The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-03-14
WASHINGTON THURSDAY MARCH H. 1850

sion. She returned quietly to her territorial condi
| lion. An act was passed 10 take census by III,
United States containing provision that the Terri
tory should form one State All afterwards wa.
regularly conducted, and the Territory admitted az Q
State in due FORM The Irregularities in the ca 90 OF
California UNNECESSARILY greater and offer much
stronger reasons for pursuing the same course. But
II may be said, California may not submit That is
not probable but If she should not when she refuses
! i will then be time for us 10 decide what is 10 be
| done.
Having now shown what cannot save the Union.
return TO the question with which commenced
How the Union be saved7 There is but one
way by which IL with any certainty and that is
Oy iull and hna settlement, on the principle of JUS
tce, OF all the questions at issue between the two
sections The South asks for justice simple Justice,
and less she ought not 10 take She has no compro-
mise 10 offer, but the Constitution and no conces.
sion or surrender TO make She has ALREADY surren-
dered much that she has lltle left to surrender.
Such settlement would go to the root of the evil
and remove all cause of discomfort, by satisfying the
South; she could remain honorsbly and safely in the
UniCn, and thereby restore the harmony and trater
nal feelings between the sections which existed an
terror TO the Missouri agitation. Nothing else cnn
with any certainty, finally and forever settle the
questions at ISSUE terminate agitation and save the
Union.
But can this be done Yes, easily not by The
weaker party, for il can of itstlf do nothino-not
even protect iiself-but by the stronger The North
has only 10 will l. 70 accomplish ito DO Justice by
eoncedine 10 the South equal right in the acquired
territory and to do her duty by causing the st,pula
tons relative to fugitive slaves TO be Faithfully fulfill
ed-to cease the agitation of tho slave question and
TO provide for the insertion of a provision In the
Constitution, by an amendment, which will restore
10 the South in substance the power she possessed
of protecting herself before the equilibrium between
the sections destroyed by the action of this
Government. There will be no difficulty in devisng
such proyison--one that viii protect the South
and which, AT the same time, will improve and
strengthen the Government, instead of impairinp
and weakening IL.
But will the North agree 10 do this Il is for her
10 answer this question. But, will saw she cannot
refuse IL she has half the love Of the Union which
she processes TO have, or without Justly exposing
her elf 10 the charge that her love of power and
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Is far greater than her love of the
Union. Al all events, the responsibility OF saving
the Union rests on the NOrh and not the South
The Ss>NsN eNr ~--S~ IVY any act rs W. and the
North may save IL without any sacrifice whatever
unless TO do justice, and to perform her duties under
The Constitution should be regarded by her as a
sacrifice. "a
1t is time, Senator'S that there should be an open
and manly avcwal on all sides as to what is intended
10 be done. Ii the question is now settled il is
uncertain whether IL ever hereafter be and we
Us the representatives OF the States of this Union re-
garded as Governments, should come 10 a dis met
understanding as to our respective views in order to
ascertain whether the great questions issue can be
settled or not. IL you, who represent the stronger
portion, cannot agree 10 settle them on the broad
Principe OF justice ana uuty, say so; and let the
States we both represent agree separate and part
in peace. If you are unwilling should part in
peace, tell us so, and We shall know what to do when
you reduce the question TO submission or resistance
IL you remain silent, you will compel infer what
you intend. In that case, California will become the
test question. If you admit her. under all the diff.
cutcs that oppose her admission, you compel us to
infer that you intend 10 exclude from the whole of
the acquired Territories, with the intention of de-
stroying irrerieyably the equilibrium between the
Two sections. We would be blind not 10 perceive, in
that case that your real objects are power and ag-
grandZement, and infatuated, not 10 act accordingly
- have now, Senator's done my duty In expressing
my opinions fully, freely, and canddIy on this sol
emn occasion In doing so, have been governed
by the motives which have governed me In all the
stages of the agitation of the Slavery Question since
its commencement have exerted myself, during
the whole PERIOD 10 arrest IT, with the intention Of
saving the Union, If it could be doe and if IL could
not TO save the section where IL has pleased Prov
idence TO cast my lot and which sincerely believe
has justice and the Constitution on its side Having
faithfully done my duty to the best of my ability,
both to the Union and my section, throug hout this
agitation shall have the consolation let what will
come, that am free from all responsibility