The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-06-16

Was; II is a matter oil minor Consideration do not
mink II ought to enter into this question al all We have
acquired that country; and 10 geniemens telling
that the rights Of New Mexico prominent that they
must be respected and protected before aayihng else
and that not authorized 10 take OIL any portion OF
that territory without the consent OF New Mexico. 10
which originally belonged, II seems 10 there be
noqueston upon IL II is within our powet. II we be-
eye that the territory given 10 Texas constituted
part and portion OF New Mexico, still we have right
and power to give i 10 Texas mention this for gem
temen who entertain different opinion from myself in
regard to the ownership OF the territory.
There Is anoherrPason that operates with me. II is
We'll known TO all that there IL great difficulty existing
between the inhabitants Of that portion Of country bo
dering upon The Rio Grande above what is called the
upper valley Of the Rio Grande which is claimed by
many obe New Mexico, and the Texan authorities Does
i not, them become ie government OF the United Sates
Is II moi duty that we 10 these peopleto settle, II
possible This difficulty and thus prevent collisionl Is
there gentleman here who has looked into the matter
who does not believe that difficulties likely to grow
upi LII hatis the case ask whether as discreet legis
ators we ought not 10 do all VIC TO settle denively
the boundaries, not TO disturb them upon the one
hand or upon the other
We lave been told that this is converting slave soil
into free SOIL Is that the case II you purchase this
country from Texas TOR equivalent the laws Of Tex
as prevail over that whole region thus parcha sed be-
cause you alm by implica'ion strong implication
be made that II portion OF Texas by the very
purchase, BY paying equivalent; and hence il ISL
shall be frank upon itas the laws Of Texas continue
until repealed, abIogated changed that every descrp
lion of property be carried there without the appre-
henson that aay law. such is passed in Mexico with
regard TO The emancipation OF slaves will prevent their
dong with perfect impnDy There be no resric-
ton There il no Mexican law there. When The peo-
pie themselves who inhabt that region of country, If il
is annexed TO New Mexico determine for themselves, in
forming their constitutions whether slavery shall exist
not they have thepower TO exclude II, whether il con-
sutts portion OF Texas portion OF New Mexico,
Just as much In the one case as IN the other rather
think that gentleman will find, from what little know,
and the information have been able 10 collect as to the
STATE oil the country that there will be Just about good
prospect OF having State admitting slavery then, as
III Ia prfH Hnxa f,f funA
formed into State 1t is useless to go the ground
travelled over often, to show that this description OF
property only goes where il is male profitable. Beyond
that point il viii not 60 and do not myself believe
that il 60 into country where the planting interests
cannot be prosecuted advantageousy, account OF cl
mate or soil think that is the with large portion
Of he territory acquired from Mexico II mines are dis.
covered that may be an lnducemeAt We know that
slavery 20 into the mnes and that might therefore,
be inducemeni; but unless mines discovered 10
render profitable. should very much question whether
slavery would 90 there, whether renamed IN the pos
session of Texas or of New Mexico
feel most anxious, in the first place, to do my duty 10
myself and to thecouniy, far practicable II pains
10 separate from them; but must say that | think
they have taken erroneous view OF this subject be-
eye they have done %. believe they have suffered
still hope that IL the progress OF this debate, they will
their position CALMLY dspassonately, and that
then we shall not De 80 iar separated as heretofore;
said should vote against this proposition. know that
in doing SO encounter at home strong opposition; but,
sir, have always made a rule, in the absence OF posi-
live instruction, 10 pursue that course IN all my egsa
lion, which my judgment approved as right have al
ways trusted, strand have not trusted IN vain Ito the
calm reflection OF the peoples and have found them al
ways 70 justify, IN The end. the course have pursued
shall do upon the present occasion. l shall vote
against the proposition TO strike out this section oil the
bill. believing that il is best Tor Texas, best Tor the
South, and best for the whole country, and that there
fore, in taking that course, my constituents will justify
me and hope that the general measure will undergo
such changes will enable me TO give il cordial sup
port.
will not now, sir, 90 into more general statement
OF my and in relation 10 such changes
wish 10 made. shall, al proper time, bring them
forward, and upon their success OF failure VIII cePend
my final action IN relation to the whole bill.
slr. BUTLER. This is an important feature OF the
bill do not propose TO detain the Senate with many
remarks upon IT. but cannot in justice to p sef, give
my vote without giving some OF the reasons on which
that vote is founded suppose that il we could. all
OF Ms, think independently, most OF Us would think
alike; but suppose all act and think under infu.
that not fully of but whose tendency
but serves to widen conclusions The senator from Ala
bama and myself have every Inducemeni 10 attain CON-
mon result To compromise a. controversy IS not 10
terminate IT, In looking ultimate security, may TOO
much disregard the temptations OF present quiet Whilst
am willing to concale, am not prepared to pIopiaie
By sacrifice involving concession oil essential princi
pies. accord TO my friend from Alabama all that he
claims and all that is due 10 high motive. believe
that he acts from the convictions OF his own ludg-
ment, and gives his vote IRON a full and fair view
OF the policy which should govern, in his estimation,
the United States in reference 10 the subject un.
der consideration. cannot, however, agree with him,
for reasons which propose 10 assign in very few
words. | agree fully win him, and with the senator
from Massachusetts,, Mr. WEBsTER.] that, in giving
territorial government New Mexico, there should be
preliminary matter settled and that Is, her boundaries
DO not very well understand how can give terrific
rial government to New Mexico without, in the same
measure, indicate and designate her distinct boundary
But very different question how far am prepared
yield her claim for boundaries preexstng and,
my opnion solemnly vested rights sovereign State
OF this confederacy II lett to my option whether would
transfer upon the territorial government TO be established
for New Mexico jurisdiction which can be night
fully exeried BY the sovereign State OF Texas at this
time would unhesitatngly say that would give
the preference the responsible OF The State.
sooner than anything the uncertainty from ter
orial government emanang from the Congress oil The
United States and might give very simple reason for
Ii Congress disposed 10 avoid such controversy as
wall yrlng about collision between the authorities OF
Texas and the people OF New Mexico, who have not
recognized corporate existence, the readesf way
would be al once TO recognise the jurisdiction OF Texas
for that would avoid all necessity Of arbiiramen through
siones. or any other settlement whatever That would be
the simplest mode OF settling the question, and would al
once put end TO all further controversy 10 acquesce
in the claims OF Texas would be only 10 recognise an en-
lstng government One OF the main reasons why am IN
favor that should, before give territorial govern.
ment 10 New Mexico. define her boundaries, y that
FULLY accede TO the proposition winch has been asserted
here that II the solemn duty OF the OF the
United States, lar can by its measures, to iniu
ITS boundaries through the process OF territorial govern
ment will leave Il TO people whatever to cut out
the limits OF tnen States with the temptation OF
making their own boundaries either small or large, and
then the imposing attitude OF claiming admission
as State BY virtue Of any claim acquired under usupa