The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-01-16
Correspondence of the Charleston Courier.

WASHINGTON, January IL, 1850.
The discussion of the slavery question has
commenced in the Senate in good earnest. II
arose on motion to print the Vermont anti.
slavery resolutions. The whole Of yesterday
was occupied with the discussion. and it will be
resumed on Monday. Every view, connected
with the topic, has already been presented. A
dissolution of the Union was more decidedly
indicated, in the speeches of Mr.. Clemens, Mr..
Butler, and Mr.. Davis Of Mississippi. than it has
ever been before. Mr.. Clemens is young
Senator from Alabama, and is full Of fire and
energy. lie spoke with burning eloquence
upon the subject of Southern rights, and South.
ern wrongs. He declared the Union was dis
solved already, by the Legislative action Of the
North, prohibiting the arrest and recovery of
fugitive slaves. He said it was the policy of
the North, as he had understood, to bring for.
ward but one question at time. They now
urged upon : The prohibition OF slavery in the
territories. Gaining that point, they would
next demand the abolition of slavery in The
District of Columbia, and a, forts, dock yards,
and arsenals, where The United States has ju.
riscliction. Next, they would abolish slavery
between the States. Then, they would come
into the States, and emancipare the slaves
there. No one at the South talked of submis.
sion, the South had now drawn line, and pass
it, said he, if you dare. He called upon the
Northern Senators to carry out their instruc.
tions. In the words of a member of the other
House, he called upon them to stand up and
face the music" The South was desirous OF
meeting the question now, hui he perceived tha,
Northern Senators intended to dudgc ii. Mr..
Butler, in his earnest remarks, dwelt upon the
fact that the South had sustained every propo.
si,on Of a compromise ofthis question, and was,
at one time, willing to adjust it in any way, in
which she could save her honor
Mr.. Chase, the Free Soil Senator from Ohio,
made a long Speech in which he declared that
his purposes would be satisfied, by the exclusion
of slavery in places where the United States
had jurisdiction, and that the free Democracy
Of the North, to which he belonged, would lie
satisfied with nothing short Of that.
The Legislature of Maryland will undoubted.
ly pass resolutions, fully sustaining the rights
and interests of the South. Gov. Critenden,
in his message TO the Legislature, takes such
course on this subject, as to give great salts.
faction 10 the friends of Cancellation and union.
The north western States, judging from the
tone of their presses, are more decidedly oppo.
sed to the extension of slavery, than any oIher
portion ofthe country.
The prevailing opinion. among the northern
men, at present. is, that California will he ad
mted as State, at this session, and with her
self imposed restriction of slavery; and no other
measure as to tho territories will pass. Con.
gress will let New Mexico and Deseret alone.
The delegate, sen, by Deseret will not be ad
mlted TO seat. The Seua,e has been several
times in executive session, but has not yet act.
ed upon any nominations. The administration
and its policy arc lost sight of, in the excitement
produced by the agitation nf the slavery ques.
lion, and in the embarrassment of the House,
caused by their inability to complete their or.
ganization to elect clerk. The Committees
of the House are idle, having no buoness be-.
fore them.