The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-15


the United States Is directed toward that island
with eager interest. .
Within or withoutth United States, she will soon
be ee from Spanish dominion, and, which is of
greatconsequence to this country, ffree without
aid or influence, she falls to England. How will
the United States relish the possession by that ma
ton OF point which commands the Gulfof Mexico
and the mouth Of the Mississippi
The appendix contains much important statistical
information, together with translation of pamph-
let from the Spanish, in reply to Don Jose Antonio
Saco, ON the subject of the annexation Of Cuba TO the
United States"
am not sure that the people of this country will
oppose the annexation Of Cuba to the United States
lit can be done in peaceable and proper manner;
but think may safely say, that they will oppose
her annexation a slave State for two reasons
first, because they regard slavery SO great an
evil that even the limited guarantees of the Constr
tuition relating to the surrender of colored persons
from whom labor is due should not be further ex-
tended over it; second, because they are unwilling
that there should be any territory annexed to
the United States in which five colored persons,
treated and claimed property, should be equal to
three white persons in the basis of representation for
the election of members of Congress. ! the
words "coored persons" because the word slaue
does not occur anywhere in the Constitution. So
cautious the trainers Of the Constitution not to
recognise vested right IF property in slaves, that
they called persons in the only three places to
which reference is made to them in that instru-
ment.
General Taylor, adhering to the peace policy set
forth in the Allison letter. has been true TO the
ton in reference to Cuba. During the last summer
there was an unlawful assemblage Of persons with
arms and ammunition on Round island, with a
view to aid instruction and revolution in Cuba.
As soon as he was sufficiently informed of the OBJ
ec and design of this unlawful petition he issued
his proclamation against it, which very soon put an
end to their proceedings, and dispersed the despe-
radoes engaged in it.
The honorable gentleman from Georgia, (Mr.
TooMss,) who wanted ''discord to reign forever"
unless would give pledges in advance not to
pass the Wilmot proviso, has reminded US of our
obligations under the Constitution to suppress in
surrection or domestic violence. In acknowledging
this obligation, trust shall be permitted at the
same time to remind that gentleman, that If there
should be instruction in higher places than those
alluded to by him. it would be equally the duty OF
the people to rally round the President for the pur
pose of suppressing that also.
take leave ALSO to call the attention of the gen.
tleman from Georgia, as well other gentlemen
on this floor, who have spoken and written in favor
of the proposed Nashville convention, to another
provision Of the Constitution, which says "that
State shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or con-
federation," nor without the consent of Congress
"enter into any agreement or compact with another
State" These provisions of the Constitution should
be carefully considered by those who are about to
enter upon reasonable project, and how far
they go without committing "overt act, %
which would bring down upon them the whole
power of the national Government, with General
Taylor at the head
now hold in my hand copy of the resolutions
passed by the Chicago convention, held the 9th
July, lS47, together with the memorial of the ex-
ecutive committee TO Congress, presenting an un-
answerable argument in support of the constitu-
tional power Of Congress to make appropriations
for the improvement of harbors and rivers, and
containing vast amount of information, showing
the expediency well the necessity for exercis-
ing that power by intelligent and just legislation.
This memorial, and the statistical information an
nexed to it, may be found in House report No. TAI
accompanying an able report made by the Hon.
fh.,r,
Commerce of the last Congress, submitted on the
23d June, lS4S. If the proposed Nashville conven-
ton SHALL as the result OF their labors, present
memorial containing as just and able an argument
in favor OF the institution of slavery and of slavery
extension, doubt not this House will give it early
attention and respectful consideration. The people
Of the South have constitutional right "to peace
ably assemble lat Nashville or elsewhere) and pc
ttion the Government for redress Of grievances :"
That was done by the Chicago convention, and
trust the Nashville convention, il il is held at all
will not attempt any thing more. Let us have free
discussion Let them meet the question fairly, and
by facts and arguments demonstrate TO the people
that slavery is great "moral social, and political
blessing" if it can be done; and have no doubt
that being convinced of these alleged facts, the
people of the North will yield the demands Of the
South; but they will never yield to threats of vio-
lence, menace, or revolution. That day has gone
by. The bold and fearless stand taken by John
Quincy Adams, amid threats Of personal violence,
has finally broken down the Atherton gag and the
odious twenty first rule which formerly sted dis
cussion, and trampled under foot the sacred right
Of petition, guaranteed by the Constitution. Slave
ry must now be discussed in and out Of Congress
upon its merits, like all other subjects especially
in reference 10 its extension into territory now free
Let this discussion which has been forced upon us GO
OMIT is doing good II il is good institution let il
be shown up in broad daylight here and elsewhere.
Let il be examined in il moral social and political
aspects and II it Is found instead Of being blessing
10 be great moral, social, and political evil be.
heve u IL, then do not extend IT, or attempt to
tend il, beyond its present limits. The North has
desire TO oppress the South, even If IL has the
power The moral and religious sentiment Of the
people IL against slavery and oppression in all its
forms; and unless that sentiment can be changed,
not by threats Of disunion, but by reason and
sound argument they will never consent TO have IL
extended at all beyond the boundaries Of the States
where II now exists. They will leave IL untouched
by any national legislation in those States, but will
surround II by a Gordon Of free States. Thus far
shalt thou go, but no further, is nearly the unani
nous sentiment Of the entire North.
In conclusion, sir, ] desire TO say, that on all
measures affecting the great interests Of the
try, commerce, agriculture, manufactures, inter
nal Improvements, protection TO American labor,
and above ALL patriotic devotion 10 the Union Of the
states-General Taylor has shown himself 10 be
equal 70 the great crtss at which we have arrived
in the political history Of this nation. He has de-
clared, that whatever dangers may threaten the
Union, shall stand by IL and maintain II in its
integrity 10 the foil extent Of the obligations inn
posed, and the poorer conferred, upon me by the
NOueNtubious patrlOlC ano ucErfnlncO res
olution has found cordial response from every
American bosom. The obligations imposed upon him
are, 10 preserve, protect, and defend" the Cons-
tuition, and take care that the latos BE- faiDfy
eutsd." The po,cu conferred upon him is that Of
commander in. chief Of the army and navy Of the
United States, and Of the militia Of the several
States when called into actual service Of the United
States" With tbese obligations imposed and power
conferred by the Constitution, who can doubt that
the HEso or BUEEA YIsTA will crush every attempt
AT dsunion or resistance 90 the laws He has a
strong hold upon the affections Of the people Of the
whole country, and the first covert act Of resist
10 the laws would bring TO his aid millions OF
freeznsn, who would rally with enthusiasm around
the flag Of their country, 10 aid him in maintain
ing the Constitution and the Union which has been
cemented by the blood Of our fathers. Bot trust,
sir, the day will never come when such aid will be
necessary. General Taylor desires harmony and
concord, and a perpetuation Of the Union under
which the people Of this nation have been 90 pros.
porous and happy. He has pledged himself u
carry out the viii Of the people, constitutonay en-
pressed. Let that will be manifested, and we need
have fears that he will violate any Of the princi
pies claimed for him in the campaign that resulted
in his elevation to the position which he now &C
gloriously occupies.
APPENDIX.