The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-03-28
MR.. DOTY'S RESOLUTION.

|
The Washington Union of Saturday contains
correspondence between MIR. DoTy, one of tn,
Representatives from Wisconsin, and Mr. FooTi
of the Senate, in relation to certain remark
made by the latter, on the withdrawal of the res
olution Of the former, respecting Calfornia-re
marks which were supposed by some to convey
the idea that that withdrawal had been induced
by fear.
Mr. Doty, after quoting them, proceeds
These, in connection with your preceding re-
marks, it is supposed, may possibly have conveyed
the idea to the public that the friends of the reso
luton in favor of the admission of California AS
distinct measure" were inundated by the OPP
ponents of that measure and that for this reason,
the resolution was withdrawn.
Such an idea, am confident could not have
been entertained by yourself and do not doubt
tina! it will give you pleasure to have the oppor-
tunity to explain more fully to the public the pur-
pose of your remarks,
The object of the resolution which had the
honor to introduce was, to cause bill to be pre-
scented for the immediate admission of California,
according to her Constitution, which should con-
tain no provision for the Government Of the coun-
try beyond her limits. There was no necessary con-
nexion between these questions; aud it was DEEM
ed unjust to California to compel her to remain out
of the Union until the boundaries of New Mexico
are adjusted by Congress, slavery is recognised
prohibited in the territory east of the State of
California, or provision is made for the division
- Texas into slave States, and for their admis-
sion into the Union.
Those members who were DESTROYS to obtain
this great object and to relieve the House from
one of the principal obstacles in its progress with
other business were also DESTROYS to prevent, if
these objects could be honorsby secured recur-
renee of the scenes of the Monday when the res
oution was presented. If renewed, however, |
was not aware that any member apprehended
violence. | am quite certain those composing the
majority did not and the minority gave no init
nation that it was its desire to resort to It,
The language imputed to you did not hear
| nor was it repeated TO me before felt satisfied
| from communication with several members, that
it was possible the Committee Of the Whole would
| agree to lay aside the Presidents annual message,
| and take up his special message with the Consti-
tuition Of California, when ] could submit bill
! in the terms Of my resolution for her admission,
| to be reported to the House by the committee, If
adopted by the majority IS its report. TWAS con-
| cedef by all with whom conversed that the res
olution should be withdrawn on the Monday fol-
| lowing. This was done the next morning, and
the bill WAS under debate tho days before the day
| came upon which it was Withdrawn.
You will, therefore, perceive the mistake when
you intimate that il was withdrawn between the
time when your remarks were made and the I" res
olution day. when il was to be again considered.
Being much occupied in the Senate, | presume
the daily proceedings ofthe House did not receive
your attention.
1t is true, when the language imputed to you
reached my friends, several Of them were dis
posed to object to withdrawal Of the resolution
and it was that language, which was repeated,
and understood by them as threat, but was not
so intended, as now explained by you, but as q
friendly warning and premontion," which was
very near producing the state Of things, 1t Is now
apparent, the whole House, as well as yourself,
was nxious to avoid.
At no period during the session have seen
danger in the settlement by the majority OF any
question which has been presented, nor disposi.
ton manifested to resort to force or wedponsj and
If there had been, am confident neither party
would have been inundated by it. The object
or the resolution having been fully attained by the
Dill, its friends could ask no more. Those mem
pers who desired TO debate or amend the PROPOSE
non having the bill before them In Committee OF
the w hole, where the widest range OF debate Is
allowed, were also satisfied. or this, and OF the
sense Of the House that fis was the proper course
10 De pursued, there is direct evidence In the
unanimous vote to consider the California message,
and IN the unanimous reception Of the bill.
Entertaining no doubt of the constitutional
right Of the inhabitants Of California To form a
State Government, nor Of the propriety and neces-
sity Of admitting the State into the Union with
the boundaries described In her Constitution,