Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1850-11-28


amned the subject in the free States, and it is i'm
probable that may have hastily COMPOUNDED express
sons applicable merely to the result with those applica
bic to the means for producing that result.
am aware that Southern Statesmen generally take
the ground that African slavery is already permitted
throughout this territory, BY force Of the Consti-
tuition OF the United States and that the application
Of the principle Of non-nterventon would insure its re-
naming slave territory. This difference of opinion
to the iau between the North and the South regard
matter of congratuaton because there ought then
to be difficulty in organizing the Territorial Gov
ernments to leave the decision nf the question the
Supreme Court of the United States and thus to with
draw it from the Halls Of Congress.
Ar enquiry whether attempt
practice fraud on the part Of candidates for United States
Senator others in the positions they assumed need
only reply for myself (f il be necessary say anything
urher) that arm reminded by of the very gentlemen
who addressed to me the above Undergraduates that in
conversation with him, and another member of the Leg
sature after the delivery Of message and before wri
ting my letter stated that could not pledge myself in
favor of the Wimot proviso lost nv election in con-
sequence. If required doubt obtain permis
sion TO publish both their Names and content myself
now with saying that their unquestioned character and
high standing would at silence all possible doubt
upon the subject. presume other gentlemen will rec
ollect similar statements from me aboutthe same time
do not, however. understand you mputng to me
anything uncandid or improper IN the matter.
My position the question referred to- fortunately does
not depend upon imperfect recollection of vague con-
versations 1t is expressed in my message and in my
letter. There they and they will speak for them
selves The letter is the more recent and specific 1t
does not already stated, respond armatvely eth
er OF the interrogatores.
From the foregoing may be judged how far the state
ment is entitled to respect, which has sometimes been
made, that my professions in favor OF free soism
stronger than those of either of the other candidates and
secured my election. And yet, soon after that cleo
ton, in classification of United States Senators pub
ished in Washington City paper (soon after discon
nued while Gen. Dix of New York. who supported the
Buffalo ticket in 1S4S, classed democrat l. who
advocated the Baltimore platform, and the election of
Gen. Cass, was classed with Messrs. Hale, Of New
Hampshire and Chase of Ohio the three free sellers
in that hody! This gross injustice hardly be attrb
uted to ignorance. 1t is scarcely necessary to say
could not have been made, if made it certainly could
not have been believed in Indiana did hope, but in
vain that the misrepresentation would have been suf
fered 10 die, when the temporary and local influence
was designed to have in that place, had performed its
office wrote, indeed, to my colleague there before
left home, full denial of the first missatements the
subject which had appeared at the east with the request
that it should be published if by him deemed advisable
course, however, which, under the discretion allowed
him, he did not adopt. But to return.
The opinion that the Wlmot Proyso unconstitutional
has the merit of harmony with the spirit of republic
can form OF government and above all, If practically
acted upon it would put an end forever to Congressional
agitation upon this alarming subject. doubt these
considerations had much influence my judgement
In the matter, occupied my mind was, to great
TENT with questions of very different character, and
peculiar TO the State which then had the honor
preside Wthnthe last two three years. however, the
question of the of Congress the subject of sa
very in the Territories has been extent of
research, and degree of analysis conessedy greater in
the opinion of first statesmen. than it had be-
lore received, and free admit that my mind has
undergone change (not TO the question OF its expe
dency. for that still entertain the opinion
bat as to the mere naked question of constitutional pow
er. This is not the place discuss that question
will merely content myself. with saying that the consti
tuition being silent the power of Congress
rtoy except when regarded property, the power of
governing territory by Congress is but necessary and
implied incident to the treaty making power by which
it must be managed and governed fully in the
policy of devoving the upon the people of
the Territory far practicable but to do Congress
must take the initiative extent in the way of or
gaRizaton by at least defining and securing the right of
suffrage, &c, &c, The power OF Congressional inter-
vention, being once admitted, am not able easily to
limit it, or at least to limit it far to deny the fur
Their power of prohibiting slavery.
When the Instructions therefore, of the Indiana Leg
islature for the Wilmot Provso reached me at
Washington, during the late session, determined to
obey them. 1t is true, l might have sheltered myself
under the instructions without further remark but that
deep regard for the public welfare which mpelled me
lately to take my share OF responsibility in effort for
the pacication of the country orblds silence while that
country is yet agated and in peril must say, there
lore that before the instructions received, frank
y stated to my colleague being Intercepted, that if
called upon, should vote against the WIlmot Provso
Thought it then and yet regard measure only cal
culated to rtate the SOUTH and to furnish pretext
those who might desire disunon for its sake for
carrying out their purpose. The right of instruction
had long adopted as part of my political creed and
accordingly not only voted FOR the measure in question:
as often as it was introduced amendment to ter
ritoria BILL but in spirit CT good faith ais voted for
every amendment of less force extent which might be
regarded involving the principle Objectionable
as they were to me individually.
think you are mistaken in the statement that was
of subcommittee Of four on the slavery resou-
tons. have not the slightest recollection of such
appointment. do not think it material, however, so
far my opinions concerned for from the state
men itself it appears that the power of the committee
limited to the language OF the resolutions and did
not extend to any alteration of the sentiment rec
olect seeing hearing the resolutions read but
with the scrutiny and feeling of responsibility,
imagine, that would have been the had been one
Of the committee whom they specially referred
Some of them had reference usual the political
questions of the day. and others of consu
tiona reform well as to the slavery question. NV
strong impression is that did favor Of the
adoption of all those of the latter character. am
strengthened in this conviction by the concurng recoec
ton of another gentleman present. who took much inter-
in the matter. IndeedI do understand Mr.. Ow-
his letter published in your paper OF the Both ult
saving that l. or any other individual approved Of
every of the resolutions. He only says when speak
ing of having submitted them to many members of the
Legislature and to myself that they met "with general
approval" That could hardly have been otherwise for
they were drawn up with his accustomed ability. So far
as am concerned ii is not very probable that would
further crcumscrbe myself this subject after my eec-
tion than had done beforet especially in view of the
political storm then gathering in the horizon, which
might require the widest discretion my part to
cessfully meet.
In conclusion, desire say, act of justice to
the Democratic Convention of January 1S49 that their
resoution-to the effect that the territories being a
ready the duty of Congress to prevent" the in
PRODUCTION of slavery within their limits did not in my
Judgment call for legislation the part of that body
1t simply expressly therein stated called for spre
venon" not action for resistance not aggression, for
non-ntervention, not the exercise of power
/ very respectfully