Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-05-06
MASSACHUSETTS, AND MR. wERsrER

1'l1ACoAOllCoGl l0 AND WIN, w Eli,
We publish the resolutions of the Massachusetts Lee
gislature on the slavery questions They were passed
in the Senate by "a to d. and on Saturday April 29h
passed to be engrossed" without dissent in the
House. This would seem to be an untoward indica.
ton of the support which Mr. Webster's conservative
course is likely to have in Massachusetts. But we are
pleased to that manifestation of a rather more
substantial character given in the same Legisla-
ture, on Tuesday April 3Oh the day after his arrival
IN Boston, and the delivery of his noble speech dec]ar
ing that he would TREAD STEP BACKWARD" In the
Boston Courier of May the LIST, we find the following
report OF certain proceedings of the House OF Repre-
sentatives on the preceding day:
The report of the Judiciary Committee asking to be
discharged from the consideration of the petition of
Henry Allen and others, asking that the Representa-
tor Webser-be instructed" by the Legislature on the
slavery question, now taken up. Mr. Wilson pur-
suant to notice given the other day. moved his pream-
BILE and resolutions as substitute for the Committees
report The resolutions proposed to instruct the Hon.
Daniel Webster respectfully but earnestly to oppose
all times, under all circumstances even against all in
ducements against all compromises, the organization
OF any territorial governments without an express pro-
vision forever excluding slavery therefrom" also chat
the Hon Daniel Webster is hereby respectfully but ear
nesy requested to use the first, the last and every
the Senate, for the recapture of fugvite Slaves" Mr.
son supported hs motion to amend in short Speech
to which Mr.. Schouler of Boston, replied. Mr.. Early,
OF w orcester withdrew an amendment which he had
offered, and supported Mr.. Wilson's proposition.
Mr. Russell OF Boston said that the sentiments OF Mas
sachuses-as contained in the resolutions which have
already passed the two branches by almost unanimous
vote-were already sufficiently defined Mr. Lovett
OF Beverly here moved the previous question: and his
motion having been sustained, Mr.. Wilson's amend
ment was rejected-122i 10 AZ. Mr. Wilson then gave
notice OF his intention to move reconsideration OF this
vote to morrow, whereupon Mr.. Lawrence of Belcher
town asked that the rules be suspended and that that
motion be considered at the present time. The rules
were accordingly suspended, and Mr. Wilson address
ed the House in favor of reconsiderng the vote Just
passed. He was followed by Mr.. Earle on the same
side. Mr.. A. B. Munroe Of Boston here moved the
previous question: and his motion having been sustain
Cd, the motion to reconsider was lost-yeas n, nays
l39. he report OF the Judiciary Committee was now
accepted.
The words quoted in Mr.. Wilson's amendment are
adopted from expressions used by Mr. Webster
and which were printed in circular and distributed in
the Senate Chamber after he delivered his great
speech He took early occasion repel the effort TO
convict him OF Inconsistency
Whatever the Massachusetts Legislature may choose
to resolve in order to make known the sentiments Of
Massachusetts" we glad that they have declined the
attempt to instruct MIR. Webster in his duty Like Gen.
Glass; he is left free to consult his own Judgment of what
is demanded by the alarming situation Of the country
And he has already had the bodness to say in the face
OF the Legislature, that what they call sentiments
are "preudices," and prejudces which must be con-
quered''
Whilst the State House at Boston is feeby mutterine
its thundels Of dsapprobation, Mr. Webster has the
qualification OF receiving directly from the great body
OF his constituents the potent evidences of the
ptous influences of his great argument in the Senate
The Newburyport Herald publishes the following adj
dress to him. signed by three hundred and seventy ct
| zens of that town:
TO THE HON. DANIEL WEBSTER.
| SIR: We address you, to make known the satisfac-
ton we have derived from the perusa of the speech
Gently delivered by you in the Senate of the United
States, on the great topic OF the day.
We admire its manly temper the liberal and concilia-
tory sentiments expresses, and the unanswerable pow
er OF analysis and exposition with whchit develops and
| maintains the true principles of the Constitution.
We honor, especially, the courageous patriotism
which pervades it, recalling to due of their con-
stitutional obligations the North we'll as the South
We therefore beg you to accept heartfelt thanks
tor the eminent service you have ain perform
ed towards preserving and Strengthening our National
Union.
We have the honor to subscribe ourselves with pride
and pleasure your friends and constituents
NEwBURYPoRT, April 8, 1850.
The signatures the document embrace the chief
persons OF the town for talent intelligence and weight
of character, well individuals Of all classes Mr.
Webster may rely upon it, that he is strong, part
at least, OF old Essex.-Boston Courier]