The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-05-25


dent that provision about fugitive slaves and about tn
District OF Columbia, is part OF this bill and does no
properly up here for discussion. But allude to
are without foundation.
But suppose that am wrong in all these questions-tha
this bill is Objectionable. admit that il is Objectionable
in some OF ITS ieaiureshat is not good as could
wish. admit that, too. But before southern can
reject this they ought to what better they do
Why ny honorable friend the other day said that i We
right TO interfere with slavery in the Territories which
do not think, because the action OF Congress this
subject, and the action OF territorial legislatures author
lied by Congress, may be very different As under
stand il has been laid down that in ordinary cases. Con-
gress has no right 70 egslate for the Territories She,
which she could not exercise directly herself
But my honorable colleague tells that if pass this
provision az = Y The nex day perhaps the Wilmoi Pro-
viso Will be hitched to IT, would like 10 know wheth-
er there is not another thing that is much likely
happen, i we reject it. II we will take nothing but the
nance we can Ss,eaiter when we nd we eanoot ret
IT, ask Of the Nart any assistance in getting fair and
reasonable compronse. Why, il we do not adopt this
com ,romise, the Wilmot Proviso will then be passed
Or il that is not the casef this strange and unaccoun
able doctrine OF the administration to leave the Terrific
ries to shit for themseves-this doctrine which
commented upon ably by the senator from Kentucky
on yeserdayif this should be adopted, what can we
expect from III Do we not anticipate already-are we
not locking every day for constitution e come from
Do you not know that the administration will use all
their power TO bring this about Did you not the ap
upon your table, to that etects would ask the gentle.
mani would ask all who oppose this billwhether that
state OF things preferable to the one that would exist
think, then, Mr. President, there is something in,his
bill think there is great deal in it. think, with
some notifications which hope TO see made that it is
South give up no princple-one in which they sacrifice
nothing which they have contended for heretofore.
rue, sir they have been unfortunate in that part Of in
relation to California; but that not the larger part OF
the eritory and if that larger they have the proud
satisfaction Of knowing that they have yielded princi
sacrifice o Settle s p hs
warfare Of the North against the South, and the
South against the North, desirable state Of things
when ii can be s,opped Does It not lead to dangers on
every sde9 Or is II not TO be the interest Of every
I as o sadns s a0a not ss
rights of the South warmly any one have done
il heretofore; shall do il again. have many
to know what ground us stand u apon II the W%ot Pro-
viso is adopted know that we have a principle to
stand upon. know that we have issue. I was
Of the able letters addressed to the honorable
senator from Mississippi, Mr. FooTE] upon this subject
bya distinguished South Carolinan. He says that, in
reviewing this question, for his own part-and
suppose that the feeling of good many of that honor
ed State OF South Carona-he would prefer ISSUE if
he could get good one but that this compromise would
give no such issae ! should like TO have good
issue, too If must have contest. We could
fight better, with credit and satisfaction our
Selves with good issue tlan II we have none, or a
bad one He therefore concludes wisely think that the
South had better take the compromise than resist
such issue hope sir, il this question is settled, that
we may have no need OF an issue hereaterat least for
many years to As you told yesterday by
the honorable senator from Kentucky Mr. CLAYl with
regard to the Missouri compromise. we shall have many
af,erperhaps shall but trust will never be neces-
sary for the South to stand up in resistance against this
sys w
do not think the South requires that should be cap
tous and catching at little apparent slight Unequal
ity that can be imposed upon us. Weak men, sir, not
conscious OF their own strength and their own pow
ers-men whose dignity and whose position are
not established and firmly fxed.may be particular
nations, sir should stick to principle and weak powers
should be careful OF the slightest encroachment and
iasinuauon against them, because they may be
the commencement OF encroachments more dan.
gerous and serious. Great nations may with proprety
adopt different policy; they can afford 10 overlook
unmpoant ,ha slight, and INJURIES oi tns s KIND H. 1
ger OF being ramped upon. and If she could be ramped
upon now il she was even as weak as the colonies IN
the revolutionary war, with two three millions OF
population then might be more anxious to guard her
against any apparent strength But this is moi the
When know that she consists OF seven or eight millions
OF population, whose exports amount 10 large por
lion OF the exports Of this Union; that she has annually
from her some sixty or seventy millions OF sur
plus produce-when recolect that my own little State,
in the late war; with population of SOC, ,000 (haf
Of them savcs sent 900 troops 10 the field In two weeks
and foreign country, and equipped them, and paid Tor
cash, BORROWING doars altnougn
this money afterwards al her leisure refunded by the
United States, yet If 1t had not been, she could have
borne il and much more-when recoect this and other
instances OF prowess evinced by the South, cannot
think her feeble as TO make II necessary TO take
offence at any imaginary wrong or apparent slight
will not submit 10 encroachment upon the South.
But, when strong | will not be captous and
touchy and avoiding and flying from what never may
occur; because know, IL the day OF danger must come
we have the power TO me,t it, But, Mr. President, il
take different view OF this subject shall still feel my
self compelled TO vote for this compromise for another
reason, which will now state,
Whatever opinions may entertain here, sir, opn
ions OF little avail, without the support OF our constt-
uents | am not oil those, and no one will accuse
me OF avoiding responsibility am ready to take il upon
this very question; shall take It again whenever
is necessary would take il now, IL thought the inter.
ests Of the South would be promoted, against their
wishes-f thought II unsafe for the South to adopt it,
But, sir the South must govern themse the SEN
or the Congress OF the United States govern them
They have decided this question, and would acquiesce
unequvocaly and decidedly in their decision. do not
set up myself and do not think the Congress OF the
United States ought TO dictate to the people That is
great mistake to undervaue the intelligence and wisdom
OF our constituents They understand their interests
great deal better thansmany pablo men suppose. for
one, disposed to follow, not 10 lead them. When
they have adopted opinion, do not think il right for
me to stand up here and oppose it, come here not 10
advance their interests beyond what they demand They
at home, in comparative quiet, ahd better Judge
OF this matter than can, All know, who
have much experience OF legislative matters, that very
different state ot feeling and opinion may exist in the
State government and al home. The very collision here
at the Capitol produces excitement We imagine wrongs