The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-08-16
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,


SAGE.
The House resolved itself into Committee of the
w hole on the state of the Union, Mr.. BURT in the
chair,) and took up the civil and diplomatic appro
priauon bill.
Mr. DUER of New York, addressed the com
mittee in support of the recent message of the
President of the United States in relation to New
Mexico and Texas, which he regarded as we'll
timed and wise in its application Tie replied to
Mcssrs. Seldom, STEPHENS, and TooMBs, and said
that the Executive acted properly in making known
his opinions to his duty under the Constitution
and the laws. His remarks were 30 closely con-
nected in argument, as TO preclude an attempt at
condensation. In conclusion, he assigned reasons
why he should vote for the Senate bill proposing to
settle the question of boundary with Texas, by Civ
ing her ten millions OF dollars; one OF which was, and
the most prominent, for the purpose of producing
harmony and strengthening the bonds of Union.
He was in favor of this mode as early as December
January last, when he made the declaration. If
the settlement OF doubtful question by fair ar
rangement between parties will prevent hostile
collision, matter how much Texas may err, and
if any thing like civil war should ensue in conse-
Quencc of failure of duty, heavy responsibility
would rest on those who shall obstruct the settle
ment.
Mr. McLANE, Of Mary land said he should take
his course on the various measures now pend
ing and on the table connected with the territory
and boundary Of the United States, without any
regard to the principles, arguments, and induce
ments suggested by the President in his message.
Under the adjudcated law of the land, the Presi-
dents course actually determined the question of
boundary, which the President and his friends here
declared he had not the constitutional power to
settle. He then proceeded TO argue at length and
support his argument by citations and authorities
of law that the action Of the President, in conclud
ing that the disputed territory embraced by the
treaty, had not only determined the question of
boundary for himself but further that the effect of
such determination on his part was in law TO deter
mine the question judiciay, so far as the rights and
claims of individuals residing there were concerned.
La dlssented
of the gentleman from Virginia, MIR. SEDpoN,)
noticed and replied to by Mr.. DYER Of New
York, but he fully sustained the argument of MIR.
TooMEs OF Georgia, that the President had, with
out authority Of law, determined the question of
boundary for himself, and then he made the fur
ther point, already stated that such determine
ton was conclusive on the political question, when
ever the courts should be called on to adJudlcate
individual rights accruing under disputed sover
eighties. Mr.. Mel denies that this question of
boundary was more emergent than the other ques
tons pending; he would support ad ustment of
all in good faith but he would not support one to
the prejudice of the others.
Mr.. NENABLE, of North Carolina, concurred in
the remarks Of Messrs. STEPHEss, TooAss, and
| Seldom, with regard to the message He never
belonged TO that class called Nullihers the con-
trary, in 1892, he was member Of the Union party
/ of that State. lie never was a disorganizer, but
| always conservative, law abiding man. He was
opposed to the positions assumed by the President
| because he saw the attempt to establish prcce-
dent by which all that Is valuable and worth pre-
serving is 10 be overwhelmed, and to revive the
odious federal doctrine TO decide a question Of
boundary, and with sword in hand to enforce judg
mcnt, without consulting Congress.
Texas not acting for herself alone, but for
the South and every inch which they surrender Of
slave territory bot accumuates the evils which
threaten TO sweep away every thing valuable TO
the South He could never countcnance the at
tempt, first to intimidste Texas and then offer her
bride. He insisted on the right Of Texas TO the
boundary which she claims. He did not want a
free coil abolition State in her borders. Slaves have
recently been stolen from this District, and now
the House called 10 get atrap Oh the corner
Of Texas. When he concluded,
Mr.. ASHE, Of North Carolina, addressed the
committee in defence Of the Texas boundary as
claimed by her, and in opposition to the views ex-
pressed by the President in his recent message.
MIR. MARSHALL obtained the floor, and gave
way to a motion that the committee rise, which
prevailed.
And the House took a recess until seven O'Clock.