Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-03-12
Mr.. CalhOun'S Speech,
Oh Jiondoy u eek.

OfL r'IpitU"y ~ |'''
After the presentation oEaicw pet tons IN
flvor of cheap postage, and the memorial
Of the Convention of Inventors, the Sen
ate proceeded to the consideration OF Mr..
Claws resolution, and Mr.. Mason read
Mr.. Calhoun's speech.
The Speaker commenced by stating II
rs the opinion of Mr.. Calhoun from Tie
first, that the agitation oIthe slavery Iues-
ton would, if not prevented by some
timely and effective measure, end in dlsu-
Mon. Entertaining these views he had
cndcavorcd, without success, to urge the
two great parties TO prevent so great a DIS
astcr Now that tie agitation had c n
creased it could not be disguised that the
Union was in danger and the question
was how could ii be preserved. Mr.. Z.
then entered upon history OF the origin
and progress Of the slavery excitement,
and an examination of all lis asp cts and
bearings. He did dnot believe that either
MIR. Clay's compromise or the Plan oi the
administration could save the Union.--
The only way to save it was hy adopting
measures 10 satisfy the South, so that
they might remain with us consistently
with their honor and safety. ''
After arguing that California should Ec
remandcd back TO her territorial condition,
he concludes his spC cch rs follows:
4" Having now shown what cannot save
the Union, return to the question with
which commenced. How can the UNI
ON be saved There is but one way by
which il can with any certainty, and that
is, by full and final settlement, OH the
principle of Justice, of all the questions ut
issue between the two sections. The
South asks for Justice, simple justice, and
less she ought not to take. She has no
compro Mise to offer, but the Constitution;
and 10 concession or surren er to make
She has already surrendered so much that
she has little left 10 surrender. Such
settlement would 90 10 the root of the evil,
and remove all cause Of discomfort. BY
salts wing The South, she could remain
honorgbv and safely in the Union, and
thereby restore the harmony and lratcrnal
feelings between the sections, which eX-
isted anterior to tfe Missouri agitation.
Nothing else can, with any certainty, fl
nalIy and forever tile the question at is-
sue, terminate agitation, and save the
Union.
But can this be done! Yes, easily
not by the weaker party, for it can Of itself
do nothing; not even protect itself; but by
the stronger. The North has only TO will
1t to accomplish il; 10 do justice by concc-
ding 10 the South an equal right in the
acquired Territory, and TO do her duty by
causing the slipulations relative 10 fugitive
slaves to be Gaa fully fulfilled; TO cease
the agitation Of the slave question, and to
provide for the insertion Of provision ~
the Constitution, by an amendment which
will restore to the South in s. distance the
power she possessed Of protect herself,
before the equilibrium between the sec
lions was destroyed by the action of this
Government. There will be no difficulty
in devising such provision. Ore thai
will protect the South, and which, aeihc
same llme, will i'm owe and strengthen
tie Government, instead of impairing and
we kcnlng il.
But will The North agree 10 this! is
for her TO answer dis question. But,
will say, she cannoiclusc, if she las half
the love Of the Union wi ch she professcs
to have, or without Justly exposing her
self to the charge HAT her love of power
and aggrandizemcnt is far greater than
her love OF the Union. Atall events. lie
responsibility Of saving the Union rests
on The North, and not the Souh. Tn,
South cannot save it by any act Of hers,
aud the North may save it without an,
sacrifice Whatever, unless to do Justice.
ard 10 perform her duties under the Con.
sti'o'on' should be regarded by her as
sacrifice.
II Is time, Senators, that there should
be an open and manly ayowaI on All sides.
as TO what IS TO be intended 10 be dorc.
II The question is not now settled. II is I'm.
certain whether it ever can be and we.
as the representatives Of the States of this
Union, regarded as Governments, should
come 10 distinct understanding as TO our
respective views, in order 10 ascertain
whether the great questions al issue can Le
settled or not. Ifyou, who represent he
stronger portion, cannot agree 10 Sc lie
lhem on the broad principle of Justice nd
duty. say s0; and letihe States we bath.
represent agree TO separate and part IN
peace. II You are unwilling we should