The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-09-05


Columbia their slaves Tor the purpose Of selling them
for residence; The people OF Maryland would be en-
titled do this anterior 10 the by Mary land of
part OF its couatSy which the law was 10 operate
But ask the attention OF the Senate 10 Ibis act for
another purpose The senator from Virginia Mr.. Hun
rEKl this morning has said that this law is unconstu-
posed BY the senator from Kentucky Mr. CLAYl is I'M
constitutional, the legislature OF Virginia has said and
she has instructed her senators to vote against H. ana
upon its adoption the governor OF that Stale is TO con-
the legislature, whose duty shall be TO consider
what means they are TO employ for redress
Now, sr, here the proposition that tue mere operation
OF the law proposed by the senator from kentucky 10 re-
peal this seventh clause of this OF U.s. that
IL unconstitutional for Congress TO repeal an act passed
BY Re osa s uU ns d ar
tho dissolution of the Union. Now, il these sen
stors are ri h permit say further, sir, if any
argument in upholding the proposition OF the senator
from Kentucky is an unconstitutional act what would
be its result ask the attention OF my friend from
Virginia. and OF those particularly interested in that de-
scription OF property the District OF Columbia TO the
result about TO state. The law proposed and which
is under consideration, they say is Unconstitutional II
that be unconstitutional then the seventh section Of the
act OF 1909, which have read, is unconstitutional.
What is the further and necessary result from il That
OF the negroes OF the present District OF Coum
bia being negroes introduced IRON Maryland
else0r the descendants OF those from Marylandunder
the act Of 1895, are free hope therefore, that shall not
hear II commended that the proposed law OF the senator
from Kentucky is unconventional s1 Is not ancoa
tutona you deprive the inhabitants OF four hhs OF that
description Of property and give these slaves right to Tree
dom. The Senate will perceive, Mr.. President, that this
section of the OF Congress TO which have referred
gave to the people of that part OF the District OF Colum
bia coded by Maryland the power to bring into the Dis
trct slaves from Maryland precisely the existed
anterior to the cesson Now, that the true constfuc
ton of the IL gave TO the people oil Alexandra
county the power TO bring into that county slaves from
Virginia, they might have done anterior to the cession
by Virginia of that part of the District of Columbia
The construction placed by the federal courts here upon
this subject which have referred to. denied to the c
rf tha nah Tho tyunu nf
Titory which ceded the part by Maryland and
the other part by Virginia, the reciprocal right OF carrying
them from part OF this territory the other That
under the construction given 10 this section OF the act Of
Congress Although the citizen OF Maryland, or the
citizen of this part OF the District might bring slave
from Maryland he could not carry that slave to Alex
andria county, 10 that part OF the territory coded from
Virginia. and he could bring from that part OF the Dis
tict slave. Consequently, Congress in 1872, by an act
which you will find in the collection OF the District laws
page 1856. 9th section of the act remedies this evil by
declaring as follows:
SEC O. And be 1T further enacted, That hereafter it shall
said counties. owning and possessing any slave slaves
therein the from county into the oher
and over the said slave or slaves therein which would be
exercised him, her. hem,in the county from whence
the removal made anything any legislative act in
force this time in either OF the said counties to the
trary notw Outstanding
So it was by this OF 1914 that the citizens of the
separate parts of the District originally coded by Mary
land and Virginia, the right OF moving their
slaves from part OF this District 10 the other by
the legislation OF Congress that this right exists and if
this legislation be unconstitutional commended for by
the honorable senator from Virginia, MIR. HUNTER then
his present constituents who have become his constu-
ents the rerocesson of that part OF the District, will
lose four 6fths OF the slaves and they will be free
believe, Mr. President, that have explained the law
which governs this subject which have felt compelled
to do think that every will that the great
importance which has been attached TO this measure
throughout the country not importance which de-
served II results that is simply proposition TO the
power of Congress repeal that Congress itself
has passed That is question OF power; earth
make less OF it than that Ii you deny the
constitutional power OF Congress now then, OF course
did the power al the time OF the passage OF
this law and the result OF that that all the popuaton
or q least four. hfths OF it, the district OF Columbia,
regard to which we OF the South desire 10 project the
oVners made fee according to the argument which
10 used here, that this congressional legislation uncon
saitutonai.
Thsre was much SIR that was said by the senator from
Virginia, which approve highly and there great
deal in which could not concur at all He placed the
power 10 abolish slavery in the District OF Columbia upon
/ cannot concede that / will not enter into the
Gunnent. differ even with my friend from Kentucky IN
Inference that Perhaps may have less experience
and capacity Judge than hes but have thought upon
the subject with all the power that possess, and APP
psa clear TO that Congress- possesses no power what,
abolish slavery in The District OF COLUMBIA But
il 10 question not incident the discussion OF this bill
and should be 10th put upon the power to this
bill n Congress have power 10 pass this bill, the sena-
tos from Virginia says they have power to abolish slavery
"A an institution in the District in this differ from
him.
Now in regard the passage OF this bill, my honor
able colleague and myself much prepared to vote
upon il a. at any time but lnasmuch as Maryland
Il the only slave State that at all interested this sub
ecs.the only State upon whose interests this bill can
opers-I think courtesy to and justice to people
shoud induce the Senate allow this TO lie
unless the vote be taken how. There is important
election take place tomorrow IN Maryland, TO appoint
deiexsies frame constitution and my colleague
and myself lind il necessary to go home and vote.
think, therefore, ought TO be allowed this courtesy
unless the vote be taken Immediately. believe we
are prepared for it, If not, do hope the Senate will con-
cur in the motion which just made to postpone it.
The question stated the amendment OF the sen
ator from Mary land.
Mr. PRATT called for the yeas and nays.
MIR PHELPS. The senator who offered the amend
angement pair off Under these circumstances, move
that the Senate do adjourn.
Mr.. PRATT 1 hope the senator viii allow the ques-
ton to be taken on the posiponement
Mr. JONES' That question has already been taken.
Mr.. PRATT Thep ! move 10 postpone the further
consideration Of the Bill till Monday next and make il
the special order for that day
The question being taken on the motion 10 postpone II
was lost-ayes IS, noes 10. |.
Mr PRATT | hope the question will now be taken
on the amendment
Mr. CLAY will only make single observation.
think the from Maryland has shown very clear
II the OF the law but the result OF 1t to my mind
il that slaves may be legally introduced from Maryland
and put in a depot here, and afterwards exported That
10 the law OF Maryland and unless, since the act OF
recession the laws OF Virginia were repealed the same
Tin can be done in reference 10 Virginia
Bet il il not necessary to 90 into Che question OF
vhof the State law il. The state of facts enough
Hoe 10 the slave trade carried and under the laws