Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1850-07-04
Volume X::;;;#::..Number S.

way which do not choose to see accomplished by
let introduction Of the Wllnot Propisn; that is TO
say. II might if. vrting against that form of
the exclusion prohibition, might be willing that
there should be chance hereafter to return to sumo
other form. Nuw, think, sir, that ingenuousness
and seadncss of purpose, under these circunstan-
ces. compel me to vote for the amendment of the
honorable member, and propose To do so. do it
exactly upon the ground that | voted against the in
troductun of the WImot Pravisn; and that is, that
restrictions u that Sort and other restricticiOns
of this sort. in my opinion wholly and absolutely
unnecessary; they give offence; as they create
degree of dissatisfaction, and desire tu avoid all
dissatisfaction, so far as eau, by avoiding all meas
that dissatisfaction, aud themselves IN
my Judgment wholly unnccesslry;-iheref"re ! voie
now as | voted upon former occasion; and shall
support by my vute the amendment of the honorable
member from Louisiana, Mr.. SoULE- | repeat,
that do il upon The exact grounds upon which de-
clared. upon the 7th of March, tl,at | should resist
the Wilmot Prnvls,'-tbe precise grounds; aud do
not choose for the present, To go in any utier
grunds whatever.
Sir, il does not to strike other senatnrs as II
strikes me- hut if there be any qualification tn that
general remark which made, or that opinion which
expressed on the 7lh of March. that every foot of
the territory the United States has now liked
character fur slavery no slavery--if there be any
qualification to that remark has arisen here from
what seems Ia be an indI~pnsition To define the
boundary of New MeAiro. That IS The only limila-
ton. There IS no other in the world. All that Is
Texas is, by the legislation &C 1915 thrown under
the general character of Texan territory. And If,
for want of defining the boundaries of New Mexico.
by any proceedings process hereafter, or by any
events hereafter, let me say to gentlemen, any Por-
tion which they and | do not believe 10 be Texas
shall be considered to become Texas, then, So far.
that is a qualification of my remark of March 1li;
I,l.o. A c.ol + l,l fsroa
four days ago, that it is of the utmost Importance
to pass this bill TO the end that there may be def
mite boundary fixed now, aud fixed forever, between
the territory Of New Mexico and the territory Of
Texas, or the limits of New Mexico aud the limits
of Texas. Here it is, If gentlemen wish to act eiii-
cienty for their own purpo,e-hcre At l., IN my poor
lud ynent. that they called upon tO act.
Mr.. President when see the ',f gentlemen
around me- from my own part of the country, of the
highest character and the most conscientious purpo-
ses. concurrng in any part of this measure,
1 am aware that | am taking upon myself an uncom-
mun degree Of responsibility. The fact that other
gentlemen with whom have been accustomed 10
act In the Senate take different view of their own
duties in the same case, naturally leads me 10 consid-
er my own course, to re-examine my opinions,
to reludge my own Judgment; and hope, sir. that |
have gone through this process without prejudice or
preposession-certanly | have done with the
greatest feeling of regret at being called upon by
sense
to whom should always be desrous of render
ing my public course and every event in the action
of my public life acceptable, and in their Judgment
praisewortny. But | cannot depart from my own
settled opinions. leave consequences to themselves
Ii is great emergency-a great exegency-ln which
the country placed. will endeavor to do nothing
against principle. | will endeavor TO preserve
proper regard for my consistency. And here
let me say, that there has not appeared anywhere
anything that admits the character Of decent argn
ment to show that this subject have said OF don,
anything inconsistent with any speech, or statement
or letter, or declarntion that | ever delivered IN M
life, if will stop to consider-lf they will loci
at real differences. But when all Is denunciahon--
when all is clamor--when all is idle wonder AM
empty declama,ion-wen there is no disnction nj
consideration--when there i no examination int
the exact truth, TO see whether one opinion Is ditfer
ent from another, why. every body may be proclaim
ed TO be inconsistent. Now, sir, | do mol take tn
trouble to answer things of this sort when they ap
pear in the public papers. know n to be useless
| Those who of an unfriendly disposition, woul
| not publish my explanations und distinctions, IT
were to make them. IF any gentleman here has any
thing to say upon that subject challunge no one
bot IL any gentleman here chOO~es To undertake liz
task, and probably there may I've some who will
they will undertake show IN what respect any,hin
that said IN The debate here the 7th of March
or anything contained in my letter to gentlemen G
NeWburyport ar anywhere else, Is HeohsIs'eh' WI
any opinion of mine since the agitation of the ques
] ton of the annexation of Texas began, in 1887,
will certainly with great humility aud great respect
stand or fall by the issue.
But what say, SIR, is this. My object i peace
my object is reconciliation. My inject is not t
make out case for The North, or.to make out cas-
for the South. My object is not to continue usees
and dislracting controversy | against the ag
iaiors of the North and the South. against il
cal ideas North and S1uth, and local tests. am q
American. | know country but America.
know locality in America that it is not my cour
try. My henrt. my sentiments. my Judgment, de
mand of me that shall pursue such n course sha
promote the good and harmony, and the union of III
whole country; and will do So, God willing, TO I'll
end of the chapter. Loud applause IN the gallerie
immediately suppressed by the Chair