The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-12-13

king fact than this could be given Of the success Of the
North in the recent struggle, and OF It's overpowerlng
come now TO the bill 10 abolish the slave trade in the
District OF Columbia This, but short time ago. was
considered Of the most serious and dangerous sggres
sons OF the Nouhone which was to be resisted at all
hazards and sacrifices. majority OF the southern
States declared that If Congress exercised the power OF
abolishing slavery in the District OF Columbia, i was
the Union. Such the attitude Of our own State,
Why was this position akeni Not on account OF the
practical bearings OF the question The enianchsement
10 the South and would hardly justify secession
Il was the principle involved-the assumption by Con-
gress to declare slave ireeagaiast which ne South
brand upon that species OF popery-would constitute
the opening wedge to full exercise Of the right OF in
fa 20; u . 81 il p
declared slaves free in certain event II made emanci
patton the effect Of violation OF the municipal law All
persons who carried slaves into the District OF Columbia
Tor the purpose OF selling them forfeited the slaves and
the slaves became free.
There is a clear exercise of tha, power, which we
nay, demand the resistance Of the South. The contn.
gency has arrived for that resistance Where
the bold spirits who threatened such resistance Eel
low-citizens, | dislike the language Of threats. OF
meenaces Let us demean ourselves like men who
when they act, do not proclaim their purpose to the
world in loud, vocerous threats.
But, fellow ctizens, do not imagine that in the course
have pursued have submitted only 10 the guidance Of
my own judgment and ssgacity. have called wise men
COUNSEL not tdKc the ttdnu WnlC0 Ola lOr
the rights of the South-for the honor and dignity Of
Lousiana-without support and Indictment from others,
not Of higher patriotism. at least OF sounder judgment
i shall show you where found encouragement in my
opposition 10 the Compromise read from the Globe OF
January 20, 1850, the official reporter OF the debates
" must confess, in tho whols OF my life, my aston
ibis Proposition brought forward as compromse and
rise now, not for the purpose of discussing II ALL but
& % % III
TO the South can see nothing at all.
there lett bu mere declaration Inc xpedent
nte ere with slavery In the District Of Columbia There
nothing but that, that at all be considered
IL that the people OF tho South will consider
compIomise all, inasmuch gives all TO side
can you. sir tina, when the people Of the South
70 see this great nss ana consider rs % M hs
and comedies the abolition Of the slave trade in the District
@ WIZ NOT Be- Il No ssa
South, and therefore protest against IT," tf
Whose words are these Not mine They are those
OF your gallant your independent your patriotic SENATOR
who has lately shared your distinguished attentions
slluds % 70 my ~ colleague. ole General Downs Tine ne crowd
for Soulel Excuse me, fellow ctzens. Let it not be
imagined that speak without feeling the most profound
respect for my colleague and full appreciation OF his
superior wisdom and patriotism / fully agree with my
icolengue-it was compromise at all But let read
further from the Globe
had the vanity to suppose that would influence
the action Of this body In the slightest degree but because
wished people nome 10 undefstaud
humble abilities nigh, serve portray H. as.
desire that they perfectly understand that these
but tina, they not only offer nothing. but
than nohng hey 90 not leave any way or getting roand
for compromising in the present time they
only extend the utmost limits OF the present question,
but 10 It's boundaries through all future lime The South
may grumble and complain much IL pleases, but IL
have inch more Of ground in acquisitions
snow, sir, is that compromse, and compromise Ia
vorable 10 the South T.
With such authority before me. what could think I
was then sick man il was on the bed OF sickness
read these burning words rejoced that my State 90
ably represented. This reflection soothed my pains and
smoothed the pillow Of the sick man. felt that the
rights and honor OF Louisiana in safe keeping Ii
about this time that the letter prepared by my COL
league, and signed by all the democratic members Of the
Louisiana delegation, addressed TO the governor,
which called attention TO the momentous issues before
the people, and asked for the aid and counsel OF the State
authorities That letter has been published, and you
have doubt read IT, II was at an interesting period
new governor was just coming into power. and new
legislature had just commenced its session And how
was this letter received oy our governor read. from
ton from Gov. Walkers message:
Situated as we are think IL TO ourselves,
States OF the South, and to northern BRETHREN
Which has 50 long Sssn allowed TO insult our feeling.
shsud Be carried TO the ponM, ~ Of G sgs.ss,on upon ron our
federacy established aud guaranteed by the constitution
should be destroyed 2, s"shsd on BY ne "a action Of the
mon cause with our neghbors OF the sayehodng States
the Union at end. myself, do
hesitate to say that should look upos dissolution OF the
Union the greatest calamity that could beisll MS; but
that this calamity would be, am certain there 70
Of our citizens who would be willing, Tor moment
TO weigh the balance against the dsbonor Of subns
sion Under these crcums,aness concurring 10 the par
chief magistrate Of Of the States whose vital interests
called In question by the blindness Of prejudice and
awessncss of acon invite your attention 10 the resolves
the people OF Mississippi and 70 suggest 10 you the ex
preston Of sentiments arm detsrm ned and
bIe the proposed convention TO be held at Nashville In
June next"
Mr.. Downs:
q heartily concur In the above"
l. too concured; still concur; but others have ceased
10 concur. loud applause.l And when this bod and
manly language fell from our governor was he not
speaking The voice and sentiment OF the people Ger
tainy he was Bold and dgni6ed resolutions, such as
were worthy OF the State, introduced into the sen
aie imbodying and carrying out these recommendations
Of the governor They passed the senate with bgt one
dissenting voice This fact which has escaped some
convenient memories When they got into the house,
what occurred therei Though at great distance,
watched with anxiety their progress In the house, by
some feat OF parliamentary legerdeman, they were pre-
vented from being brought 10 vote. There are written
documents in existence throwing some light on the cause
Of this failure which will doubt emerge into notice
some Of hese days the confusion of certain politicians
With such facts before could your representatives
have any doubts as 10 the position oil louisiana
Now hear Mr.. Clay the great compromiser, speaking
himself OF the Compromise, July ~, 1850;
"scnator. from the northern States might 20 home
TO their constituents after this shall have been
passed, aud sayi We have got Caorna--she Is sure
will last perhaps forever whereas the Wiimot Proviso
would have had limited and evanescent durnon exsung