Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-11-28


take them in detail. He did me the honor TO
consult me on the subject of his bill before its
introduction, and l did not hesitate TO advise
him to persevere in the course he proposed.-
The result was soon seen. The bill he introdu-
ced, unclogged by other measures, was passed
in a few days without difficulty, and by large
majority l have never doubted that, If the same
course had been pursued at the commencement
of the session, Congress and the nation would
have been saved six months of unnecessary DIS
traction and alarm. Applause.
Viewing all the measures III common with
this subject at this time as they passed Congress
am far from saying they were the best that
could have been adopted. The settlement Of
the Texas boundary by the Judiciary or the
Congress of the United States, as President
Taylor recommended, would have been, in my
Judgment, more consistent with the honor aud
dignity of the government and would have saw
ed US from the effects Of precedent which will
be invoked on some future occasion, when some
State shall seek to take the law mo her own.
bands, to induce the government TO submit to
imposition, under the pretext of buying peace.
But 40 adjustment OF the boundary by Con-
gress or the Judiciary had become impractical
BILE, in consequence of the encouragement held
Out TO Texas 10 resist until she should be paid
for her acquiescence. AS to the Territorial gov
ernnents of New Mexico and Utah, ], Of course,
would be among the last 10 object to their organ
izatlon on the principles OF my own bill which
passed the Senate two years before. These
Territorial bills provide substantially for The very
measures had myself proposed and strongly re-
commended !; and individually, | was perfectly
content with the adoption of my own scheme of
settlement, SO tar a. these territories were con-
cerned. | should have been satisfied with The
admission OF State government in New Mex
leo, as well as California, with constitution set
Ting the question of slavery according TO the
will oil her own peope. But have not yet
ceased to deplore, and fear that shall hereaf-
ter have much more reason 10 deplore, the fall
ure of the bill had proposed. ON account of the
expressed by the South with the
admission of the state of California.
So far as regards California, the adjustment Of
the vexed question by submitting IL 10 the judi
cial tribunals would, as MIR. Polk affirmed, and
as | now repeat, have terminated the controver-
sy forever, without any Of that dissatisfaction
now raging in the South. 1t was impossible
that any Southern state, and especially that
South Carolina could have continued the agiia-
ton, as il now exists with the votes Of Calhoun,
Butler, Burt, Rhett, and all the distinguished
men OF the delegation of South Carolina In fav-
or Of the bill, backed by the votes of. Mason,
Hunter. Davis, of Mississippi, Berren, and eve
nv Southern Senator and Representative, except
Messrs. Badger, Toombs, Stephens, anu three or
four others. The settlement of the question by
this mode would have been final and conclusive;
it would have been satisfactory to all PARTIES
Our people are a law-abidiDg people; and the
whole proposition simply was that both parties
should agree to 90 to law before the Supreme
Court OF the United States, and abide the result.
Duty honor, and self-respect would have COM
PEELED all sections of the country to submit to
the decision. No man feels himself dlsgraced
by it, who is beaten in a law suit on sheer
question of law, after full and fair trial.
The measure would have saved the honor of
both parties, IN any event. A leading Southern
statesman, with whom was associated in the
Senate at the tine, often SAID to me, during the
progress OF the bill through that body, that let
the decision 90 as 1t might, the honor of the
South was saved BY tie tender to her of fair
trial before an impartial tribunal, and she would
be satisfied. But when this bill was defeated in
the House, the impression was Immediately rade
upon the Southern u,ind that, as fair trial had
been refused there was deliberate intention ON
the other side to disregard Southern rights and
tranple them in the dust. Ever since the ses-
sion of IS47, that feeling has ranked in tie
Southern bosom:
HGrei igt6ri leih0tls drundo.'
And now the admission of California, with a
cons itulion prohiJitlnp slavery, Without the be-
nefit of tie TRIAL d 'Inanded by the South, has
produced alienation from the rest of the con-
lederacy, among some mistaken gentlemen in
that region, which pray to God in his mercy,
may soon give way 10 the more generous I'M
pulses, which properly belong TO and grace The
Soul horn character.
And now, my fellow citizens, have TO say,
that have seen nothing in the measures adopt
ed by Congress 10 which have referred, which
should excite any portion OF this Union to resist
ance against the established authorities OF the
and think It is the duty Of every good
C tizen, whether he does or does net think that
other and better measures might have been sub
stituted IN their Place. not only TO submit 10 the
laws which have BEEN enacted, bit TO stand by
and support the government, 1t necessary, TO the
full extent OF his ability in carrying those laws
into successful execution. That President Fill
more will do his whole duty in this respect,
have not shadow of doubt !; and hope you
are all willing to join with me in sustaining him
10 the discharge of that duty. Applause.
In this patriotism, and that OF the members of
his Cabinet, | have the utmost confidence
have no reason to believe that either of them
would have refused his aid, at any moment, to
the settlement OF these vexed questions on the
basis proposed by President Taylor. They have
acquiesced in what appeared to them to be the
only practicable scheme of adjusting these dit
ficulties They seek to sustain the Constitution
and the laws of their country. and honor them
for their purpose. While they stand by the u
MON, shall be with them and for them. If there
be any one sentiment in my bosom more deeply
cherished than any and all others, it is thai of
love and veneration for the institutions which
our fathers have left US, and for the country, the
whole country, covered and protected by the A
merican Constitution. Great applause-l There
will be no hope left for me or mine when this
Union shall be broken up; AMI should that me-
lancholy period ever arrive, shall be wander
er without home. (Appiause.i l can take no
part for one session against the other 10 me
the preservation of this Union Is a matter of IN
terest above all others, and If necessary, shall
be found true to those who sustain IT to the last
drop of my blood and my breath. Protracted
applause.)
California was denied by Congress the pro-
lection of the laws Of the United Sites
Threats of separation began 10 be uttered by
those who found themselves thus deserted; and
to assure them of the paternal care Of the gov
eminent, and its Intentions to assist them IN any
suitable mode, special messenger, MIR. King OF
Georgia, was dispatched to California He
know nd communicated tn than the wishes of