Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-08-05


nonslavehoding States to strict understanding; and
why Because it would not be in accordance with the
condition of things existing now. Then | appeal
to the patriotism of the whole body, so far as am ndi-
vdualy concerned, that there shall be some concession
made to the South, especially when we know that by
eurtaing the boundaries of California to the line Of
80 deg 80 min we leave her perhaps the largest State
OF the unon-certainly the largest but one.
And what will the people OF my State think, when
they find that they disregarded in this way and that
California, with her extensive limits, shall be admitted
into the Union when it is so just and proper that these
boundaries should be restricted? And how shall we
ascertain whether this is Just and proper? Why sir is
there Senator on this floor who, in passing Terri
toria bill for California, looking the time when she
might become State, would vote for her with her pre-
sent limits? Not one, sir Then what have to ask
make the request OF those who have disposition to
compromise, and of the entire Senate, to adopt this
amendment Independently OF any, course that
may be pursued by any State OF the Union it is Just
and proper that the limits of California should be re-
strcted.
Sir, when the distinguished Senator from Kentucky
presented his first resolutions one of them was that
California should be admitted with Suitable limits"
meaning to convey the idea that the limits claimed by
California in her constitution were too large But
whether that was his meaning or not are not those IL
mts too extensive? And will it do any harm to Cali
torna, to the Union to restrict these limits When
o 6er Mf Psesdept vii have this ad
measure to the discomfort which appears to exist III the
various States of this Union.
And here sir, again have to regret the failure this
compromise BILL by which these unpleasant difficulties
would have been adjusted Irepeat that it would be
exceedingly gratifying to the Senate would restrict
the limits of the State of California, according the
proposition the Senator from Mississippi.
Mr. Mr.. President, wish to say only a word.
Wehave presented to the country measure of peace
measure OF tranquillty-one which would have har-
monized, in my opinion, all the discordant feelings
which prevail. That measure, sir, has met with tate
not altogether unexpected, admit, my part but one
which, asst respects the country at large, deplore
ceedingly For myself personally, have no cause to
complain. The majority OF the committee to which
belonged have done their duty their whole duty, faith
fully and perseverngly. II the measure has been de-
feated it has been defeated by the extremists on the
other side of the house, and on this.
Sir shall not proceed to inquire into the measure of
responsibility which is incurred All that mean to
say upon that subject is that stand free and liberated
from any responsibility for the consequences. How that
measure was defeated, we all know full well. The
proposition OF the Senator from Maryland, made. no
doubt upon conscientious conviction OF his duty, led
to its defeat. That the immediate OF the de-
feat. That proposition, repeat, has led to the con-
sequences which fresh in the recollection OF the Sc
nate.
Sir have said from first to last, that was in favor
ofthe admission of California. | am still, and if the
proposition OF my worthy friend from Mississippi had
been received by Southern Senators in the spirit in
voted for it with pleasure But sir, it represented now,
not part of general project, or plan OF compro-
mise, but as separate measure, detached from the
compensatng measures in the combined bill, and an
Now, Mr.. President stand here in my place mean
ing to be unawed by any threats, whether they come
from individuals or from States l should deplore as
much as any man ever did do, that arms should
be raised against the general authority of this Unon Ell
Their by individuals or by State But after all that
has occurred, it any one State, or portion OF any
State, choose to place themselves IN military array
against the Government OF the Union, am for trying
the strength of the Government OF the Union. Loud
applause in the gallery, which promptly suppressed
by the ChairI | am for ascertaning whether we have
got Government rnotpractcal, efficient capable OF
maintaining its authority and of unfolding the powers
and interests which belong to the Government. Nor,
sir, am to be alarmed dissuaded by any such
limitations OF the spilling OF blood 1t blood is to
be split by whose fault is it to be split upon the suppo
sition Ihave made? By those, sir who have endeavor
ed to raise the standard OF dlsunon, and attempt TO
PROSTATE this Government And, sir when that done,
long tpleases God to give me voice to express
my saptimeats, an arm 70 t5aise weak and feeble
though It Be- that and that tam viii sn thasle
Of the country the support ofthe general authority
and the maintenance OF the general powers OF the Co
vernment. [Cireat applause in the galleries.
The PRESIDENT The Senator from Kentucky will
take his seat for moment. The Chair has on several
occasions warned the gallery against the consequences
of attempting turn the Senate chamber into theatre
Again he says, that if there is any disturbance OF 81
milar description every individual shall be driven from
the gallery.
allow me one word, | will be obliged to him | wish
to make but one remark.
The PRESIDENT The Senator from Wisconsin will
take his seat. He is not in order.
Mr.. WALKER | do not, by any thing that | shall
now say, wish to encourage applause in the galleries
but, sir, permit to say, that gives me much plea
hear such sentiments as those which have now
allen from the Senator from Kentucky applauded any
where.
The PRESIDENT The Senator from Wisconsin is out
of order he must take his seat.
Mr.. CLAY. Mr.. President, have done all, and am
still willing to do all that is in the power OF man to do
to accommodate the differences OF the country. Sir,
have been attached to any given mode OF settling
the troubles and restoring conentment to the country
was willing to take these measures together unedly
and am willing to them pass separately and dis
tincty. | hope that they may be passed without the
odous proviso which has created such sensation in
parts ofthe Union. But whether they are passed
resistance is attempted by any State or the peo-
pie of any State shall lift my voice. my heart, and my
arrpsn the support ofthe common authority OF the Gov
eminent ofmy country. Nor, sir, am apprehensive OF
the result.
Sir, hear that blood is 10 be spilled. hope from
the bottom of my soul it never will be spilled. But
sir fit should be spilled who will be chargeabe with
The eftuson OF blood! Sir it will be those who at
tempt to PROSTATE the general authority; that single
State, if there should be one the people OF any State
who may attempt to raise the standard OF rebellion and
destroy this Union. II that occurs. | will be among
the last who will give up the effort to maintain
the Union in its entirety and its full and vigorous au
thorty and power. All sir, these threats not so
alarming or dangerous as gentlemen may indulge their
lmaglnations in supposlng. we have had one event
President sixty years ago, the standard OF nsurrec
ton was raised in the western part OF Pennsy lyania
Part of the army OF the United States moved toward
for the purpose of subduing it. There was some little
blood shed, believe, at the house OF Col Neville; but
the insurgents then, dsunonists and traitors always
will fled from the approach OF the flag of the Union,
supported by the authority and countenance OF the father
Of the Union.
Mr. President my worthy friend who sits near me,
Mr. DawsonO has adverted to some language In re-
solution which offered in the early part OF the session.
as implying willingness on my part to elrcumscrioe
The limits Of California Mr.. President, have already
stated to YOU and the Senate that at the time when
that resolution was proposed, was laborng under the
that by the ordinance OF the convention OF
California provision made that Congress should
alter or amend the boundary according to its impress
sion of what might be just. find however, that was
| will say now that the words suitable
limits, implying nothing particularly, introduced in
order to aowo the Senate and the country discretion
be applied to the whole subject, and to exercise such
Judgment upon the whole subject as might be deemed
proper was not restriction intmated as necessary
to be adopted California to be admitted with suit
able boundaries Now, Isay that under all the crcum,
stances Of the case considering what was proposed and
what was offered and refused-consderng what would
nave been DONE say under all the circumstances OF
he case, the boundaries are large; and feeling
so, am constrained, unwlingly constrained to vote