Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-02-02

ing slavery there. We have no right to do either
the one or the other | would as soon vote in
favor oithe Wimot proviso as | would vote for any
law which required that slavery should 90 into any of
the Territories There is material difference however
between the two The Senator from Kentucky Ger
tanly must have misunderstood the Senator from Mis-
sisspp The honorable Senator from Mississippi never
could have intended to say that soughtsto'procure
the passage oan act of Congress establishing slavery
IN Territories where the institution did not already ex-
st orln territories Of the United States which we had
right to govern by territorial government prior to the
time OF forming constitutions for themselves The die
renee is this, that there shall be security that slavery
shall not be prohibited There is the difference-not
that it shall be admitted established, but that it shall
not be prohibited Do understand the honorable Sem
ator correctly.
Mr. DAVIS. That the right shall be recognised
Mr. KING. Well sir, agree with the honorable Sc
nator from Kentucky in very much that he has said
respecting the District OF Columbia. The terms OF his
resolution in regard to the District however are not
precisely such should have used to convey the idea
that he Intends though perhaps the Senator has done
much more appropriately But, sir, agree that whether
the Congress Of the United States has, under the cons
tuition, the right to abolish slavery in the District of Co.
umba or not, it would be, in the language OF an ndiv-
dual who, in celebrated inaugural address, placed the
matter before the country in light that recognised
as the true one-as gross violation of good faith to-
wards Maryland and Virginia as it it had been express
y prohibited in the constitution long those States
remained slaveholdng States.
With regard to what is called the slave trade, have
the dayand Senators are aware of it, pre-
sumo, from the course have pursued heretoforewhen
was not willing topass awtor the purpose OF break
ing up those miserable establishments that exist under
the very eyes Of Congress ITSELF and are SO offensive to
many gentlemen who feel perhaps sensitive the
subject than do. am free 10 say that | am the very
last man who would be willing to encourage such estab
lishments.
shall not say any thing about the rights of Texas
think with my friend from Mississippi that that ques
tlon when comes to be tested, will settle itself in
way that will secure to Texas all that she originally
Uhip chQ pt1}d houa Ioetip
part, if negotiations with NJ exco had been brought to
close; but inasmuch the negotiations broken off
and war ensued we, the contracting parties, negotiating
the boundary, having got possession OF the country
with very bad grace can turn round to Texas and say
we have obtained possession of the country by conquest
and we will keep it for ourselves That is the whole Of
the matter.
Now sir in regard to most of the resolutions of the
Senator from Kentucky, am disposed to give them
attentive and careful examination. | am disposed to
yield all can in honor-all can without the sacrifice
OF essential rights-n order to settle this question.
had hoped that not the design Of the honorable
Senator in introducing these resolutions, press vote
upon them on the part of the Senate but that they
Intended as the groundwork for the settlement of the
question: by having the subject brought to the attention
OF the appropriate committees and having the whole
matter presented at once, in ORDER if possible, to come
TO some agreement by which the rights Of all should be
be secured and there were found 10 be some little diff
terences that good sense and moderate counses should
ultimately prevail, and satisfactory adjustment OF the
question be effected. beg pardon of the Senate for
having detained them so long.
Mr.. CLAY. One word, Mr. President, in reference to
what has been said by the honorable Senator from Ala
bama. | am extremely happy to hear him express
those sentiments which he has appropriately advanced
because, from Senator of his great experience in the
councils OF the nation, we may reasonably expect
matured opinion. am happy to find that there so
little difference between have risen, however,
merely to make single correction, which perhaps
hardly necessary Ny worthy friend from Alabama
stated that had admitted that California had come in
with great eguarity, and through improper measures
That was not my expression. did not use the word
measures" had no reference to party measures for
mean to separate myself as much as possible from all
party with refe renee to this subject meant by irregu-
ary that that done which had been done with re-
ference to Michigan, and at later period with reference
10 florida; thatthe attempt made to give to Cali
tornia State Government before she had had Terri
toral Government; that is all | meant
Sir sing lie word and have done. My worthy friend
well as other gentlemen in the Senate have adverted
to the fact that in this war with Mexico, which as we
all know was in part connected with Texas and her
limits the United States the trustees for Texas
and having obtained possession Of the territories living
the borders Of Texas the States are therefore bound
to give to the cestui que trust what she of her
right entitled 10 originally.
l think the worthy Senator and others have omitted
one view OF the matter Sir, was not conquest it
was purchase, for which we paid fifteen millions of
dollars; and undoubtedly Texas, if she had claim
upon that purchase, should come in and pay part OF
the purchase money, though that is probably the last
thing she would think OF doing