Weekly national intelligencer., 1850-06-08

tent in other words with the line $50 3 extended 10 ths
Pacific ocean, with nothing being said on the subject Of sa
very either the right left Of that ne-north or south
should be glad of these questions for the
purpose Of understanding the matter clearly.
Mr.. MASON. will answer the question of the Senator
from Kentucky with great pleasure So far my opin
ions involved those Of any whom might prde-if any
such there bel declare most distinctly that the adoption Of
the line $50 3V the southern boundary Of California would
content me, without any legislation the part Of Congress
in reference to the subject of slavery In other words that
if the southern boundary of California were contracted to
that ne should be content to organize Territorial Govern
men for the territory south of it, in the usual form, without
provision pro or CON- upon the subject Of slavery
Mr.. CLAY. And SO through to New Mexico !
Mr.. MASON. Clearly. NY suggestion is this The
compromise bill contains three propositions The first is for
the admission OF California with her present boundaries the
second is for cession Of territory from Texas prescribing her
boundaries and, third for the organization Of governments
in the remaining territory. Now if peases the Senator
strike from the bill altogether that part which relates to the
cesson of territory from Texas then should be content il
the southern boundary of California contracted the
compromise line Of 36o 3O and the organization of Terri
torial Government in the usual manner.
Mr.. HALE. Mr.. President
Mr.. CLAY. Will the honorable Senator from New
Hampshire excuse me for moment This is very inn
Portant subec-a very important matterand It'll extremely
desirable that the country should distinctly understand what
is proposed This question, you will recolec sir at the
commencement Of this session. the first occasion on
which addressed you at any length, discussed, and
that occasion stated that could think Of offering to the
South the line $50 3O because without express recogn
on OF the right to carry slaves south of that line of
ferng to the South mere ideal ne without carrying along
with any practical benefits whatever understand how
ever now, that the Senator from Virginia is willing to take
the line So 80 to the Pacific leaving the local law and the
constitution OF the United States operate either side of
na ne without any express declaration recognition Of the
right to carry slaves south Of that line prohibition of
slavery north of that ne That understand to be the view
of the Senator
Mr. MASON. Undoubtedly.
Mr. CLAY. Assuming that to be what would satisfy
ha
is whether all the Senators from the South will be satisfied
with that ne and silent to the legislation south line
Mr. MASON, Gin his seat.) speak only for myself.
Mr. CLAY. The Senator says it is confined to himself
He must at perceive that any change variation in the
existing proposition, without knowledge of practical
result would be, perhaps, losing time unnecessarily. But
should like to know whether every Southern Senator will be
satisfied with the line running $50 30 to the Pacific nothing
being said about the right carry slavery south of that ne
Mr.. MASON Mr. President, have stated to the Sena-
tor very frankly the position which prepared to assume
in this matter. have told him that have done SO as ex-
pressing my own opinions only, and have given my
for that opinion in the argument have had the honor cub
NIT to the Senate He asks whether he is to under
stand that all the other Senators from the Southern States
concur IN the opinions which express will state to him.
sir that he will get apprehend very speedy expression Of
that opinion he will indicate to the Senators this side
the chamber whether he will be for it himself.
Mr. CLAY. Mr.. President, this is making contract be-
tween two individuals have authority to for
any body Iconfess the proposition this morning struck
with great surprsewith agreeable SURPRISE Although, sir
would not say that would go into California to disturb her
limits yeti think that if the honorable Senator would get out
another compromise might be very much disposed 90
along with him. That is say would consent to run the
line So 80, without any recognition Of the right to carry
slaves south Of that ne leaving r loci and the Constitution
OF the United States to operate there If you make any
thing out OF that contrary to my convictions shall be very
much disposed myse-speakng only for myse-to take
the compromise line as the southern boundary of California
That is to to run through Utah and New Mexico.
Mr. MASON, Gin his seat And no further
In. LA yeYain ofx.yth CoIc,
Mr. HALE. merely rise to correct misapprehenson
which, fear may arise from remarks which fell from
the Senator from Virginia in regard to the line $50 3V
think that stranger who had not read the resolution Of the
annexation of Texas would understand if be had listened to
that Senator that this line actually applied the State Of
Texas So understood him. Now, reference to the re-
solution Of annexation Of Texas will show that this is en-
tirey mistake. There Is no line applied to Texas and the
constitution Of Texas if toleraes slavery at all carries il
to its remotest bounday the 4ad degree There Is not sy
liable the resolution of annexation squirting the idea
that there is any restriction Of slavery in any part Of it. The
provision is that whenever Texas herself up
into States those which shall hereafter be formed out Of
territory lying north Of $50 3O shall not have slavery That
is the whole restriction. There is none until Texas Of her
own accord consents divide her territory There was
no compromse-360 3O any other ine-by which sla-
very was excluded from inch Of territory which
extended or claimed jurisdiction make these remarks not
because suppose that the Senator from Virginia has fallen
into any mistake such have referred to, but because
thought from the tenor Of his remarks that there was some
restriction on slavery in Texas. There is none.
Mr.. MASON. merely wish say that every gentleman
determine for himself how far the Missouri compromise
line Of 36o 3O affects the State of Texas All that written
down IN round text in the resolution by which Texas
nexed appehend it is SO plain that he who runs may
read" and will admit Of no misconsruction.
Mr.. FOOTE here made remarks which, having been
submitted to him for revson and returned are necesa
rily omitted.
Mr.. MASON One word, sir. The issue which the |
honorable Senator has made Certainly did make m in
regard to the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of
Virginia. depends upon this whether the terms in any
interfering with the rights Of the shareholders in the
District and the terms "aboishng the slave trade within
the District are to be taken importing the meaning
Now, sir do not think that the meaning given to text by
Of those who made it, still less those who subsequent
give testimony, should be invoked in any way ascertain
what the meaning Of it E when the text itself before u.s.
very much at loss any difference between inter
ferEg with the slave trade in the District of Columbia and
interfering with the rights Of shareholders in the District of
Coumbia for Of the rights of shareholders is the trade
slaves.
Mr.. FOOTE replied
Mr. CASS Mr. President there is one point upon which
do not understand the honorable Senator from Virginia.
(M MASON in the explanation he gave to the Senator from
Kentucky (Mr CLAr He says he is willing accept the
Missouri compromise ne without the recognition estab
lishment OF slavery by Congress south of that lne can
understand that BY applying that line California and stop
ping her boundary there the country to the south of would
be again open the action of the people, and it would be
either forever to admit exclude slavery say, can
dersand this But cannot understand Of what possible
such line would be east Of California and Texas 1t would
divide nothing The Missouri compromise line said nothing
on the subject of slavery south of $50 30 left to the
people to introduce exclude it there while prohibited its
existence north Of that ne This bill leaves the whole terri
oy north and south, precisely the Missouri compromise