Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-04-01
MR.. ASHMIJN

The position of this gentleman is important, In.
asmuch as next to Mr.. Winthrop, he is the pro
minent representative from Massachusetts, and is
ster. The speech, which he delivered on Wed
nesday last was, therefore, looked forward to with
peculiar interest. Judging from the sketch of his
remarks published in the Republic, his cardinal
views may be summed up thus He is opposed to
the extension of slavery; attributes the present
difficulties to the annexation of Texas; believes.
with Mr. Thompson, of Mississippi, that the OBJ
iect of the Nashville Convention will prove to be
to erect political platform, as the Free Soil Con-
vention did at Buffalo, and the same fate he thinks
will befall the Southern platform that befel the
Northern; discredits the idea that revolution
would follow the exclusion of slavery from the
Territories by act of Congress; acknowledges
that the provision of the constitution for the re-
covery of fugitive slaves has not been properly re-
garded, but thinks the trial by jury ought to be
employed to guard the rights of persons alleged to
be slaves who are not; admits the imperative OBJ
legation of the North, under the annexation reso-
lutions, to admit four more States out of Texas
and whenever the contingency arrives, he will full
fl the obligation. In regard to the Territory
question Mr.. Ashmun is thus reported
The only question was. is New Mexico in such con-
don to require gentlemen insist on the proyso2
Since California has found State constitution things
have changed. He had no apprehension that Slavery
can go there If Congress refuse to admit her
and remand her back to territorial condition he was
free to say that he would insist on forcing the Will
mot proviso. 1t would he unnecessary II gentlemen
could produce him satisfactory evidence that slavery
will not go to New Mexico, no act of his should give
offence II southern gentlemen insist on carving their
slaves thither, merely point of honor he would
yield II they say-"whereas the power Of Congress
on the subject OF slavery disputed power and its
application to the Territories would have no practical
effect and whereas its exercise would have tendency
TO produce alienation" he would meet them there But
many OF them nsisr the power carry slavery into
the Territories; they insist upon it money right
and political right He would ask them whether they
believe, with knowledge of the geographical charac-
ter OF the country, and the population now there and
gong there slavery exist among them and whether
it is desirable thing carry slaves thither and make
them prodtabel II so, then he would conform himself
10 the views OF his constituents, and must go for the
proviso, if forced TO the question.
The recommendation Of the President was patriotic
and just. There necessity for forcing the issue
of slavery If gentlemen wish to avoid the issue they
should do nothing to produce it. All that New Mexico
needs regiment of soldiers to keep off the hos
tile Indians She will not suffer by waiting until the
next Congress Looking TO consequences wisdom and
patriotism require that we should stand BY the recon-
mcndanon OF the President.