Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-04-13

entertain and cherish ia regard tho constitution sad
all the institutions of this country.
Ihave had occasion to say heretofore that while be-
heve that all men have natural and inallenable rights
to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness and that il
is the fundamental purpose OF this Government to Sc
these rights that at the time such institutions
as exist among men should be held and maintained I'M
ill they can be peaceably, lawfully, and constituonay
changed. in favor as have said, of the emanci-
patton of the slaves in this country and in all countries
but have said before in favor of obtaining that
object only by peaceful, lawful, and constitutional
means; and where the constitution interdicts there
stop To receive this petition and reject its prayer
that ought not TO be granted is in exact accordance
with the have before proposed in regard to ne
ttons for dissolution of the Union Itbelongs to the
States where slavery exists to abolish it there To arm
and organize the slaves would be means of violence
10 erect emancipation unconstitutonaly in violation
OF State rights.
And now, whatever may be intended for me, here or
ELSEWHERE beg honorable Senators understand this
as the rule OF my conduct for the future shall
sail the motives OF any member of this body | shall
never defend myself against any imputaon of motives
made against me; Ii such imputations are made in
whatever shape they may come, as they have done in
various shapes here, shall pass them by in silence.
They will not in the least disturb my equanimiy. l
will venture further to those who may make them
that they will the least degree change my social
and private feelings in regard to them. And | shall
pursue this for the simple that if differ
ent pursued by me towards Others should
pect it to have the same effect upon them which any
want OF kindness, or courtesy, respect towards
on their part has upon me; and that is Just exactly
effect whatever-no effect at ALL They must consult
their conscences, their OF proprey; shall consult
mines and when shall retire from this body, at tine
praton OF my term OF office, every member who shall
continue here with me will find that have indicated
this rule OF action have retorted retaliated
never shall
Mr. CLAY. rise to say single word, and that is,
to express hope that there will be no further discussion
but that the vote will be TAKEN and taken in the manner
1 have suggested, with solemnty and unanimity
which, am sure, will have good effect The petition
be remembered, has been received There can there
hn no nh
ing The question is, shall its prayer be granted!
And that prayer isto do what no man can conceive or
dream OF without horror and dismay The proposition
Is to embody every slave in the United States in the
militia OF the United States Sir, trust honorable Sc
majors are prepared to upon this question The Sc
nator who sits near me (Mr. Seward) has, in a very
calm, orderly manner, expressed his views Though we
may not agree with him, let say nothing more but go
to the vote and vote by singular instance of unanmi-
ty and decision, against the abomnabe prayer of the
petition.
The motion put from the Chair, and the yeas and
nays having been taken, resulted as follows yeas 48
noes none.
So the motion was unanimously adopted