The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-03

pable. And ] beg at the same time to say, that,
while speak Pennsylvania, do not forget
nor disregard the fact that am a national repre-
sentative and legislator. Pennsylvania, sir, has,
and manifests, deep interest in the question now
before the committee, whether we regard the simple
proposition TO admit California as State, or IN
clude the dependent, though most prominent, ques-
ton of slavery.
AS TO California, sir | believe Pennsylvania,
who always means right, taking the constitution
handing abundance into the Union, should be
heard, and should have her request granted
| On the subject OF slavery SIR fennSyWania mas
but one opinion. She believes it to be injurious
and demoralizing. She, as an independent State,
dismissed it from her territory, and as member
of the Union, she would willingly see it abolished
throughout the country. But Pennsylvania con-
tends not against the Constitution. She discusses,
sir, every public measure with freedom. But
when she knows that the organic law Of the land
is plain, she pauses, and with a faith that does
credit TO her patriotism she says: 1.-The Constitu-
ton has spoken-the controversy is ended"
love of freedom distinguishes the people of that
State in an eminent degree. IL pervades all the
institutions of the Commonwealth Ii is the in
stinc Of her moral, social, POLITICAL and religious
life.
Some months since, when young member of
the present Pennsylvania delegation went to take
leave of his friend-an ancient reative-that per-
son, in bestowing parting blessing, said I" You
your mind and one vexed question will present it
self for discussion. Fanatcism may mystify on
side, and interest conceal truth on the other;
and you will be, others have been, perhaps, left
in doubt as to the course you should pursue. In
all such instances, be true to yourself, your
principles, and your State, and giue your pote for
liberty"
There spoke Pennsylvania, sir-good, plain old
syvania--frequently at fault among the alb
stractions Of the South and the philosophy of the
North, but still right in her
in her action.
Sir, permit me to say, that while Pennsylvania
has no disposition TO disturb the compromises of
the Constitution, or to violate any compact re-
Gently made, she is steadily, firmly, resolutely
fixed in her opinion against the extension OF slavery
over foot of the Territories yet unoccupied by
that institution. Ii does not require vote of the
Legislature meeting of the people, to instruct
her Representatives here. believe most of her
Representatives on this floor come imbued with
that sentiment. She will abide by the Constitu-
ton herself, and demand that others shall do the
same.
But suppose, in the doubtful Of the Terri.
tories, where Pennsylvania will declare that slavery
ought not to go by vote of Congress- suppose that
the vote of Congress should send il thither, what
would then be the action OF Pennsylvania an
swer, solemn remonstrance, sir; reproof and deal
ings with those of her own Representatives who
should betray her principles, but respectful sub
mission to that majority whose right it is to rule.
Mr.. Chairman, Pennsylvania is frequently de-
nominated abroad, and has been styled on this
floor, the KEYSTONE STATE" She deserves that
title, much for her service her position. When
the untuored spirits of the North or the South have
pointed toward a consolidated government, and
seemed TO desire to disturb the substantive position
Of each portion OF the Federal ARCH them sir, the
strong republican sense Of Pennsylvania, her pure
PATRIOTISM and her Just views of the nature of this
Government, have made her, like the key stone Of
the arch, the point which sustained the pressure
and prevented the centripetal tendency, and pre-
served the arch of the Republic.
Rut there = "A state of affalrg-a
and opposite danger. Now, when consolidation is
found to be no longer possible, with such key
stone in the arch, we find a tendency in the span
drels of that arch to settle outward-a sort of gen
tie, peaceful proclivity in the North, and hints of
forceful ACKNOWLEDGMENT at the South What is the
key stone to do in this state Of affairs! Her passive
ness, 50 long effective, will no longer avail II the
outward tendency is persisted in, the central por
ton must fall and the key stone remain above the
ruins of that arch which il could not save
What is Pennsylvania TO do in this stat OF things?
Sir, Pennsylvania regards disunion as treason
and she knows but one mode of cure for that dis
order-a mode that is 10 be varied only by the num-
Der to be dealt with ! may not have expressed the
opinions of all my colleagues, when referred to
the determination of Pennsylvania to agree to no
additional slave Territories; but, sir, there is
timent in which all Pennsylvania and do con-
cur; and appeal TO my colleagues, on both sides
of the House-to Democrats and Whigs-to the
honorable member who gives his name 70 the rock
Of offence IN the proviso-to all Of them-whether
Pennsylvania does not stand pledged, by her prin-
ciples and her conduct, TO sustain the Union, by
whomsoevcr assailed? appeal 10 them 10 say, whe-
ther she who is willing TO send her beyond the
lines Of the State and the nation 10 meet the Brit
| ish, the Indian, the Mexican, TO repel aggres-
sion, punish injury, or extend our hmts-will not
be ready TO do as much TO preserve that Union
which she has been so ready TO extendls
Honorable gentlemen have talked OF regiments
be furnished by their States TO defend and pre-
serve the Union Sir, have no mission here 10
threaten or to taunt; but say, sir, Pennsylvania
has right, and she has power 10 do that work.
From the tops Of her mountains from this side and
beyond the mountains, she will gather her legions
for the Union. Nay, sir, from beneath her noun
tains she will call up her swart sons by thousands,
and with the magic wand Of patriotism she will, il
summoned 70 the work, bring forth those who are
ready peril limb and life for the integrity Of that
Government, and the freedom Of that soil, beneath
which they find protection and employment.
say this in no spirit OF hostility or unkindness;
but honorable gentlemen have thought IL meet 10
prefer the abilities Of their respective States and
though Pennsylvania, sir, Is not much in the habit
Of telling what she toil do, Of Boosting Of what
she has done, yet the hnmblest Of her Representa-
tves may be allowed 10 say, that in endurance OF
the will OF majority, or resistance Of the violence
Of minority, she will be found faithful 70 her po-
sition; faithful to her lofty mission Of union and in
dependence.
Bot, sir, Pennsylvania has no idea Of having any
demand made upon her military proves and mu-
nitiOns 10 sustain the Union. Even in the present
unfortunate agitation Pennsylvania sees in herself,
and Others around her. more elective and pcrfna-
nent instruments Of good. She has established nu-
ncrOus relations with her sister States, which give
efficacy 10 her attempts 10 restore harmony. III the
North grows sullen, she warm them with her
Goals II the tempest Of dsunion gathers in the South
and threatens 10 rend freedoms temple asunder,
Pennsylvania initiates her own Franklin, and 4.
tends with the hand Of truth the instrument Of az
/ lection towards the storm cloud, and conducts
thence and divcrts from all the fluid that might
have Frustrated the pillars Of political fabric
Asking nothing that ought 10 offend, and submit
/ ting ~ all that the Constitution warrants, Pennsyl.
vania feels that she has right 10 speak and " act
and she points 10 the social and domestic relations
Of her people with the South; TO her constantly aug
menting commerce; her steamboats, that reach The
seapors; and her railroads that will overlap the in.
terror d the South; she points 10 these mean,
81 union and peace; and these
like garland Of flowers,
Shall entwine all our States in a band
COnhIm and confederate our wide spreading
powers,
Our wealth and our wisdom expand
One word more, sir, with reference 10 my imme
diatc district and constituency, and their relations
with the yexed question before u.s. and the alterna
10 m