The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-27


remove and hold their slaves in this Territory To
the decision of the Supreme Court, and abide the
result And this mode of compromising and set
Ting the question would have saved the country
from all, or much of this excitement
But northern gentlemen, with some exceptions,
claim the power They insist also, that slavery Is
excluded by Mexican law, and contend, moreover,
If it we're not, that il cannot exist there without
press authority of law. Every northern man con-
tends for this and Processes TO have no doubt upon
the subject. Besides all, the foremost in all the
North and one OF the foremost OF all his race in any
age country, Is willing to rely upon the charac
ter of the country the irrepcalabe law of God and
nature, for excluding slavery from the residue Of
this Territory. Upon the position assumed by
northern gentlemen, then, this prOuiso is wholly
unnecessary and useless. But, sir, ii is more
and worse than useless-it is, under the circum-
stances, a wanton outrage upon the feelings Of
the South. II indicates not only a want of re-
spect for their feelings, but their opinions. If,
however, the South is right, and Congress has not
the power, then it is not only outrage upon their
ieeings, but upon their constitutional rights.
why, then, should northern gentlemen so pertina-
cousy insist upon this offensive, and according to
their own ayowed sentiments, useless provision?
Why not display the magnanimity and patriotism
Of the distinguished Senator from Massachusetts 10
whom have alluded-leave the question TO be set
tied by the character of the country, by the judic
airy aud the people of those Territories and relieve
the country from the agitation and alarm that now
pervades il?
But, sir, in support of this proyiso inhibitory
policy, gentlemen, and more especially my friend
from Ohio, (Mr. CAMPBELL,) have referred TO
and relied upon the opinions Of distinguished
patriots and statesmen, and the views of the people
Of several of the States, North Carolina Georgia,
and Virginia, about the period of the Revolution.
What was the condition OF slavery at that period
have no time To inquire, and it is not important.
The objection, however, seems to have been more
particularly against the African slave trade. But
what did these eminent men do afterwards, and
after our independence had been established? In
the most solemn and important act Of their lives,
with the Father of his Country at their head, they"
not only recognised and provided for the continu-
ance Of slavery III all time to come, but authorized
the continuance OF the African slave trade for
twenty years, for the express purpose of increasing
the number OF slaves in the country. For this pro-
vision voted the North well the South. The
former realized the money by the traffic; the latter
resisted the adoption of the Constitution account
OF t.is provision of any other in reference to sa
very? IL was opposed by no State on that account,
so far my recollection extends. If all this was
the result OF compromise in forming the Constitu-
ton, 1t was noble example, which we ought to
follow Tor Its preservation.
But the question is, what would these llustrious
men now do in regard to this nhibitory policy, if
they were now here and could be heard in this hall2
Would they, under the change of circumstances,
when we have more slaves than the entire popula-
ton IN lI15--when emancipation cannot be effected
without ruin to both races-when the condition of
slavery has been greatly amehorated and when
slave labor is employed, not only benecially our
whole country, but to the whole world-when our
ocean TO ocean, and acquired by the yalor and
sure OF the whole nation would they say, let the
alien and the stranger from all countries, matter
whether Christian or Pagan, Mohammedan or Nor
mon, with one wife or fifty, occupy in unnumbered
thousands unpeopled territories, and utterly
exclude from every rood of il their own household
every slave holder-although bone of their bone and
flesh " their fesh-the founders, and descendants of
the very founders OF this empires Would they say
this Is justice, this Is that equality upon which
Union and Constitution basedf No, sir, no.
II the shade OF the most llustrious man, not only
OF his country, but of his whole race, could arise
here, il would frown upon and condemn such poll
ICY as not only in conflict with the spirit of the
Constitution, but as unj lust in itself, outrage
upon the feelings and rights of the South. Would
he endorse the unteeling sentiment of the member
OF Pennsylvania! No, sir. His language would
be, you have territory enough and to spare. HUI
manity, philanthropy, well justice and equal
lty, the harmony and safety of the Union, forbid
this restrictive policy.
But, sir, the South asks no concession-what
the paramount law of the land to her, is all
she contends for. The settlement Of the contro-
versy IN the way suggested, and, believe, propo
sltion TO that effect Is now before the committee
results in no triumph TO any party. IL ought to be
most acceptable TO the North in view of the admis-
sion of California. Ia this whole matter, however
although believe most of my colleagues are dis
posed 10 sustain measure of the character which
have indicated. The whole country will rejoice at
the settlement of this dstracting controversy, and
that way.
had intended TO say few words, sir, in reply
10 the reflections which have been most uniustly,
In my opinion, made upon the President to his
course In reference 20 these Territories. He in
forms us he continued whatever of government
ment there was in the country as he found il, and
disturbed no arrangements which had existed I'M
der his predecessor. OF this. have heard no COM
plant. But he recommended the people, II pre-
pared TO comply with the acquisitions Of the Const
tuition of the United States, TO form, in effect State
constitutions and submit them TO Congress, with
prayer for admission States. His motive
patrotic-the termination, as soon as possible, of
the excitement in regard to the question of slavery,
and by the people themselves He found the peo-
pie IN measure without government, and, at the
same time, no people needed the protection Of an
efficient government more. He recommended
them to do what, under the circumstances, selfde-
fence and self representation authorized and required
them to do-to form governments for themselves.
This they have done, but not il would seem, the
instance Of the President, in consequence of his
recommendation. The constitution Of California is
now before us, and whether shall admit her or
not as state, is question addressing itself TO
discretion.
As TO the course Of the President, I regard il as
dictated by sound policy and the most patriotic
motives. There IL certainly some reason for be-
heving that the same course, in effect, bad been
previously advised by his predecessor; but whe-
ther 20 or not, IL not deemed very material and I
have no time 10 go into an inquiry az 20 the fact.
Mr.. Chairman, have been often asked what
cnt contest, and my answer has been a very short
one: That Kentucky against the proyiso, but
in favor Of the Union She seems 20 have full con-
fdence in her delegation in Congress Her Legis-
lature have forwarded resolutions Of instruction
or request. She has yet made effort by a dol
lar and cent calculation 20 ascertain the value Of
the Union. She regards IL as priceless, and cannot,
therefore, solve such problem. The iattcring
estimates and golden results which some gentle
men have 30 infinitely described as the certain
fruits Of disunion and southern confederacy have
had not the slightest influence 20 lessen her attach
ment TO the country and the Government they
now exist Her devotion 20 the Constitution and 70
the Union rises far above such specializing and sor-
did calculations. Love Of liberty, Of security, Of
independence Of the present and anticipated glory
and happiness Of this magnificent republic, consti-
tutes the basis Of her devotion.
II IL true, a state Of Gaze may possibly occur,
when her honor, her independence, her very exist
ence, may render the Union insupportable, and
revolution unavoidable. But nothing will ever force
her 10 sad and desperate resort but the sterncst
neccssity and, should she be driven 10 Il, the
case will be plain one. As Of her sons re-
marked, in reference 10 the memorable shooting or
falling OF the stars, the phenomenon called,
that he kept his eye constantly upon the north
star, and concluded, If that should fall or shoot off,
the hunt toold be ont, and that dissolution and ruin
would be at hand So, sir, when Kentucky shall