Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-02-02

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Mr.. RUsK. Sir, have not bad here discussion in
which the statements and arguments of the SENATOR
side only have been made and will go out to the community
And, whatever may have been intended submit will have
effect public opinion do not deem it proper, now
to go into argument in the Senator's position but
has the Senator investigated this subject Does not know
that appended the treaty with Mexico Of which he speaks
signed and sealed the commissioners who negotiated and
expressly made part of the treaty. there map which de-
fines all the territory Of the Rio Gande and to the AGO of
north latitude, Texas and that the territory west of
that river is explicitly designated New Mexico
The boundary thus defined is made part Of the treaty
ITSELF and fair Interpretation permit any body
different Can this fact be argued out of the
treaty Yet, the resolutions Of the Senator would ndi
cafe, such must be the case.
desire nothing, sir, but fair investigation of this subject
when up properly and shall fail in presenting
stubborn facts do show that the United States Congress
has much right to interfere with the jurisdiction and limits
OF Kentucky interfere with those Of Texas Texas
has agreed to the exercise of such power the part of
Congress, and if carried will be assumption Of power
BY the Government, by which annhilate the State
Texas any other State in this Union.
The object have in view at present is merely to prevent
the propositions contained in the resolutions supported
they have been by speeches from the distinguished Sena
tor from Kentucky with the immense influence which any
thing that from him carries with it, from going
as settled and established facts 1t becomes my duty, there
FORE on this OCCASION assert the rights of Texas and TO
that when the proper time arrives, intend to maintain
those rights And will say another thng sir, for feel my
self bound to do and that is if there fewer abstract
resolutions brought in here provoke debate If there
fewer questions made for purposes of display, if Senators
were more willing up the point of action to intro
duce some bill which would bring up this question distinctly
for the responsible Of the Congress the United States
aud debate it. should be likely accomplish
good purpose.
But 80 long as every one forward with separate
and distinct proposition in the form of abstract resolutions
though actuated by patriotic motives no doubt shall in
my opinion, arrive at just result From the that
at present pursuing, have expectation that
God may-and long such resolutions discussed
instead Of taking up the subject in more tangible FORM
shall accomplish nothing. Pass the resolutions your
tableby unanimous vote, and there abiding force and
effect in them. The next day you may pass bill upon the
same subject Of an entirely different character.
M CLAY. propose that these resolutions be made the
order Of the day for Tuesday next
MI DOWNS. do not intend Mr. President, 10 discuss
this mbect at length but desire simply to make few
ma with reference the purpor of these resolutions before
the Senate shall pass from their consideration No could
hayeheard with greater pleasure than myself the
men, which has been made heretofore by Of the daily
pres in anticipation, and which has since been realized
that the distinguished Senator from Kentucky preparing
compromise bill upon this agtang question of slavery.
desired particularly that he should take up this subject
because of his long services to the country in the nations
councils and because Of his residing in slave State and being
fully acquainted with the character and operations of the
stion Of slavery but, above ALL because of the decided
parwhch he had taken years ago upon another por
tantpccason similar to this which, course, would cause the
country look upon his movements upon this question with
grea attention and interest His great fame and eoquence,
his high position and influence in the public mind naturally
induces the belief that what he suggests upon the subject
will have great weight and that any prospective plan of
promise would very appropriately from him. But,
have been greatly mistaken must confess that in the
whole OF my life my establishment has never been
greater than when this proposition brought for
ward as compromise; and rise now, sir, not for the pur
pose discussing at ALL but to protest most soemnly
agains it, consider this compromise compromise at
ALL What, sir does grant to the South can moth
N tn.L IL
Senator proposes admit the State Of California with
provision relative to slavery which embraces all posses
sons the Pacific It is true there may be new regula
ton of The boundary hereafter but there were 10 be such
regulation, why not embraced in this resolution
AS boundary is mentioned, have right to presume
that the boundary established by the constitution Of California
to be received the established boundary What con
ceSsion, then, is it from the North that admit State
bracng the whole Of possessions the Pacific coast
cordng these resolutions IF they had simply contained
the provision that constitutional government shall be esab
lished there without any mention of slavery whatever, il
would have been well enough But inasmuch as it is affirm
edhat slavery does exist in these Territories does
absolutely preclude its admission there and the resolutions
therefore might just weam that slavery should be proh
bed in those Territories. The Senator from Alabama if
understood him Alright, maintains that the proposition is o.
the import the Wo proviso; and in view of these
facts would ask, is there any thing conceded OF the
South
It may be contended with reference the resolution rea
ing the District of Columbia, that comedies great DEAL
with slavery the District without the consent of Maryland
and Of its citizens. might attach weight this
statement not that long ago, when there much
greater excitement upon this subject similar resolution
passed by the Senate And what did it amount to Did II
calm the agitation at ALL the ends Of those who
raising this excitement amongst us Has it stayed the
hand Of the North that raised against US Can the
leman suppose that of the South tame that
will accept boon that which gives nothing the South
whatever What will be the effect of these resolutions and
Of the compromise proposed, allowing this to be comPro
mise In the first place, then, it will admit another free
State the Unions that certainly is not very great
cession In the place. is be decided by the high
thorties Of the Senate of the United States that slavery
not tolerated by law in New Mexico and California.
And yet told that there already some four five
hundred slaves there, and it is ndspuabe fact that
large portion Of the population poems, which is only
other name for slavery and slavery, much degad
ing than that of the Africans in the United States What
concession them is made US There is nothing then left
but the mere declaration that is nexpedent to interfere with
slavery in the District of Columbia. There is nothing but
that that can all be considered concession TO the South
With regard to the resolution affecting fugitive slaves is
very WELL far goes; but would suggest to the gentle
man that there is already solemn provision in the consttu
ton Of the United States with relation to this mater-a pro-
vision which very ably discussed yesterday by my friend
from Virgina-whch be carried into effect and
solemn compact of the confederaed Union cannot be
red out very much fear that simple resolution offered by
the Senator from Kentucky, backed though may be by his
all powerful influence will meet with but little better
What have say then, sir is that protest against this
compromise If you please call it, because in
single point if clearly understand its meaning, does pro-
pose benefit the people Of the South Without attempting
in the slightest degree question the motives that Influenced
the honorable Senator Of these resolutions
that the people Of the South will not consider
compromise at ALL inasmuch gives all 10 one side.
you sir that when the people of the South
this great compromise and consider that comedies
State and two or three Territories to the North and comedies
the abolition of the save-trade in the District Of Columbia to
the North without any concession whatever to the South, they