The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-07-20


forcbly deprived Of it, Sir. that question has been dis
cussrd with ability much greater than bring to
bear upon the discussion II was disposed 70 into It's
consideration will not do So put ], upon tie ground
upon which see rests fos .. bave ssid the claim
OF Texas to the boundary Of the Rio Grande, from its
sources to its mouth rendered perfect by the Of
the government Of the United States itself she having
undertaken TO establish that boundary Well sir. il that
opinion WAS general, il could find majority of the
people Of our country IN favor Vi a all difficulty would
be out OF the way. Texas 10 satisfied TO keep her terri
tory. She only asks that Congress should allow her
claim. But we know, we cannot disguise the fact that
there is great diversity OF opinion on this subject There
many persons. not in the North not in the Wes not
in the Northwest merely. but in the South who
have great doubt with regard to the claim of Texas
being such as she could sustain either in Congress- OF in
the courts OF justice, ii il went there In that state OF
things, what is best done II disputed question:
and one which believe be reasonably disputed
Many persons entertain opinion strong, adverse
to the claim OF Texas my own opinion in favor OF it.
We sir, there can be no question with regard to the
power Of the government Of the United States divide
tested In this condition OF things with this disputed
boundary the part Of Texas, does not behoove
10 endeayor TO do substantial justice possible the
State OF Texas and to prevent the dScues-and which,
must honestly say, although with regret, have been
augmented and rendered threatening by the action and
what consider the improper action, Of the general gov
ernmentto prevent the difficulties growing up in that
question, and gong on increasing every day Is not
therefore, better that should give Texas reason
able compensation for the REIMBURSEMENT OF any claims
she may have TO the territory, any portion thereof and
thus to settle the question at once and foreveri
Now, Sir, know very well that, with many OF
southern trends this is the great stumbling block in the
way OF any adjustment OF this question Sir did be-
believe that BY purchasing any portion OF the territory
OF Texas, we were To do what gentlemen tell to be
done-namey. that any portion Of what believe TO be
portion OF the territory OF Texas, and therefore
slavehoding territory, to be converted into free
ritoryl would not consent to it, But believe the opn
ion of the abest constitutional lawyers of the land would
sustain in the assertion that long that territory
purchased and you pay equivalent Texas for il
the laws OF Texas will remain operative in it. BECAUSE
by purchasing and paying for the aim you recognise
the caim and by this act you recognise the fact that
this is now portion of the territory Of Texas. Hence
the laws of Texas must continue to be in force in the
territory ceded unless they be repealed by some sabse
quent legislation. | wish to speak plainly upon this
subject II this opinion correct then, whatever may be
the operation of the Mexican laws in other portions Of
the territory OF the United States acquired from Mexi
Goa point which do not now propose TO consider
whatever may be the operation OF those laws else
it certain that in this territory purchased from Texas
they will have operation whatever--the saveholding
laws Of Texas having attached. What, then. is TO pre-.
vent-provided the SOIL climate, and productions, au-
thorze doing so-wha prevent the STAKEHOLDER from
moving into that Territory, ii he thinks proper to do So
and being protected by the territorial laws until the peo
pie themselves shall determine TO form their constitution
when they prohibit continue 10 tolerate the nstu
tioR as they see ut Is there any difficulty in the way
will ask any honorable senator. who may entertain any
doubt upon this subject to state what the difficulty is
or how any Mexican law, or any other law now exist
ing prevent them from going into this territory with
their slaves, if they choose to do SOL
Well, MI. President. Texas has manifested willing
ness to settle this question upon reasonable basis OF
linquishing her claim, for competent compensation to
portion OF her territory Can il be supposed that the rep
resentatves OF Texas would sacrifice the rights of that
State by giving up their territory TO be taken from the
jurisdiction under which It now is, where they and all
others go and take their property, OF whatever
description and Consideration OF few paluy dollars,
consign to restrictions Instantaneous and offensive
to her, well as to all the southern States Texas
asks nothing but her claim Give her her claim, and she
asks nothing more. Sir, the committee that reported
this bill never for moment supposed that they were lay
tha suhf uaftp atInpip Of
lated TO influence their votes. and they did not suppose
that they were likely TO carry single vote way the
Texas for the cession OF her claim Texas prefers TO re-
tain her own territory. Give it to her, and she will be
content and ask nothing more But you think II best
purchase IT, Texas To sell it for the benefit OF
the whole country and for the restoration o the peace
and harmony of the Union.
For these reasons, Mr. President, believe that this
measure would have the effect settle difficult
ceedingly difficult subject, and which, if settled now
no man can foresee where II will terminate. was in
favor OF retaining that provision, in order to settle the
boundary Of Texas. Sir, care not whether the western
boundary Of Texas on the Rio Grande lie upon New
Mexico, Chihuahua. or Tamaupas. Ii is matter OF no
importance whatsoever care not " here the line is run
We establish line certainly in any territory that
possess and If think roper any portion
OF lying contiguous TO State to such State, it is
tainly in our power 10 do so We have done it repeat
edly as in the Of Missouri. How did she get that
beautiful ection OF country lying upon the Missouri
Rivera Twas by act OF Congress annexing it TO the
State Of Missouri And 80. sir. say that all arguments
ton or that portion Of the territory OF New Mexico or
that we are breaking up or disregardDg old Mexican
lines, have no influence whatsoever my opn
ons II is for 10 decide, under the circumstances of
the what limit consider to be right now. and to
settle upon that az the line.
The portion Of the bill, reported. provides for
the establishment OF territorial governments for New
Mexico and Utah This portion of the bill was prepared
with view to accord with the principle oil n,erven
uon, conended for by the South The boundaries be-
ing liked. Mr. President IL became necessary 10 determine
what kind OF government should be established for those
Territories. and what restrictions imposed, il any The
bill itself reported, contained phraseology by mis-
bill, but which has been modified correspond with
the amended language OF that BILL BY the amendments OF
my honorable friend from Georgia. Mr. BEARIKN | The
9th section, which specifics what the Legislative power
Of these Territories shall be, is as follows:
That the legislative power Of said Territories shall extend
snu,on Of the United States and the provisions Of hi.
act but no law shall be passed interfering with
primary disposal Of the soil, rsspee Aican sa.
psrx no tax shall be imposed the property Of the Uni
ted States shall the lands and other property
residents be taxed higher than the lands and other property
of sdenn
All the laws passed by the Legislative assembly shall be
submitted the Congress of the United States and If
approved, shall be null and OF no effect.
Now, sir, why was this provision amended Honora-
BILE senators will perceive that the first part OF that
on gives to the territorial legislature all rghtfnl Iegisla
ton under the laws and constitution Of the United States
but that the prohibition with regard African slavery
would have prohibited the territorial sa,ure from pro-
tecting property OF thai description if found in the Terri
tory. But the Senate of the United States made an
amendment. striking out that portion which restricted
Them and gave them the power 10 pass all municipal reg
ulatons necessary for the protection OF every description
OF property and prohibiting them only from passing any
law for the 'ntrodcon OF slavery the prohibition OF
49,. Il a.