Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-02-02
without just compensation to the Of slave. within the

District.
9th B resotved That is expedient to prohibit within
the Dct the sayerade. slaves brought into il from
places beyond the limits District either to lie
sold therein merchandise, be transported other
markets without the District of Columbia.
7th Resolved That more efecual provision ought be
by law according the requirement Of the constu-
ton the restitution and delivery of bound
vice labor in State who into other State
or Territory in the Union.
hbt obsruet the trade in slaves between the savehodng
but that the admission exclusion of slaves brought
from into another OF hs depends their
own particular laws.
Mr.. CLAY. had intended to propose that should
fix upon convenient day for the discussion
resolutions. shall be satisfied with any early day which
the Senate in their pleasure may decide upon. would pro-
pose Monday Tuesday OF the next week.
Mr.. RUSK. do not intend Mr. President, to into
this dscuson and rise simply for the purpose of saying
that regret extremely that the distinguished Senator from
Kentucky his laudable desire vey troublesome
question agitang the people the United States should
have proper rather unceremonousy think take
onehaf of the territory Of the State have the honor part
here represent to make peace offering to spirit of
croachment the constitutional rights of half of this
Union do intend enter into any discussion of that
grave and important question, do intend when the dis
cusson Of these resolutions shall arise to put myself oppo
ston the powers Of oraio of the distinguished Senator
from Kentucky; but do promise to prove when that
discussion shall arise, that the boundaries Of Texas the
Rio Gande that power at all exists in Congress to take
cognzance Of that question; and that the Congress Of the
United States cannot interfere with the boundaries of the
State Of Texas without ncng deeper stain on the high
reputation Of the Government Of the United States for JUS
ce than would be done by appopnang the entire amount
OF territory which acquired by all for the exclusive benefit
of one-half of those who acquired it.
Mr.. FOOTE. Mr.. President, wish it in my power
to act in accordance with the request Of the
from Kentucky, (Mr CLAr who strongly to de-
debate at the present moment upon the resolutions
introduced by him, and who has strongly urged to de-
berate well and dsasonatey apon these resolutions before
we take ground against them But indeed, sir, feel 1t inn
possible to remain altogether silent without less SUBJ
ectng myself to msconstrucon and exposing to serious
danger principles which hold be indispensable to the safety
of the Southern States of the confederacy and the integrity
of the Union ITSELF know well that the honorable Senator'S
intentions pure and paotha he designs only the safety
and happiness Of the whole republics and yet do verify be-
ieve that the resolutions introduced by him shall be
adopted accompanied by the remarks which he has just utter
ed in hearing without any response even suggestion
OF objection from any Southern SENATOR presumption of
acquieence might arise which would be deeply detrimental
to cause which hold dearer than life itself do not pro-
pose to discuss these resolutions ertenso will not thus
far interfere with the wishes Of the honorable Senator from
Kentucky; but few remarks by way Of protest, must be
allowed at to put in. These, though, will be as
brief possible. In offering such remarks, find myself
somewhat embarrassed consequence Of having had
opportunity Of reading the resolutions Of the honorable Sc
naor and only having heard them read by him in the course
of his upon them IF misconstrue their import
in any particular it will be matter Of surprise to any one
or constitute just ground of complaint against me-
II understand the resolutions properly they are OBJ
ectonabe to me; l. Because they only assert
that it is not erpeden that Congress should abolish slavery
in the District Of Columbia thus allowing the implication to
arise that Congress has power to egae the subject OF
slavery in the District which may hereafter be exercised if
gress has under the constitution such legislative power
at all and that any attempt thus to legae would be gross
fraud upon all the states OF the Union.
The resolutions Of the honorable Senator assert that
slavery does exist by law in the territories recently
acquired from Mexico; whereas am of opinion that the
treaty with the Mexican Republic carried the constitutions
c all its guarantees all the territory obtained by treaty.
and ured the privilege to every Southern STAKEHOLDER
ente If tended hv his Drou and to
enjoy the therein free from all molestaon hndrance
whatsoever.
8. Whether slavery is likely to be introduced into
these territories into any Of them proposition too
uncertain, my judgment, to be at present positively affirm
ed and am unwilling to make solemn legislative declara-
ton the point. LetMe future proUde the appropriate
solution Of this interesting question
4. Considering as have several times heretofore formally
declared the title Of Texas all the territory embraced in her
boundaries laid down in her law Of 1885 full complete
and undenable, unwilling say any thng by resolu
ton otherwise, which may in the least degree draw that
title into question: think is done by of the resolutions
Of the honorable Senator from Kentucky.
5. am, upon constitutional and other grounds, wholly
opposed to the principle of assuming State debts, which
understand be embodied in Of the resolutions of the
honorable Senator from Kentucky FTexan soil is to be
bought and with certain appropriate safeguards am dec
dedy in favor of let pay the sovereign State Of Texas
the value thereof in money be used by her she eases
1t will be, think, delicate and respectful to let her
provide for the management of this matter, which is strictly
domestic in its character in such she may choose
towards all to whom she may be indebted
g. AS to the abolition Of the saue trade in the District OF
Columbia, see particular objection TO it, provided Is
done in delicate and judcious manner and not
sion demands of facionists and fanatics. II
other questions be adjusted this will perhaps occa
sion but little difficulty.
The resolutions which provide for the restoration Of
giives from labor service, and for the establishment Of
Territorial Governments free from all restriction the subject
Of slavery, have my hearty approval The last resolution
which asserts that Congress has power prohibit the
trade in slaves between State and StaeI equally approve
8. If all other questions connected with the subject OF
slavery be satisfactorily adjusted, objection to
admitting all California above the line Of 36 degrees 80 mn
ues into the Union provided another slave State can
be laid off within the present limits Of Texas to keep
up the present between the slave and the free
by way Of Compromise and in order the Union, Gas
dear to me as TO any man living.
Having thus frankly stated my objections to the honorable
Senator'S resolutions, and having stated also wherein
prove them, shall cease to occupy the attention Of the
Senate
Mr.. CLAY. It is my purpose to engage at present
in the discussion Of this subject Nor do rise make any
observations except two in respect what the Sena
from Texas Mr. RUsK) has said He think, misun-
boundary of his State. II does him to the Del Norte
but does not give him the whole Of it from the mouth to its
And in regard to the portion Of country acquired
from Mexico called New Mexico it is proposition to his
State On this subject have expressed the opinions hold
and any shall find necessary to discuss those
opinions with the honorable Senator perhaps might be dis
posed do for differ in toto with him. Sir, honor the
Senator's watchulsess for it all proper in him, Of
the Of the State of Texas when he found that
her garments be touched and make his protest
against IT, But really, sir, when think Of the beraly OF
the Offer but think that both he and his State had