The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-29
isitod such conduct with more unconditional con-


Union. That the whole proceeding has been ex-
uemely irregular, much 80 as to present serious
obstacles TO those the least disposed 10 make objec
tons TO her admission, ii seems to me cannot be-
denied by any who win look at the subject with
a calm and impartial eye. do not design, and if
did would not have time, to present these ir-
Irregularities, or to attempt to point out the objec-
tons TO the immediate admission Of this terri
tory State. have stated the circumstances
which thought rendered her situation peculiar,
and under these circumstances have made up my
mind to vote Tor her admission, provided that ad-
mission can be made the basis Of amicable and
harmonious settlement of the distracting questions
which are now convusing this country.
The proper time for the admission of State
carved out OF this Territory is left by the treaty
with Mexico to our discretion. We reserved no
discretion in that part of the stipulation which
binds US in the mean time to extend protection to
all the inhabitants OF that Territory. hold them
protection TO the inhabitants Of this whole country
until they can be admitted States than to admit
California a State. We are permitted to exer-
else our discretion in the one case, but I'M
condltionally bound in the mean time to extend
protection. The subjects, however, are naturally
connected; they grow out of the same treaty, and,
more than ALL they settle question upon the ami.
cable adjustment of which depends the future hap
piness and glory Of this nation. When Missouri
claimed to be admitted State, Congress- went
outside Of the simple question of admission, and
preliminary measure drew line north Of which
slavery was to be forever excluded. New Califor-
ton in her constitution and do not ask terrific
rial governments preliminary measure, but
are willing to unite the whole subject and let all
share the same fate, as under the treaty they are
entitled to the same rights.
The strongest argument for the admission of
California TO my mind results from the fact that
have been unable to comply with our treaty stipula
ton to extend to the inhabitants there a legal pro-
tection that they have, no other than illegal
military government. Ii is the same thing with
all the residue OF the territory acquired from Mex
leo. With this conviction cannot agree to apply
the policy of action to the residue Of this coun
try. have perfect confidence in the stern integ-
rity and unsullied patriotism of the gallant Old He
who has been placed by the voice of his country
men in the exalted station Of chief magistrate of
this nation. / honestly believe that he has never
had thought, feeling, or impulse but for the hap
piness, prosperity, honor, and glory of the whole
country; but as justly and as highly as appreci
ate his character, if It is his policy, contended
for by his northern friends to leave our Territories
without any other than the military government
now in existence there, to give the people other
protection than that which results from what con-
slider an illegal government, and one in violation of
the whole spirit Of our free institutions, am
strained, by sense Of duty far above any party
fealty, to express my decided opposition to the
plan.
The people of New Mexico have expressed their
preference for territorial government. They do
not desire to have State government, and con-
fess that do not desire that they shall have one
until there shall have been greater infusion of
do not in the least doubt the patriotism which
prompted the recommendation of the President |
had not myself supposed that the making proper
territorial government was inconsistent with that
recommendation. II undoubtedly based on
what he would be the danger to the country
from the passage of the Wilmot proviso and if that
element Of discord can be kept out of a territorial
bill, although he may prefer his own plan of non
action, am fully persuaded that there is not a
man in this nation who would hail such settle
ment with more sincere qualification than General
Taylor ! speak not by authority. ! occupy no
position which could justify my doing so; but I'M
less | am altogether mistaken in his character,
have expressed truly his feelings upon this subject
Let US, then, settle this question by the union of
proper territorial bills with for the admission
of California, and restore peace and harmony to a
now distracted and divided country.
Our friends in the North may then point 10 the
vast domain of California, spreading over ten de-
grees OF latitude, an empire In itself, from which
slavery Is TO be forever excluded and to those ma
tural causes beyond the control of all human egisa
ton, which, in all probability will constitute the
barrier to its introduction in the residue of the coun
try The South will have gained what she holds as
high and sacred principle, that the General Gov
eminent shall never, in its legislation, assume an
attitude Of hostility TO her property or make unjust
determinations against il. We have never asked
you to extend slavery into these territories by law
If we are entitled To take il there by virtue OF that
common Constitute which extends its protecting
influence over all the States, no man who is not a
traitor TO that Constitution refuse rights
under il.
This is not a question of ordinary Legislation.
where the conflict of opinion will subside with the
occasion which gave rise TO it. am sure that our
brethren of the North do not realize or properly
appreciate the nature and extent Of the feeling
throughout the South on this subject. The people
there solemnly believe that their rights would be
violated by the passage Of any law discriminating
against their property. Upon this subject there Is
but one party there. Every other consideration
yields TO It's controlling and overpowering infiu-
ence. 1t may be that there are but few who think
that slavery ever can will go there, but they
hold that great principle Is involved in the con-
test which they can<never consent TO yield.
How far embittered feelings, engendered by un.
just and unconstitutional Legislation, may lead TO
organized resistance, ] will not pretend To say.
God grant that the occasion may never arise which
will call IL forth. IT, however, against the warn
ing voice Of the father Of his country the course
OF action Of majority here shall be such as 10 com
pei great section Of the country TO unite as n
mere sectional party, TO rcpe what IL considers an
aggression upon its dearest rights, the first great
step towards disunon will have been taken. The
ten thousand ties Of sympathy and Of interest by
which united cannot be severed in n day;
but persist in this sectional agitation let tory
legislation Of State against State once begin, and
all those ties become weaker with the growth Of I'M
friendly feelings, until finally VIC shall become
aliens and strangers 10 each other The history Of
the world Is filled with illustrations Of the truth of
the maxim, that the bitterest and most unreenting
enmity springs from a severance Of the ties Of the
closest brotherhood.
II you are patriots; IL you love our common coun-
try; II you devoted TO the Union, you profess
TO be- you cannot you will not pursue course Of ac-
ton calculated 10 sever weaken the ties by which
we now united in a common brotherhood. Allow
10 say that these ties 10 be preserved by
mere defamation az TO their sacred character. Alb
stain from such policy az will weaken them, and
you may then with propriety speak Of the giories
Of our Union, and our future high destiny as
nation. confess that cannot help looking upon
u az KIND OF profanaton Of that almost holy feeling
Of devotion 10 our Union which rises like incense TO
heaven from the patriots heart, when hear appeals
made in is behafby those whose whole course Is hur
ryng u rapidly 10 the very brink Of an awful prec
pee. In circular letter addressed by Gen Wash
ington TO the governors Of the Stste- when about
10 resign his public command, among other things
he said, " Whatever Sneasurss have a tendency 10
dissolve the Union ought TO be considered hostile TO
the liberty and independence Of America, and the
authors Of them treated accordingly" Those now
who are for pressing measures, the tendency Of
which IL 10 weaken the ties which bind together
are the most dangerous enemies with whom the
true friends Of the Union have 10 combat Sir they
are the real, the practical disunionists The ,nsa-
s,ges they support, and insist upon carrying into
effect, tend 20 bring about that awful calamity.
II