Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-03-09
MR. WEBS'rER,S SPEECH


Mr. WEBsTER'S great speech occupies, with Mr. CAL
HoUNs lnterocutions, nearly ten columns of the Ma
honal lnteigencer. No effort seems ever to have ex-
cited greater expectation The editors of the Intelligent
remark
eve will only say that its Importance was not over
rated thatt added fresh usre to the fame of the great
orator, and gave fresh proofs of his truly national and
patriotic spirit The public voice all around u.s. as far
asst could be heard and from persons of all sections of
the Unlon expressed feeling but that of qualification
no opln ION but that OF appreciation and of anticipation
that its liberal and conciliaory spirit would have the
happiest effect in ranquzng the present excitement
and re-assurng the friends Of the Union throughout the
country"
Mr.. WEBSTER, after magnificent exordum, gave
the history Of the present slavery question: as it arose
from the acquisition OF Mexican Territory. He re-
viewed the opinions held concerning slavery the time
OF the formation OF the Constitution and the present
day. The great change which has taken place in
Southern sentiment in favor of slavery he attributed to
the growing up of the cotton interest He referred to
the acquisitions OF Louisiana, Florida and Texas as
measures for the promotion OF that interest He then
announced his leading proposition in these words:
And now say sir as the proposition upon which |
stand this day, and upon the truth and rnness Of which
intend 10 act until is overthrown, thata there not
at this moment within the United States or any terrific
ny OF the United States, single foot of land the cha
racter OF which, in regard its being free soil territory
OF slave territory is not fixed by some law and some
rrepealabe law beyond the power of the action ofths
Government.
In regard to the stipulation OF the Texas annexation
resolutions, that Texas should be admitted as slave
State, and be divided into other slave States south
OF $500. Mr. W., said he considered that sti
pulaton binding, and more solemn than any
recognition Of it could be, such as was pro-
posed by Mr.. Bell for it stood on the ground OF
contract for consideration. After recountinq the
history of the annexation of Texas, and his own oppo-
sitio to he oF
But now that under certain conditions Texas is in
with all her territories, as slave State with solemn
pledge that it she is divided into many States those
States may slave States south of SO deg 30
min, how are we to deal with it! | know no way of
honorable legislation but when the proper time comes
Tor the enactment to carry into effect all that have
stipulated to do. do not entirely agree with my no.
norable friend from Tennessee, (Mr. Belly that as
soon as the time comes when she is entitled to
another Representative, should create a new
State The rule in regard to it | take to be this:
that, when we have created new States of Terrific
rles, we have generally gone upon the idea that when
there is population enough to form State sixty
thousand or some such thing, would create State;
but tmay be thought quite different thing when a State
is divided and two or more States made out of it, 1t
does not follow in such case, that the same rule of
apportonment should be applied; That, however, is
matter for the consideration of Congress when the
proper time arrives. | may not be here, | may have
vote TO give on the occasion, but wish it to be
distinctly understood to-day that according my view
OF the matter this government is solemly pledged by
law to create new States out of Texas with her con-
sent, when her population shall justify such proceed
ing, and so lar as such States formed of Texan
territory lying South Of Sc deg. 80 mn., to let them
come IN as slave States That is the meaning of the
resolution which our friends, the Northern Democracy
have left us TO fulfil and for one mean to fulfil it, be-
cause Will not violate the faith OF the Government.
MIR. Webster next contended that slavery was ex-
cluded from California and New Mexico by the law of
nature, OF physical geography. And he declared that
ne would not vote to put the Wilmot Provso into a
government for New Mexico to reform an ordinance of
God, or to wound the pride OF the South
In regard to the fugitive slave question: he said that
IN his Judgment the South is right and the North is
wrong" He should support the bill reported by Mr.
Mason, with some amendments
Alter speaking at some length TO the subjects of the
Abolition agitation in the ORTIZ and the talk of seces-
sion IN the South, Mr.. WEBSTER concluded his main
speech rs follows:
SIR, wish to make remarks and hasten to con-
cluson wish to say in regard to Texas that if it
should be hereafter at any time the pleasure of the Co
Vernnen OF Texas TO cede to the United States por
non, larger or smaller OF her territory which lies ada
cent TO New Mexico and north OF the 34th degree of
north latitude, for fair equivalent in money or in the
payment OF her debt, think it object we'll worthy
the consideration OF Congress- and shall be happy to
concur IN myself if should bein the public councils
OF the country at the time.
lhaVe one olher remark to make. Inmy observations
upon slavery as II mas existed in the country, and as
now exists, nave expressed no opinion OF the mode of
us extngushmen or amelloration. will say however,
though have nothing to propose on that subject, be-
cause do not deem myself so competent as other gen.
temen to consider it, that il any gentleman from the
South shall propose scheme OF colonization to be car
RED on by TINS government upon large SCALE for the
transportation of free colored people to any colony or