Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-09-21
Mr.. STEPHENS, OF GEORGIA.

=
We have strong sign, in the resolutions Of 4
Southern Rights meeting in Warren county, Georgia.
and in speech made at the same meeting bv Mr
A. HI. STEPHENS, member of Congress- from that
State. One Of the resolutions adopted Is in these
words: gaE
Resolved That when tho people of any of the Teyto
Of the United States form constitution for State Cover
men and apply to Congress for admission into the Union g
State it is matter Of discretion for Congres, 10 adm;,
them or not provided their constitution be Of republican
Congress- by the constitution OF the United States has he
distinct and clear power to admit States into the Union
And, while we are opposed % the admission Of California
State for many ressons which need not be enumerated
here, yet zoe do not besue that her admission ,Doud be
violation of the constitution !" s
The view here taken was enforced by Mr.. SrE-
PHENs, in speech which is highly commended in
the official reports Of the proceedings. Speaking ofhe
California the Utah, the Texas and the New Mexico
bills, which had then just passed the Senate, Mr..
STEPHENS said
The question then arose whether this series Of measures
should pass they stand the South ought to resist
He thought not. He shouM speak plainly to them. He
had lately spoken plainly and distinctly to the North in the
Househe had told them that he should be for resisting any
of the General Government which assumed hostile o.
aggressive attitude towards the property institutions Of the
Souhhe would repeat the 10 the people Of Georgia.
He put the question Of resistance upon principle; he did not
think sufficient for rsvoluon that the Government
should not mete out TO all the jusce may be entitled
But when the Government shows itself to be enemy,
then should be ovehrown The people ought to examine
these principles and keep themselves grounds and
put their stakes down for resistance inch further
than they were willing TO dig their graves When the Cen
eral Government becomes hostile 10 in ts action if that
day comes then ought to restthere where he
put bis stakes, As the admission Of California, be
opposed to just he had besn opposed to the acquisition
of the country He did not govern California, and
he did not California to govern him, and he would be
willing to twenty millions Of dollars Mexico to
take it back, to get rid Of the whole acquisition. But
majority Of Congress voted for the acquisition and if majo
rity shall now vote to admit Califoa State, they hare
a clear constitutional right to doM
s. read that clause in the constitution which declares
that new States may be admitted into the Union by Con-
gress This power he said, clear distinct and broad
The admission Of State matter Of discretion for Con-
gess. As member he should exercise his discretion by
voting against it. But if majority in the exercise Of like
discretion, should vote for it they have right do and
her admission will be violation Of the constitution, and
sstance to such would be wrong and unusable
in his opinion. If Convention should be called in this
State upon that event. hoped sufficient amount wisdom
prudence, and patriotism would be found 10 it to the
State from being committed to yesistGncc upon such issue
that II would be wrong, and he trusted that in midst Of
difficulties we may never forget to practice the virtue OF
keeping in the right. t4%
MI s. then alluded to the probable collision between
Texas and the United States if her boundary not settled
His opinions the subject known. He thought 1t
the duty of Congress to settle tho question. He wanted
collision between the State Of Texas and the forces
Of the General Government IT. however Congress should
not settle it, and the President, without authority Of law.
should attempt to hold the country by force against Texas
would be the duty Of the whole South give aid to Texas
This be knew would be the signal for civil war, the end
whereof But let the responsibility rest upon
The heads Of those who lawlessly begin it."