The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-04-11

intend 10 allade him. did not suspect him OF having
the least possible influence with the present patriotic Ex
ecuiiye. | do not know how any one could entertain
such suspicion, and think he might have saved him
self the trouble OF yndicaton. did not refer 10 him
peat the language of the honorable senator-any sore
places, will say at once, il they desire TO know whether
or not referred 10 them because, ar, am perfectly
willing to be distinctly understood. think my meaning
was distinctly understood, and that il will be understood
by the country wish to be understood BY the country
MIR. BADGER moved 10 lay the question OF reception
Mr.. CLAY Ii has been my constant course, resulting
from thorough conviction q ITS exPsdieney 70 geael
when il is within our power, or when II may be ques-
toned whether it is in our power or not adopted this
course many years ago, and did upon full reflection.
believed, II this right OF petition was restricted that
they would connect the subject OF abolition with the right
OF petition and that they would acquire Their consequence
is very peculiar II is the first ime believe that
any such petition presented before What Is IT,
sir II is that the whole negro population oil the coun-
Mr., HALE That is not the petition that is under
sideraion.
petition shall be laid on The table, shall move to take up
and reconsider this one.
Mr. RUSK withdrew his motion to lay the petition on
the table
Mr. CLAY Now,I move 10 take up the petition for
the enrolment of slaves in the militia and without further
argument invite the Senate to act upon it, expressing
the hope.and shall call Tor the yeas and nays lor ina,
by decisive indignant and unanimous vote OF the body
to take up that petition, and further move TO re-
ject the prayer OF the petitioners.
The question being taken the motion to take up the
petition, 1t was agreed TO.
Mr. CLAY moved that the prayer Of the petitioners be
Mr. DAVIS. believe addressed the Chair before
the question put. was going TO say that we had
arrived at the hour for taking up the order Of the day.
Mr.. CLAY. We happen to be on this subject; let us
get through with il twill take but a moment
The question being stated upon rejecting the petition,
and the yeas and nays having been ordered,
Mr.. SEWARD rose, and said have voted for taking
the yeas and nays upon this question. During my whole
legislative experience, have always voted for the yeas
and nays, whenever demanded by others. | have
voted otherwise, and never shall.
have never, at any lime, hesated to record my opn
ion and never shall This petition presented BY
parts of the State Of New York. yesterday; and
therefore word due from upon this subject; and
that word will be spoken with frankness, with respect
The fact OF the presentation Of these petitions has drawn
down some upon me- ii understood the remarks
Of the senator from Texas and in answer TO these
Marks and not to any remarks made by any other senator
upon this subject have to saytha my course OF action
cannot reasonably be misunderstood have heretofore,
without troubling the Senate with an argument on The
nature ofshe right OF petition explained my views OF that
right have heretofore distinctly stated that deemed
the right of petition inherent right of czens-an in
iefeasible rghus as indefeasble the right of suf
frage and that it forfeited in way except By crime
hold it indeieasble right OF every human being TO
petition any authority that has power over him. sub
mil myself to that night submit myself TO the petitions
existence OF this right as just right natural and inhe-
rent right oil ma, suppOs IL same night Is guar.
antied and b. the constitution to every citizen OF
this country. refore present. OF the organs
through whom application must be made 10 this leglsa-
tive body, every petition that submitted TO me for that
purpose The petitioners must determine the nature. OBJ
ject, and character Of their peitions-not l. withhold
none. defend and vindicate those only which rise IN
my place defend and yindicate leave without yindl
cation defence those which present without vindica
ton or defence; and leave them in such for fu-
ture consideration Now, this is my rule OF action
Other senator's have different rules. They think that
crIninate between petitions which they will present to
this body and those which they will not do not i'm
pugn their motives. do not assal them IN the least
should have lived to but little purpose, long have
lived, if had not learned, from my information, the
debt OF justice and charity due 10 the motives OF others
&c. judging none, shall not be diverted from my duty
by any OF others shall never shrink from the
performance OF what deem my duty under any crcum
stances through fear, favor affection, or hope OF re-
ward.
will go little further, in explanation, because shall
vote for receiving this petition.
Mr. CLAY. That is not my motion il is TO reject
the prayer OF the petitioners.
Mr. SEWARD. thank the honorable senator for the
correction am very glad 10 receive the explanation for
ii furnishes with the opportunity to manifest the
spirit which cherish and entertain in regard TO the
sulional question involved in these subjects have
had occasion 10 say heretofore that while believe that the
fundamental purpose OF this government secure the
natural and nalenable rights OF life liberty, and the pur
suit OF happiness TO all yet, at the time, the
laws and institutions existing must remain in force and
be obeyed until they peaceably lawfully, and
sthtonally changed am in favor have said, OF the
emancipation Of slaves in this country and all countries
AS have said before am in favor OF attaining that object
only BY peaceable lawful, and constitutional means
To receive this petition, and TO reject prayer
that ought not be granted is exactly accordance
with the recommended regard TO petitions for
dissolving the Union II belongs to the Suites where
the slaves would be violent measure OF emancipation
by force and in violation Of State rights
And now, whatever may have been said as intended
for me, either here elsewhere, beg honorable
tors to understand this the rule OF my conduct shall
assa the motives OF any member OF this body.
shall defend myself against any imputaoDs oil
motives made against me, in what shape they may
here-I shall pass them by in silence They will not in
the least disturb my equanmity Nor, venture 10 as
sure those who make them, will they change my social
and private feelings in regard TO them Pursuing this
course, shall do for the simple that if pur-
sued any other expect to the effect produced
on them that any want OF Kindness courtesy
spect has had upon myself; that is exactly effect
sense Of propreiy, and will consult mine. When my
OF Official service shall have expired, every member
who shall have gone through il with me, will find that
have INDICATED this rule OF action | have
,orted or retaliated never shall.
Mr. CLAY. Mr. President, | rise TO say single
word and that is, TO express the hope that there
will be no further discussion, and that will pro-
coed TO take a vote. think il can be done in the
manner have suggesed-wth serenity, decision, and
unanimity The petition has, been received. and there
can be reproach made against this body for not
ceivng ii. The question is, shall its PRAYER be |