The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-08-05

with California, New Mexico, or Texas. That Is a
measure which stands out by itself 1t is to correct
a source of annoyance The borders of the free
and slave States, which every patriot North and
South, will go far he to remove. The
same thing may be affirmed of the District slave
trade bill, which has no manner OF dependence up
on, or connexion with, any proposed territorial
engagements. The only issue, then, to which my
proposition can be in any way Injurious, Is pre-
scented by the measure now before the Senate; and
with him who supposes that the success of that
measure will secure the harmony of the country,
the argument is entitled to great weight; but in
my humble Judgment, the omission to embrace the
questions connected with new States to be carved
out of Texas will give rise to amount of evil
which Will more than counterbalance any good
which is likely to attend the adoption of the pre-
sent measure.
But it is said that sufficient for the day is the
evil thereof" admit, sir, that the evils Of the day
great indeed; but, though should adjust
upon terms generally satisfactory every other ques
ton connected with the subject OF slavery, and fail
to settle this one, we shall have done but half Of
our duty; nay, more, shall have neglected to
adjust perhaps, the only one which become
really formidable to the Union. 1t will be per
ceived that the proposition submitted by me on
this subject embraced a settlement of the boundary
question.
Again, il is objected that Texas may never pro-
pose the formation of States out of her terrific
ry. why II the increasing population; If the grow
ing Inconvenience Of single State organization in
so large territory; if the agitations to which
bilious aspirants to office and honors among her
own CltlZen5 sIOulU not De SuilclcNt TO raise tie
question as to the formation of new States there
will be found sufficient HILLARY interest through
out the States of the South, generally, to ensure
such result. And predict that within three years
within five at the flrthest-we shall have to meet
this question in Congress, and then the present
element will seem but asummer breeze to the hur
ricane which will sweep over the land
come now, Mr.. President, to speak more di
rectly Of the provisions Of the bill under debate.
The first proposition is to admit California into the
Union as Slate. must confess that after listen
ing to the acute and eloquent speech of the honora
bic Senator from Louisiana, Mr.. SouLE,) ! had
some doubts raised in my mind as TO the security
OF the rights OF the United States in the public do
main, and In the mineral property especially, if
should admit California with her present constitu-
ton. | am not so clear that 1t would not be more
prudent to demand some more reliable provision for
the security Of these rights than to be found in that
instrument. But have come to the conclusion
that if this bill can be moulded into n form
those other and higher interests OF peace and harmo
NY, insecurity VI the public domain including all the
riches of the gold mines, should form insupera-
bic impeachment to Its adoption. As to the excep-
ton taken TO the boundaries of California as de-
fined in the constitution laid before u.s. my views
in relation To the policy OF the country in that
spect were fully disclosed at the close of the last
Congress. | care not bow extensive those bound
aries may be. should take exception to them
had they included Deseret well as the valley Of
the Sacramento and the San Joaquin, together
with the whole country south. Doubtless at some
future day California may be divided into two
more States but for the present can perceive no
ground of wisdom or expcdiency in making pro-
vision for more than a single State. l am that
the South las no particular interest in the subdi-
vision of the territory of California, unless some
better prospect than ! can descry at present were
presented that slavery would be established in
portion OF It,
But great and vehement opposition and e1cep
ton have been urged to the manner and circuul-
stances attending the formation of State consti-
tuition by the people Of California. The President
f.ll haa h,afa
deinned for the part ne Is said TO have had in the
proceedings which led to the formation of that in
strument. And here | must beg leave TO notice the
course Of an honorable Senator from Virginia, MIR.
MAsoN,) whose remarks upon the alleged inter-
ference of the President in the affairs of California
were matter of great surprise TO me, when con-
slider how Just and considerable he usually is in all
that he says. That gentleman seemed to be at loss
for language TO give utterance TO his Indignation,
TO characterize in suitable terms the usurpation
Of power and authority which he ascribed ~ the
President. Ii was moustrous; il was wanton, he
had almost said wicked; and he astonishcd
that more notice had been taken of his conduct.
must be permitted 10 say that think the honor
able Senator did injustice to HIMSELF well as to
the President, in these remarks. He doubtless
supposed that he had sufficient for the
strong sentiments he expressed upon this subject,
but they do not strike me with equal force.
Well, sir, what is the true history and extent Of
the Presidents interference in this matter of the
formation of State constitution for Caliiornis?
Sir, il appears from authentic documents that be-
fore President Taylor came into office, or, at all
events, before IL Is pretended that any official
other communication did could have reached
California after his Inauguration the project ofthe
formation of a State constitution, and making APP
plication to Congress for admission into the Union
as State, was seriously medtated, and the deter
mination taken by the officers in command in that
Territory; and, doubtless with the concurrence Of
the leading inhabitants, as the most cxpcdient and
proper course pursue in the event that Congress-
then in session, should adjourn without providing
lnra flgTtta tot tb,tr
wants. have the official documents before me in
proof VI what state but will detain the Senate
by reading them. ] found my statement upon a
letter of General Persifcr f. Smith to the Sccreta
ny Of War, dated June both, lS49 and upon
simhr communication from General Riley, dated
June Both, 1919 II thus appears that If President
Taylor had forbornc giving any instructions or adj
vice, either through the officers in command in
California or by special agent, convention would
have been called and constitution framed and
presented TO Congress for its sanction. President
Taylor IL, therefore, further implicated in the
proceedings in california than that he has approved
the policy 'whicfftiictatcd them, and recommended
them To Congress for it's consideration.
But go further, and assert that the President in
approving the proceedings in California, doing
no more than conforming to the sentiment and ex-
pectation Of a large portion Of the people Of this
country, North aud South. For, sir, it cannot be
forgotten that before the adjournment of the last
Congress, 1t was predicted by members upon this
floor and the belief INDUCED by still greater
viding government in some form for California,
great the influx ofcmigrants from the States
into that Territory, 80 urgent would become the
necessity for the protection of regularly organ.
lied government, that the inhabitants, in view Of the
obstacles that existed in Congress to the formation
Of Territorial government at any time, would as
scmbe in convention, form "A State constitution, and
ask admission into the Union as State at the en-
suing Congress What has taken place in Califor-
MIA is the natural aud almost inevitable result Of the
necessities of that peope-left as they were with a
numerous and increasing population, assembled
from all quarters of the world without any solid
security for life property, and exposed at every
moment 10 all the evils of anarchy and civil brol.
Were Il necessary TO give strength 10 this state
mcnt that | should indicate the number Of those
members Of the last Congress who entertained
thus expectation, could more readily perform
the tack by inquiring what individual Senator
did not anticipate that California would be knock
ing AT our door, constitution in hand, asking adj
mission into the Union State at tho ensuing
session Of Congress9 might go even further, and
say that there were many patriotic members at the
close of the last Congress Who in despair Of any eff
fcctive legislation by Congress for the protection of
the people of California, in the usual and custom
airy mode, looked to the voluntary formation Of a
constitution by them, and their admission into the
Union ms a State, the only eSpedient by which
the country could escape from the endorsements