The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-02-22

without danger to the Union. Southern men, believe,
had previously voted for similar measure and il had
become grave sectional question: involving the most
fearful consequences AT subsequent session, con-
vnced of its bearing, spoke and voted against IL; still,
however, without touching the constitutional point.
Afterwards circumstances required me e exanns the
danger and difficulty felt them as do now. that the
there are few saoridees which ought moi 10 Be made to
preserve it. Twas prepared to go far any ought
10 go 70 attain that object In examining the conslitu-
than had ever dohe before. startled by the
vicon that authority was granted in that instrn
ment TO Congress to legislae the Territories
the Wilmot Proyiso Not satisfied with my own impress
sons, and being unwilling TO take such ground with
out proper consideration, determined Immediately to
converse with person fully convesant with the his
tory OF the legislation and the judicial decisions the
subject In looking about for that purpose i Immediately
occurred TO thai eminent Of the Supreme Court
tons, well as from his residence IN the West could give
me better information upon this subject than any other per
son. Anticipating that discussion might arise
that would render this explanation proper, applied TO
that gentleman days since and requested his per-
mission thus publicly to refer to him, should deem il
necessary. This he cheerfully granted, and now make
use OF his name, with his consent. Immediately
repaired to him. and stated my doubts, well the cir
cumstances which gave rise 10 them need not repeat
the conversation here Il is enough to say that ne con-
fmed my Impressions, and informed me that in article
published in the National Inellgencer day or two pre-
vousy, and which had not should find his views
fully FORTH That article has since been repubshed
in other papers, and has attracted good deal OF attention.
deserved; for it is powerfully written. speak, SIR
solely Of the views which i Of Hs
OF slavery which il discusses do not refer TO-. After
reading this article, my doubts rpened into convictions,
aa hs s1s W%os IS s
have now, sir the history OF my course upon this SUBJ
+ L ~ + y..l
ions if you please, in my Nicholson letter The first.
that the Wilmot Provso unconstitutional; second,
that slavery having been abolished BY the Mexican gov
ernment did exist in the territory then held BY our
arms; third, that slavery would not 60 there, as well on
account of natural and geographical obstacles as on ac
of the feelings Of the people who were and might
be there and, fourth, that organized communities exer-
csng the powers OF government whether State or terri
toa, had alone the right OF determining this question
for themselves am great believer nat. President len N
cety where he lives and am not going to sacrice TINS
long cherished opinion to any abstraction, metaphysical
political believe the people Of the Territories have
Just the same right 10 govern themselves as the people Of
the States have Nor do believe that mans knowledge
decreases he recedes from the shores Of the Atlantic
the West speaking here, sir, as spoke in my
Nicholson letter, Of organized communities existing gov
ernments But maintain, as did IN my speech a lew
themselves and provide for social order when such or
der cannot otherwise be obtained do not undertake to
say how many there must be to do this leave that to
be determined when the cases arise. Like many other
questions, indeed like most other questions not purely
mathematical the principle is correct and safe, though lis
ay Ss n name but old in
preensionas old as the institution OF governments and
i will probably last as long as government exists
is founded deeply in human nature which prone to feel
power and forget right Every age of the world has had
its Wilmot Proviso Sometimes il is tax on tea some
times it is constitution like that which the Emperor OF
garans sometimes il is the division OF Poand but at
all times is the result OF conviction that the COVER
nors know much better what is good for the governed
than the latter know for themselves Sultans Emperors
Kings Parlaments, and Congresses all equally entertain
this opinion OF their paternal authority and are sat-
ed n ina, they ought 70 and 4 oes
belong to my age Of progress State or Territory, il is
the people who ought to govern, SO far is consistent
with their mutual relations to the United States.
Il is that part Of my Nicholson letter relating the
Territories which understand is the object OF animad-
version-I may say, indeed, Of censure How different
opinions could exist respecting the meaning OF that part
OF my letter. cannot conjecture THESE the words
quote them here, though not quoted in my speech:
Il. he interference ofCongress) should be limited the
or settled and 70 the necessary provision leaving the
time the people inhabng them to regulate their
own concerns In their own way."l m
But sir independent OF this obvious view, may safely
appeal TO many southern gentlemen who here when
that letter written, and who are here now, to say
whether they do not know that this was my meaning at
the tmel There Of them within my eye at this
moment
[Here Mr.. BUTLER Of South Carolina. and Mr.. DAVIS,
OF Mississippi, aod others, sgnihed their assent
II might have added in my speech, what will take the
liberty OF adding here that the proudes and most grateful
testimonial have received has recently reached me
from the democratic members OF the legislature OF Ten
nessee. shall the recollection OF II through
life. In thai letter am told as follows:
"Your late speech the Senate Of the United States
the Wmot Proviso is triumphant vndicaton OF the
position heretofore assumed by that Congress has no
power under the consultation legsate upon medde
with the subject of slavery either in the States Terrific
ries plee defence of the rights OF the slave
holding States OF the people OF all States and Terrific
rie and regulate their own social and municipal
| institutions"
want no better endorsement than this OF the correct
ness OF my views and OF the consistency with which
have maintained them. II is full compensation for all
the attacks have experienced here or esewhere.1
The senator from Alabama Mr. CLEMEss] will allow
say that both be and the southern representation
here and upon the ofer floor have easy task before
them They all live in an excited community. They
naturally partake OF its feelings. And do not say that
is an excitement without cause There is too much
for IT, though that would justify disunon, and none
that disunon would make better The provision in the
constitution respecting the recapure OF slaves has beer
too often and grossly violated and neglected Every die
tate OF justice requires law more efficient on that sub
jeci and more efficiently executed Such law, with
proper provisions, shall not want my vote. And thu
Wilmot Provso, unnecessary and unconstitutional as
is has justly given great offence 10 the South rus
and believe its days numbered But allow me TO say
that when southern gentlemen attribute the interference
OF the North with the subject OF slavery any serious cal
cualon about the balance of political power or OF matena
interest," they are in great error orgnaes m other feel
ngs The spirit OF inquiry is of the marked character
scs OF the age in which live. II penetraes every
Even the highest and hottest things assailed. Why
/ air he rghta of propertv Souh attacked