Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-06-06

er to institatc or prohibit slavery in the terri
tories. The government may refuse to extend
its laws over section of territory unless sla-
very is inhibited-but this is not exercising a
power over the territory, but simply refusing
to grant privilege except on certain condi-
lions. No legislation, then, is sanctioned blythe
ordinance Of 's7-and declare again that the
ordinance of 81 is no precedent for the Wilmot
Proviso-the cases are dissimilar. How was
it with the territory over which the ordinance
common law sanction of slavery existed and
was in force over that territory-by which L
would be understood the common law sanction
given by strength over ,ceakness, the original
formation of slavery. Without positive prohi-
bition, slaves would have been held in the
northwestern territory-for here,as in the south
slavery grew up as mere adjunct to power
no state sanctions it by law-the force OF Ser
vitude and the strength of power goes every
where where the contrary is not established
In the Mexican territories there is a positive
prohibition-hence the necessity which existed
III tut OHt CASE, WHlCu OOGS Iiol-SahhoS app
to the present territory.
Docs any one pretend 10 say that the ordi-
nance Of 81 freed single siave-no. That a
slave would be free by going into that terrific
ry: No. The only way that slaves are manu-
mitted is by state authority. May not slave
exist here, If our state does not prohibit ii p
Now, then have l shown that there is no anal
ogy between the territories of 81 and the pres
ent the one is slare, the other free.
The first time the question was presented,
whether free territory should be shackled by
slavery regulations, was on the admission of
Oregon. All remember the position of the la
mented Polk as to its constitutonality. Here
is really the only precedent. And of what ad-
vantage has it been theres None whatever
neither would New Mexico or Utah, from their
position, be otherwise affected. But it is vim
dicating principle, it is said. The provisions
of the Omnibus bill, bringing all disputes to
point will settle all matters of dispute, and it is
believed the south will accede to it. The ques-
ticn of abolishing slavery in the District is not
now important-but the abolition of the slave
trade is. In relation to fugitive slaves-the
south call upon us to look at our Constitution
and uphold its provisions-bu are there those
who deny the binding force of such cons,itu-
tional enactments: Yes, some in high places,
contending that they conflict with the laws Of
God. Well then, say, let them give way, if
this is true-for if any part of the Constitution
is contrary to the laws of God, not only that
part but the whole Constitution is void.
The great question, then. is in relation to the
territories. The crisis is approaching
commenced in the south as mere objection, has
now grown into open resistance. The south
has assumed its position-they have called
southern convention efforts are now being
made to establish at the seat of government
southern sectional press, to counteract the
northern. Sir, l have too much faith in the
good sense of the people of the north to believe
they will persevere in this course. We cannot
deny that sectional feeling is growing up at
the south. Washington warned us against
such parties. Jackson, at the close Of his ca
reer, referred to the same sentiment-and reit-
Grated it. There was another effort to get up
a sectional feeling-the Hartford Convention
its history is another striking warning against
sectional parties. Our responsibility in this
matter, as Senators, is great. 1t may be i'll our
power to save the Union. Let us unchain the
hands of our Senators and Representatives at
Washington. We have little to lose,-much
to gain. We have but to relinqush an alb
stract idea but such course would be of in
calculable benefit to the country. Send forth,
then, from this sovereign body, a sentiment
that will give perpetuity to our Union.
We have endeavored to give full and sue
clint report of Mr. Chases remarks-embodyin
rs they are claimed to, the sentiments of the
conservative section of the democratic party.
The discussion has been ably continued by
Mcssrs. Hobbs of Oxford, and Cary, and doubt
less the principles of the Resolves will elicit
thorough discussion befor the matter is dis
posed of.
In the House, the slavery question has also
commanded considerable attention The at
tempts of the wings to commit democrats in
favor of the Taylor policy, is very like we'll
gotten up farce. %