Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-03-12
Mr.. Webster's, in Reply.

/ -'AA' " olhOuu > dI oIbeuIS NlIdh - - w Ill'
spirit and tendency. Whereas the South
ern statesman is cold. stern and unyield-
ing, so Mr.. Webster is conciliatory, and
disposed 10 employ every proper means
that can assist in accommodating the ex-
listing differences. Whilst Mr.. Calhoun
stands aloof and happily, almost or quite
alone, with his eye fixed upon Disunion,
Mr.. Webster speaks out Of solicitous
and anxious heart for the preservation Of
the Union, and the restoration Of that
quiet and harmony which makes It's bles-
sings so rich and so dear to us all.
Mr.. Webster attributes the turmoil Of
this Session almost wholly 10 the inser-
ton Of the Slavery-prohibltion clause in
the California Constitution. He entered
into running history of Slavery in the
ancient and modern worlds, its existence
in Greece and Rome and its prevalence at
the incoming Of Christianity.
Mr.. w. compared the opinions Of the
North and South on the subject, according
to the bulk of the people in each section
honest and conscientious though conflict
ing sentiments. Still he thinks that
disposition is abroad in both sections too
critical, too precise, exacting, and one
may say, mathematical, and which cam
not be safely INDUCED to run riot, owing
10 the limited capacities of man in the de-
partment Of morals in which this question
is to be found.
He says that al the time of the adoption
of the Constitution, Slavery was looked
upon by North and South, but most espe-
cially by The latter, as " an evil, blight,
blast, mildew, a scourge, and curse"
1t was this feeling which gave birth to the
ordinance of 1887, for which every South
ern man voted, and which had but one
opponent, a Northern man!
The change which has since come over
the TWO sections is 10 be ascribed TO the
| introduction of contemplating, and that
alone.
Mr.. Webster denies that the North has
had the control Of the Government, but
the South, for it has been Southern inAu-
ences that have acquired Louisiana, Tex
as, etc.
Mr.. Webster was very severe on the
Northern Democracy for bringing in ter
ritory and then wanting to apply TO it the
saving grace of the Wilmot Proviso.
He considers nature to have decided
against the introduction of Slavery into
California and New Mexico. He thinks
that Congress has no further power over
Slavery; that that subject has taken fix
ed and immovable position; but we quote
his own words
"Now. MIR. President, have established, so
far as proposed to go into any line OF obserYa-
ton 10 establish, the proposition with which
set out, and upon which propose 10 stand or
fall and that is, that the whole territory Of the
States in the United States or, in ncwly-acquired
territory Of the United States has fixed and
settled character, now fixed and settled by law,
which cannot be repealed in the case Of Texas
without violation Of public faith, and cannot
be repealed by any human power in regard to
California or New Mexico that, under one or
other of these laws, every foot OftcrrItory in the
States or in the Territories has LOW received
fixed and decided character"
Mr.. Webster asserts his clear belief
that the legislatures Of the North have
been wrong IN not fulfilling the dictum OF
the Constitution for the restitution Of iu-
gitive Slaves, and declares his purpose 10
vote for Mr., Mason's bill.
He wonders at Mr.. Calhoun's PROPOSE
ton about "peaceable secession and
denies its possibility on every ground.
But we must conclude our very imperfect
sketch of this great address, by giving lis
summing up, in Mr.. Webster's own
words:
| have one other remark 10 make. In
my observations upon slavery as 1t has
existed in the country, and as II now eX-
lists, have expressed no opinion of the
mode of its estinguishment or amellora-
ton. will say, however, thong have
nothing to propose on that subject, be-
cause / do no, deem myself so competent
as other gentlemen to consider it, that ii
any gentleman from the South shall pro-
nose n scheme of colonization, TO be car
ried On by this Government upon large
scale. for the transportation Of free color
ed people to any colony or any place in
the world, should be quite disposed In