The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-04

the terms in which IL is presented for the sanction
Of Congress. True some notifications and addi-
tons are introduced, but entirely in harmony with
the original plan, and only for the purpose OF CIV
ing II symmetry and completeness As In the case
OF this Territory there has been substitution of
government and laws, (as in the case OF the Terri
tory of Utah;) but as such laws still in force in
the department of New Mexico as remained after
II was acquired by the United States, these laws,
being acquiesced in and virtually adopted by the
people, are continued in force so lar as they are
consistent with the provisions of the bill and the
Constitution and laws Of the United States, and the
rights OF person and property secured and protect
ed thereby, But the Legislative assembly OF the
Territory may change repeal these laws at any
time, consistently with the limitation prescribed;
and the laws OF the United States are extended over
both Of the Territories of Utah and New Mexico.
4th. The bill provides that, if the State of Texas
shall agree to the extension OF straight line from the
Intersection of the $40 of north latitude with the Rio
Grande to the intersection Of the 1902 OF longitude
west from Greenwich with the Red river or the Salt
Fork OF that river as the boundary between the
Territory of New Mexico on the NORTH and the
State Of Texas the SOUTH and shall rcnquish all
her claim to the territory north of that boundary
to the United States; in that event, the Govern
men of the United States will pay her 3 10000, 900
In certificates Of stock, one of less denomina-
ton than y 500, and bearing not exceeding five per
cent. interest per annum, and reimbursible ON or
after the LIST day of January, A. ID. 1870. If Texas
shall agree to this proposition of compromise, her
acceptance is not to be construed or held in any
way to Interfere with the number of States authorized
to be admitted into the Union without any restric
ton as TO slavery under the guaranty OF the soint
resolution for admitting Texas into the Union.'
But II Texas shall not accept this (fourth) PROPOSE
ton, 1t falls, and the boundary between Texas and
the Territory OF New Mexico will stand an open
question.
Such is the outline of the bill propose. Ofcourse,
it would be out Of place for me to go into more
elaborate exposition of its principles and provisions
at present: indeed, fear have already presumed
on the indulgence of my colleague too long. i can
only announce my purpose at present to offer the
bill for the consideration and action of the commit
tee when it may be regularly and properly acted
upon. In the mean time, dedicate 1t as peace
offering upon the altar of our distracted, deeply
distracted country, hoping and praying that it may
be received in the same spirit in which it is offered;
that 1t may be, at least in some degree, instrument
tai In restoring the wontcd concord and fraternal
feelings of our beloved Union. Such is my hope
such is my fervcnt prayer. abjure all party feel
ings and objects in this measure. offer it not
partisan, but American Representative, and
earnestly invoke the cooperation and support of
men OF all parties and sections of common
country, to give it success.
Mr.. CARTER desired to offer the following
amendment to Mr. McCLERNANp's bill, viz:
Provided, That the laws and DEGREES prohibiting
slavery in the Republic of Mexico, and in force at
the time of the cesson of the New Mexican terri
tory to the United States, be and continued in force
in the said Territory until the citizens thereof shall
frame constitutions, and be received into the Union
as sovereign States.
The CHAIRMAN said that, the gentleman from
Illinois being entitled to the floor, it could not be
done.
Mr.. WENTWORTH presumed that notice only
was intended to be given.
Mr. BAKER asked his colleague whether he I'M
derstood him to propose governments for New
Mexico and Deseret, without the Wilmot provso
Mr.. McCLERNAND replied in the affirmative.
Mr.. INGE. The Wilmot proviso is dead.
MIR. BAKER. Put me down as one of the hum
best members as opposed to the bill.
Mr. HOWARD inquired whether, If Texas does
not consent, organization Of Territorial govern
ments is to take place east Of the banks of the Rio
Grande?
Mr. McCLERNAND was understood to say that
IT was difficult for him TO answer the question.
That depended on the action Of Congress; but his
bill provided Territorial governments for the terri
tory acquired from Mexico not included within the
limits Of California.
Mr.. HOWARD said that, unless the rights of
the bill
Mr. RICHARDSON then addressed the commit
tee. He expressed his belief that the people Of this
country are not prepared for dissolution of the
Union, and that the great American heart is for the
Union as it L. hequestion which now agitates the
country mi ght have been settled more easily year
ago than at this time It, however, ought to be ad-
justed at once; there had been too much delay al
ready. He was for the admission of California
The mere fact that slavery was excluded by her
Constitution should not be urged; for State at any
moment can adopt excinde slavery, if she thinks
proper. And this ought to be n complete answer
to those who object that California has excluded sa
very ner limits, and at once terminate the
discussion on this point. There was hardly one
Free-Soiler who did not believe that the soil
quired Is already free by the Mexican law. Then
why seek to re-enact the Wilmot proviso9 II is, he
repeated, free now; they cannot render il more
Other gentlemen contend that the Constitution
Of the United States slavery in the Terrific
ries In the conflict of opinion, there a ground
on which we ought TO meet-the Democratic ground
OF non intervention. He aware that some Of
his friends were DESTROYS OF making General Tay-
lor show his hand with regard to the Wilmot pro-
viso, but he appealed 10 them to say whether this
was not OF small consequence compared with the
danger which now surrounds II was the duty
of the North to observe the obligations of the Con-
stitution for the delivery of fugitive slaves. He
could say for Illinois, she has opposed no barrier
and not one instance could be cited TO show that
when an appeal was made To the courts, redress
was withheld. As he understood the position of the
Democratic party, they were ready and willing to
give efnciency to any proper bill on the subject He
was prepared TO say that his vote, long he
cupied seat in the House, should never be given
TO abolish slavery here. They had, however, a
right to demand, and do demand, (not to propitate
the Abolitoniss, but sense Of justice) that the
foreign slave trade in the District of Columbia shall
be abolished that the same kind Of laws passed in
the slave States shall exist here's that slaves shall
not be transferred TO the District from other por
tons, for sale. The efforts of the Abohtonists, he
contended, not merely 10 abolish slavery in the
District of Columbia, but to overthrow and destroy
| the Constitution.
/ Mr.. MARSHALL, of Kentucky believed that the
cloud which now lowers over the political horizon
will roll away, and that shall have the clear
sunshine Of peace; and he believed that if all would
come together in spirit of Cancellation, like those
who framed the Constitution, they would meet the
crisis without fear and discharge their responsible
tiles without reproach. He never permitted him
self 10 dwell on the idea of disunion. II a rem
edy only Of absolute desperation, under a sense Of
intolerable evil; but he would say, at the same
| time, II the Government should be perverted, and
for purposes of fsnaticism, and diverted from its
original design and spirit, 10 be the mere instru-
ment of power; and not bond Of good faith among
friends and equals, ii would become the duty OF
patriots TO throw IL off and resort to revolution; and
/ he should regard the destruction Of the Union
less evil than submission to injustice and tyran-
ny. Domestic slavery is the apple Of discord; and,
after noting the change Of northern sentiment on
this subject since 1885, he said that Free-Soism
now threatened to overlap every barrier IL pre-
walls in every department Of fe il poisons the la
borer the mechanic, the factory employee il is in
the pulpit in the private circle; il the garb
Of philanthropy, Democracy, Whiggery, every
thing which may bring 10 its aid an army Of fol-.
lowers, and give IL political consequence. II pan
| dors 10 the Daeeione. and threatens Oycr-