The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-01-30

over distant regions which have no repre-
sentation, and the right to organize a gov
ernment leaving the details to the people.
In the District of Columbia Congress
has exclusive jurisdiction. but there were
peculiar reasons for that, arising out ofthe
situation of the District and the original
federal compact. There is no clause in
the Constitution which gives Congress ex-
press power to pass any law respecting
slavery in the territories. That authority
is derived from various sources. Every
construction of the Constitution which
would give foreign legislature power
over slavery would equally give it power
over every other social and political ques-
ton in the territories. Ifit were intended
to give Congress unlimited power of legis-
lation over territories, it would have been
so expressed. Mr.. Cass then entered up.
on an analysis of the various clauses of
the Constitution upon which it has been
attempted to derive this power over the
territories
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
An Intellectual attempt was made to re-
consider the vote postponing the election
for Door-keeper. The Speaker decided
that it would be in order to move the ap-
pointment oI a temporary Door-keeper
and Postmaster, whereupon a lengthy dis
cussion ensued in relation to the appoint
ment temporarily of new or the continu-
alton of the old Door-keeper.
The President sent in message in an.
swer to the resolution of inquiry respecting
the government of California After going
into an explanation OF the subject, the
President says:
81 did not thesitate to express to the people
of those Territories my desire, that each
should, if prepared. comply with the re-
QUESTIONS of the United States Constitu-
ton, and apply for admission into the
Union; but did not authorize the estab-
lishment of such government without the
consent of Congress; nor did authorize
any government agent to influence the
election of delegates or control any con-
vention in making or modifying their do
mestic institutions"
SENATE.
TUESDAY JAN. 22.-Mr. Webster sub.
mitted a resolution granting to every male
citizen OF the United States who settles
upon and cultivates the same for three
years quarter section Of public lands,
which lies over.
MIR. Foote'S resolution for forming ter
ritoral government in California being the
special order of the day. Mr.. Cass hav-
ing the floor concluded his remarks on the
Wilmot Proviso.
Mr.. C. said: Besides the want of consti-
tutional power, there are at least fourteen
States of this Union which see in this mea.
sure direct attack upon their rights, and
a disregard Of their feelings and interests,
as injurious in itself as it is offensive to
their pride of character, and incompatible
with the existence of those bonds of amity
which are stronger than constitutional ties !
to hold us together. No man can shut his
eyes to the excitement which prevails there,
and which is borne to US by the press in
countless articles coming from Legislative
proceedings, from popular assemblies, and
from all the sources whence public opin-
ion is derived, and be insensble to the
evil day that is upon us. believe this
Union will survive all the dangers with
which it may be menaced however trying
the circumstances in which it may be pla-
ced believe it is not destined to perish
till long after it shall have fulfilled the great
mission confded TO it Of example and en-
couragement to the nations of the earth
who are struggling with the despotism of
centuries, and cropping their way in dark
ness once impenetrable. but where the !
light of knowledge and freedom is begin
ming to disperse the gloom. But to main
tain this proud position, this integrity of
political existence, on which so much for
us and for the world depends, we must
carefully avoid those sectional questions
so much and so forcibly depre ciated by I
the Father of his Country, and cultivate !
spirit of mutual regard, adding to the con-
sideratons of interest which hold us to.
gether the higher motives Of affection and
Of affinity Of views and sympathies. Sad
will be the day when the first drop of blood
is shed in the preservation Of this Union. |
That day need never come, and never will
COIHe, ii TIC Sdilie SPHit VI Cohi oih'Sc
and of concession by each to the feelings
of all which animated our fathers contnu-
es to animate us and our children. But
if powers offensive to one portion of the
country, and of doubtful obligation, to say
the least of it, are to be exercised by ano-
ther, and under circumstances Of peculiar
excitement, this Confederation may be
rent in twain, leaving another example Of
that judicial blindness with which God in !
his providence sometimes visits the sins Of
nations.
Now, sir, as mere practical question,
is the Legislative adoption OF this proviso
worth the hazard at which it alone can be
secured-the obstacles and dangers have
briefly alluded to! There should be great
advantages. inestlmable indeed, to be G 'in-
ed before such measure is forced upon
the country. Can any man say that they
correspond at all with the magnitude ofthe
evils which must follow in their train!