The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-06-13

years ago, who would have haZarded their repu-
tation on such declaration | had at that pc
riod some intercourse with Southern gentlemen,
and found them free TO express decided opinion
that the institution was a curse to them; and |
need not tell you who it was who said " | tremble
for my country when reflect that God is just"
But, sir. ] must hasten TO n conclusion: the
sands Of my brief hour are wasting | have
asked Is slavery Of such high and holy origin as
10 give it sanction Does it stand justified on
the plea of humanity7 Does it promote the best
good Of the country7 Does it create the best
state of society," Does it promote the peace and
harmony Of the country? Does it shed honor on
the American name and character? What claim
has it for extension under the Constitution Sir,
have given some attention to these particulars,
and trust | have shown that the system and es-
pecialy the extension of the system, must fall
when tried by any of these considerations.
But, Mr.. Chairman, let me return TO the bill
under consideration. California stands at our
door for admission, every way qualified to come
into the family of States Her Constitution is
here, her members are here and what binders 2
Is not one State large enough subject or OF
sufficient importance to engross our attention in
one bill Must we load down this younger sister
with burdens TOO heavy to bear2 Must we have
a compound dose Must we make her carry
load to break down her high and noble spirit 7
Must she, and must the spirit OF Freedom in this
&, - s2y 2SC2ieCe in olher territory a
price for her reception? | have long observed
that no measure which wO0M gat sand on is
, own merits was worthy to be carried at all Sir
let US take one measure at time-let us finish
one job at time, and especially measure of sc
much Importance as the admission Of a State into
this Union
Mr.. Chairman, do not question the motives Of
the honorable gentleman from Illinois, who ha:
introduced a bill, embracing several important
subjects. He declared, in his place, that he of
fered it as peace-oaering, and | doubt not his
sincerity but very much doubt the propriety
of the measure. And will go further, and say
that beyond all question, in my mind, such com.
binaiion of subjects of such magnitude is i'm
proper. 1t will certainly embarrass, for time
at least the admission of California if it does not
defeat it for long period. What effect may we
calculate this delay will have on the feelings OF
the citizens of California on her high-minded
Senators and Representatives, ready, here, to
enter upon their public dutesl Are not the in
terests of California suffering and bleeding for
want Of legislation and such legislation as her
own representatives are best able to explain ?
Are not our hardy sons there, and going there in
multitudesl Does not every consideration OF IN
terest and honor press upon as the necessity OF
iJzsze3iAte action in he e.. -'1'h' 'sh
patriotic, TO give her the cold shoulder, because
there are other subjects of national character
man who has a clear title to his farm or his house
known to be so TO sll-be kept from the posses
sion of it because his neighbor has trouble about
his title or his boundaries IL is unjust
stand here sir the advocate of the immediate
admission Of California alone; without any en-
tanuiur alliances TO distract her or TO distract
My vote is ready whenever the proposition is
offered. She has prohibited slavery. | honor
her for her wisdom. rejoice ia the triumph Of
H., n,,l hall th.f Inv
this banner she is destined to become great and
noble State. Perhaps-indeed it is almost GER
tain--some of her cities destined to become
among the greatest marts of trade in the world.
California is now valuable customer to her sis
ter States Gf we may call her sister, she is
rising in Importance every day. How long shall
we trespass upon her patience or keep from her
those privileges and hOnors to which she is so
justly entitled}
| cannot say what she mag do | believe she is
loyal in her feelings, and ardent in her attach
ment to this Union. Let us not quench, by de-
lay, those patriotic and holy fires that now burn
in her bosom, but let MS hasten to extend to her
the hand of fellowship, that, in mutual harmony
of feeling and action we may mnge our efforts
for the common good of our country-Our whole
country.
Mr. Chairman, il has been common for some
gentlepen to explain their position, and how they
California and the Territories. | have already
said that desire 20 vote for California alone In
relation 10 the other Territories il is my wish to
give them Territorial Governments ia which the
Ordinance of 1897 or the Wilmot Provlso, shall
atda VI ss.s u INV vhsa iaT ipsiFasaGv W
represent to vote in all the stages of the business
in accordance with these principles, and against
the extension Of slavery in any manner OF
form
understand Mr.. Chairman, that the support
ers of slavery intend to publish "a paper in this
city to vinlicate the institution, and change the
sentiment of the country, and perhaps of the
world, on that subject Sir, a philosopher once
thought he could overturn the world with lever
power; this power, like that of the press, will
do wonders but the lever must have fulerum
and the press must have some redeeming princi
Piles that belong to heaven or earth, before public
opinion can be changed with regard to slavery
by it's action Talk of breaking down the spirit
Of freedom by q newspaper, The man would be
wiser, who should take his bow and arrow, and
standing on the western steps of this Capitol
suppose he could, by n single shot, tunnel the
Aleehany lie might be vain enough to suppose
the passage was opened through the mountain
but he would find it. on examination, unbrokeu
and untouched And 80 will the bulwarks OF
freedom remain unbroken, Notwithstanding al
the efforts of such press or a hundred like it
in this city.
But, Mr.. Chairman, | have said nothing about
the dissolution of this Union. Should be fined
or suffer any penalty, if should omit to do so
| confess sir, such thought as the dissolution
Of this Union has not the faintest hold on my
mind and the responses that come up from those
parts of the Union where | expected TO hear the
most of it, are so faint in support of tho much
talked-of Nashville Convention, that ] am led to
believe that the fire which produced the sparks
and smoke, in weeks past has nearly, if not quite
gone out. ! say for one, let it die. | have no
wish to disturb its sleeping ombers. The People
must govern they nil govern; and in their
hands the Union is safe