The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1850-02-19
frun, ll)osIJinotun.
CONGRESS.

right without abrdgcment and for uniform
rule on the subject.
Mr. Dayton, Of New Jersey, acknowledged
the right to its fullest extent, but said thar
no citizen had the right 10 petition sover-
eign power to destroy itself. The petition
was most disrespectiul, and asked Them to
commit perjury. They had sworn to sup
port the constitution.
MIR. Cass said he saw no disposition to
push matters to cXtrcmities. The people
had other modes Of rcdress-the ballot box
was worth thousands Of petitions. lie de-
manded that the petitions for the dissolution Of
the Union should 20 to an Insane Hospital
Dissolution, he said, meant war
MIR. Webster remarked that he was ex-
lremely sorry his friend had presented the
petition.
Mr.. Butler observed that it was a petition
for the right Of suicide.
Mr.. Cooper opposed all agitation ON the
subject.
Mr.. Clemens threw all the responsibility
on the North. Others also denounced the
petition.
Mr.. Seward said he would receive the
petition and then condemn it, and thus pre-
vent the presentation Of others
The vote was then taken, and there were
3 for the reception, and so against it. The
yeas were Messrs. Chase, Hale and Seward
he special order Of the day, the consid-
Grafton OF the compromise resolves of Mr.
Clay, was then taken up. MIR. Berrien spoke
at length, and urged Congress to legislate
for the Territories, and the North TO with
draw the slavery prohibition.
lie expressed his views of the magnitude
and difficulty Of the subject, and consequent
conviction of the crisis which now existed in
the affairs of the country.
The people of the South had at last been
awakened to a sense of their danger, and a
feeling had been aroused, which could be
no longer triled with. lie uttered no men
aces, and trusted the North would heed the
calm, dispassionate warning which he now
raised. The country had passed through
many crises but none so fraught with dan
ger rs the present, and unless better councils
prevail than hitherto, tho direst consequences
will ensuc.
He trusted that better feeling would
prevail. This hope amounted almost 10 con-
victon that the storm would lull, and peace
and happiness again be diil'used throughout
our borders. After paying the most bcauti-
tul tribute to Mr.. Clay, he proceeded with
-Aa hlpu tiit 'IhNa'iph VI
legislation for territories, and against the es
Enlistment Of the principle which shall Tor
bid in all future time the flag of the Union
floating in any State or territory where sa
very may exist, except hose States where il
now exists,
The South called on Congress not to leg
islate upon the question Of slavery. They
had not asked legislative aid. It was legis-
la,,c interference which they deprecated.
They called upon Congress 10 exercise v hat
ever power it had TO organise governments
for territories, and abstain from any action
upon the domestic institution of slavery.
They called nron Congress to leave the sla-
very question to the great constitutional ar
bitter between the two sections that was all
the South asked
What then he would appeal to the Sena-
tor from Kentucky, Mr.. Claw what had til,
South 10 weld what was it they had to sur
render: Was it their constitutional right
to invoke the decision Of the highest tribu.
nal in the Union. that they were called up
on to give up Surely such a demand could
never be entertained.
lie Jhen procee led 20 examine more es
pecially the power OF Congress to take an,
action upon the question OF slavery in The
new territories, arguing against the existence
Of any such power
AZ o'clock he gave way to a motion, tina
the further consideration Of the subject b'
postponed until tomorrow which was a
greed to.
Mr. Clay presented resolution concern
ing respect to deceased members.
After an executive session, the Senate al
IJourned.
In the House, motion 10 lay the petition
. for international arbitration on the table
was negatived by vote of 60 to 100, and /
| was referred
, In Committee of the Whole, numerous
speeches were made, and votes taken on th'
: Revenue bill. The bill was reported to the
: House, with one amendment, which was a
; greed to, and the main question ordered
pendng which the House adjourned.
TUESDAY, Feb. r.
SGNArE.-A petition was presented ioi
the adjustment Of spirit ratons and Hog
ging in the navy.
: Mr.. Seward presented petition Tor
i free circulation of newspapers wl'hIn thlf'y
miles of the place of publication.
Mr.. Dickinson presented petition fora
shin canal around Niagara Falls.
Mr. Hale presented petition TO abolish
slavery in the territories.
Mr. King moved that it be laid upon the
table. Lost-l9 TO 90.
Mr. Douglass opposed its reception, OF
the ground that slavery could not exist II
the territories without action OF Congress
Mexico had abolished slavery; therefore
, The exclusion Of slavery was established.
Mr. Butler wanted further extension o
= slavery South, but rever asked ii. Ate
further debate, the question OF reception
was lald over.
Y The special order-the consideration o
NJ Clays Compromise Resolulions--wa'
taken up. Mr.. Berrien resumed and fin
isheG his remarks. He said that SLAYER.
exislA everywhere. unless directly prohibit
ed; That there was more crime in New
York iAan in Georgia. Adjourned.
HOUSE,. Mr.. Preston Kings motion Il
reconsider the vote by which the amend
ment to The revenue bill was rejected, wa
adopted, 81 to rs.
MIR. King offered an amendment that thu
appropriation be Sl,250,00 aud addresse'
the House on inquiry.
Mr.. Thursion doubled whether the ON
GERS Of customs in California or Oregon
> would accept the sum proposed Tie kne"
that the collector of Astoria would not.
Mr.. Kings amendment was adopted, 10,
10 90, and The bill passed, 10 TO 1903. A
motion to reconsider the last vote wa
made aud laid upon The table.
On motion of Mr Bayly the House wen
into Committee of the Whole, in reference
e to the Presidents Message Mr. Brow
of Mississippi spoke briefly. Mr.. Ing,
smoke one hour. Mr. billiard followed
aud before he had concluded, the House