The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-18
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.

therein, adjourned
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
THE following is the conclusion of the report
of the proceedings of Saturday, the 18th instant for
which there was not space in yesterdays Republic.
The amendment of Mr.. lNGE to that of Mr.
GREEN, extending the Missouri boundary to the
Pacific, was under consideration, viz
Prorded, That the people OF any portion OF the
Territory, when assembled in convention, in pur-
suance Of constitutional authority to form State
constitution, have the right to adopt exclude At
rican slavery; and their determination of the cues
ton, either adopting excluding African slavery,
shall be obstacle to the admission of such State
into the Union.
Mr.. MEADE inquired of the gentleman from
Ohio (Nlr. ScHEScK) whether he would vote for
the admission of California if her constitution toll
Grated slavery.
Mr. SCHENCk replied, that he had always re-
cognised. and does recognise the right of the peo-
pie, when they form State governments, to permit
slavery or not, as they please He was in favor of
excluding slavery while they were in a territorial
condition, that they might have free institutions
when they came 10 lcgisiate for themselves
Mr. MEADE. The gentleman refuses to an
swcr. Let me answer. He would not be in favor
OF her admissions; and docs not deny that. Were
all the States of the Union free slave States then
California, in her present condition. would be adj
mitted by neither side. Gentlemen iecl confident
of this fact We all know that the constitution of
California was formed by men who had resided
Oh the eastern side Of the continent-men who had
resided in the territory six weeks two months.
Mr.. GIDDINGS said it was time that gentlemen
should vote instead of talk. He and his constitu
cnts were inevitably, unalterably opposed to the
admission of another State with slave constitu /.
ton Gentlemen who had spoken were willing
that hundred slaves should have as much repre-
sentation sixty freernen. lie protested against
the feeling which puts northern frcemen on level
with Southern slaves. He rose for tire purpose OF
saying, that he and his constituents, so far as po-
litcal influence go, against the further adj
mission of slave States. 1t was the deliberate SEN
timent ofthe fathers of the Constitution that slavery
should not be extended.
Mr. EWING, of Tennessee, made few remarks
in relation to the sentiments avowed by the gentle
man from Ohio, TO which
Mr.. SCHENCK replied that he sad the argui
ment in favor of the Wilmot proviso was that its
application 10 the Territories, while we have the
power, will induce the people to be forever free
from slavery.
MIR. EWING resumed. If you intend to pass a
compromise BILL and then, when n State applies
for admission intend to refuse 10 receive II be-
cause its constitution tocrates slavery, compro-
| mise had no charms for him. He wanted dccla-
ration that they will stand by the compromise. The
friends of compromise want something positive
certain.
Mr.. WILLIAMS, of Tennessee. said that the
North do not desire compromise. They want ~ run
through the California BILL and defeat other nea-
surts. They arc fighting behind masked batteries.
While distinguished Senators trying to settle
the agtating questions by compromise, gentlemen
here arc trying TO defeat il. He was willing that
and would consent that they proceed to the consid
Grafton Of the appropriation bills, which urgent.
II the Senate fail to adopt plan TO meet the appro-
baton Of the House, he would be willing TO let the
majority pass the California bill. Gentlemen say
they for the Presidents plan, and yet, by their
conduct they are disposed 10 run roughshod over
IT, He wanted the country to understand that the
friends of the compromise willing TO delay, &c
let the Senate act, while gentlemen are pressing on
this bill with an eye single to defeat the compro-
mise
| Mr. CASEY, Of Pennsylvania, said that he was
in favor Of the principle OF letting the people of the
territory decide the question Of slavery for them
| selves.
MIR. INGE. In it's application to all territoriesi
| Mr.. CASEY. ! have already said that IL Their,
| had been slavery clause in the constitution o
California, should have voted for her admission
| if there other objections. II New Mexic,
should como here with a slavery clause in her con
stitution, should vote for her admission. am IL
! favor OF the Presidents plan. ! am not afraid b
assert the principle in IT, am in favor of the adj
mission of California, che stands, with her con
! sttution and boundaries fixed without amend
ment restriction as TO boundaries.
| MIR. INGE. Do | understand you explaining
the Presidents plan as opposite to the principle ii
my amendment!
Mr.. CASEY The principle, as applied to tn
whole territory, IL correct doctrine; the foundation
stone On which our institutions are based and mus
| rest for support IL you leave the settlement O
slavery to the people, you bound to abide by il
| Hc did not 60 with the North or with the South il
their ultraisms:
''Thc hand Of Douglas is his own,
And never shall in friendship clasp
The hand Of such az Marmion grasp"
Mr.. HOUSTON, Of Delaware, said that he ha
listened with infinite pleasure TO the gentlema
from Pennsylvania, (Mr. CAsEy.) He was happ.
10 find one at least OF that noble and gallant Stat
TO justify him in his position on this question be
fore the committee, lie Of the numbc
who voted for the amendment Of the gentlcma
from Kentucky; not with view to cmbarrass tn
bill, bit as a great cardinal republican principle
on which he would not only risk his political pnn
cpes but his life, aud, If necessary, the Union IL
self II was question Of dissolution, Of dsunior
and nothing else. When the day comes that sue
disbonorabe terms, (that Stste that tolerate
slavery is to be admitted into the Union,) are die
tated and enforced, the Union will not be divide
by the river within view Of the Capitol, but by tn
| broad Delaware, on whose banks the loudest roa
Of the revolution was heard and the scvercst shoe
| felt Delaware will spurn such conditions. III
| was in favor OF the admission OF California as
simple aud naked question. lie was in favor Of tn
Presidentis plan lie understood that plan 20 a.
sumo the ground contended for by the gcntlema
| from Pennsylvania, Mr.. CAsEY.D The Prcsiden
leaves with the people the settlement OF the SLAYER
question when they come TO form State govern
ncnt; aud 90 help him 10 Heaven, II any man den
this just aud republican right, he would be agains
him to the doalh. lie repeated that he had vote,
Tor u.C amendment, because u contained a prinoi
pie Of which he approved. lie believed that Cali
iJTpis had voluntarily excluded slavery; and
any state should be excluded merely because sh
excluded or recognised slavery, the Union was a
, ! an end
Mr.. SlbNE Ems, Of Pennsylvania, said that 10
was puzzled how to vote At first lac had not Inuc
doubt about IL. HE colleague (Mr. CAsgY) ha,
siycn way; and, since he found that Delaware wa
going Soa.h, be did not know what would be tn
consequences of disusion If 1t should take place
and Delaware be against the North. lie hoped
however, the gentleman who had just spoken woul
retract and leave il doubtful question az 70 wher
Delaware will go. He could not support the amend
tnent Of the gentleman from Alabama. lie did nc