the republic, in the
opposite sections of the Unon in regard the va
lidy OF the Mexican laws abolishing slavery On the
contrary have been grated discover that this diver
sy OF opinion existed, because from have felt author.
zed 10 deduce the strongest hopes OF the ultimate adjust
men OF thai fierce controversy which has 50 long kept
the country in state OF painful dsquictude. Permit me
TO explain little upon this point. Whilst northern men
continue entertain the opinion that domestic slavery
already shut out BY existing laws from our recently ac-
quired Territories they will feel songy inclined 10 unite
with the distinguished senator from Massachusetts in
recognising the Wilmo Proviso mere abstraction un.
necessary be adopted, and will confidently rely upon
the Judicial tribunals OF the country for the final decision
OF this question, should arise for adjudication whereas
southern men, entertaining opposite opnionregsrng
these same Mexican laws as already abolished and rem
dered inoperaive-wi with equal confidence, rely upon
the Judicial tribunals for adjudication in favor OF
the South. Thus the two extremes can well meet upon
the middle ground Of the constitution, and, patriots be
able 10 cooperate in the establishment OF territorial gov
enmen,s, without any special reference in the law
ting them to the subject OF African saveryleavng the
whole matter to be adjusted In republic like ours,
all questions OF this kind should be, By the regularly
tribunals Of the nation.
On yesterday Mr. President, 1avowed the doctrine that
the people OF the Territories have ht TO establish gov
enments for their protection, without being specially
10 do by act OF Congress- at the same
time declaring that in thus proceeding 10 establish govern
men they would be bound TO manifest proper respect 10
all The fundamental principles mbodied In the federal
stt ton Let repeat the declaration that In my judg
men the constitution Of the republic imposes The only
restriction TO their action this subject 10 which they
can be properly subjected within the limits OF the
stuiion they may devise just such government IN all
respects they may conceive 10 be necessary for their
safety and happiness But, inasmuch the abolition
OF exclusion OF slavery not necessary for this purpose
and as the right to hold slaves property is formally
guaranteed by the constitution, territorial government
thus formed could be Justly regarded as having authority
egsae adversely in any respect 10 this important in
teres and all such legislation would be necessarily in
valid; whilst legislation designed simply 10 protect and
preserve this institution, being OF nature repugnant
the constitution, would be enuted respect and obe
dience Holding these general views 10 the inherent
right OF the people, to establish government for them
selvesn support Of which shall presently cite very
high authority. which seems 70 have been heretofore
strangely overlooked cannot perceive the necessity or
pfopney OF demanding from Congress special recoxn