Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-04-20

settlement
gating subjects which distract the country. Can any
easonabe man object TO this freely confess cannot
how he have listened every word that has been
aid in the course Of the debate, and my surprise has in
Ieased rather than diminished at the opposition which
bed The proposition affords one hope the more for an
of the differences that divide US said when this
was s introduced that my hopes the advantages
be derived from it by means sanguine and the
OF proceeding in the Senate since that time has by no
means increased my confidence in the reu followed the
honorable Senator from Kentucky his declaration Of similar
giews rs am happy to follow him in his noble effort pre-
serve this Union, equally DEAR have doubt him and
But whether my hopes my apprehensons peponderate
to the effect of this measure, my will be still the
same II may do good and can do harm As have said
affords one chance the Of happy termination of
troubles II the committee make report that will be salts
factory, we can adopt it, and rejoice heartily at the happy
suit II they do not, shall then be off than
now and must proceed to look difficulties in the face
and to apply the best remedy which may then be left to
and in any event will he grateful reflection that have
taken this step deemed important by many members Of
THIS body and so urgently demanded by large portion
OF the Union And this consideration, there no other
is decisive me for supporting the proposition. is in
deed small very small NATTER yield in spirit Of con-
Citation but seems to be opposed with as much stern
ness OF purpose if sacrifice Of the dearest interests
OF the country were demanded sympathze, sir, with no
such feeling, indeed dc understand it. North South,
East West when great sectional questions involved
if could not yield the principle at issue, certainly would
yield much as to the mode Of its consideration, and as to the
spirit more required than this and if it prevailed more
extensively should anticipate with confidence than
do not merely the speedy settlement ohe in dis
pue but the restoration of those raterna feelings without
which, though there may be political union, there be
union Of affection 1t to be distinctly understood
that the discussion Of the subject Of the admission Of Cali
fornia is to go on, notwithstanding the reference to this
committee, and before the discussion be terminated under
any circumstances to judge by the progress made the re-
port will be received and shall then have made pro-
gress towards solution Of our cuies shall have done
something, much indeed, trust towards the admission Of
California and the establishment Of the necessary Terrific
governments.
repeat what have before said, that consider the ad
mission Of California certain any which has not
yet happened unless prevented by machinery
of legislation in the other House. such has been alluded
here ard elsewhere. trust however that such mea
sures will be resorted TO. should consider il Of
action greatly be deprecated All have to do is per-
NIT the committee to consult and bring back report.
good deal has been said about compromises though by
appointment of this committee proposing to surrender
great principle lying the foundation Of Government
Indeed might suppose from the temper and eanesness
displayed That whole social and political to be
put to hazard by this very harmless attempt to adjust
troubles by compromise committee And such our fears
of this terrible word, that have actually struck out Of
the resolutions where it had been very properly introduced
and msde ourselves safe behind the shelter of its substitute,
adjustment. Why, sir, neither the word the thing
is very terrible. This world is world of compromise
From the cradle to the grave human life is full of
promises gives up portion Of his natural rights
the remainder and from the beginning to the end
Of his the same principle marks his progress He who
stands upon his position with rigid nhexbiy, and expects
the world to bow before him, will find by experience
how much he has deceived himself In the operations Of all
Governments there be compromises suppose there
law passed which precisely met the views, in all
particulars of every taking part in legislation. Each
can something which, in his opinion, might be i'm
Proved but each has surrender something
in order 10 attain the object in view. What mutual
cessons be made to lead compromise in any given
case is practical question: to be determined by the ccu-
stances suppose dreams of the cession of any
the questions conncted with the application Of California
With the views entertain and have expressed upon that
subject can consent to compromise away her rights
Such is davowed in all parts of this chamber.
But far short Of that from the indications
have received would afford satisfactory grounds for
ment Many who object to the admission of Cafornis,
insulated propositions have avowed their willingness TO
abandon their opposition if that is connected to bill
for the government of the Territories Is that compromise
which involves any surrender Of principle indeed Of expe
dency Is it small peace oe ing upon the altar Of
country, if is followed by the restoration Of peace and
harmony As has been well remarked by the distinguished
Senator from Kentucky, it will be fulfilling obligation
have soemny taken will give equally to the people acquired
by the same treaty the suited to their condition.
1t Is, in fact no compromise, but the performance of
duty It doing precisely what ought to do, and what
we have engaged to do II the opposition to California can be
removed by such an actcompromse, if you please to call
-and that State brought into the Union easily and
speedily believe it cam am in favor Of it
should be opposed to it. that great great measure
put to hazard And hold myself free to act after the
port of the committee as nowunder obligation, low
slight to accept it, unless think just and reasonable.
And well satisfied that shall the admission Of
California much by this process than by any oher
especially by endessopposon and of which
this day has had its full SHARE has many day BEFORE and
will many day hereafter if the spirit prevails and
while we thus talking about delay in the admission Of
California, that very delay sproduced by this than
by all other causes put together.
opposed to any instructions for most obvious
Would you make farce of what should be solemn
measure If you select thirteen members Of this body
committee Of reference, have not confidence enough
them to trust something TO their discretion! If you have
not had better abandon the project Cannot you trust
them to talk this whole matter, and to tell you what
they think of it, without lettering their thoughts and their
tongues, and saying omit this and that subject, for
cannot trust you to offer opinion upon it !,
Why, 81, no honorable would upon such a
committee purporng to be organized for great national
purpose, and responsible in the eyes Of the country for lis
proceedings and its but Invested of all
of eecting any valuable object and rendered mpoent by
the very act of lis creation willing to have the opinion
of any ht members of this Senate upon this whole SUBJ
ject and then shall be free willing to consider
their report in spirit of respect and to adopt just much
oft think the public interest requires In the time
and while the committee is celebrating, shall vote with the
distinguished Senator from Kentucky for proceeding with the
discussion respecting the admission Of Calfons, and making
all the progress
Mr.. BENTON. The amendment proposed by the Sena.
tor from Maine is now pending.
The VICE PRESIDENT. The Chair has been making
inquiry, and learns that this amendment submitted
to the original motion FIRST and that it withdrawn aud
appended by the Senator the motion pending
The Chair, in comparing the amendments finds verbal
difference.
Mr. BENTON. Then the Chair decides that the amend
ment of the Senator from Maine not now pending before