Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1850-08-22

w On the ION INST, alter the passage OF the Cal
iforna BILL Mr.. Douglasss bill, providing for terri
torial government for New Mexico was taken up
Mr. Butler of South Carolina opposed SO much haste
with these bills while bill more important flu
gitive slave bill-had been pending for months Mr.
Whtcomb made the following
EXPLANATION
Mr.. WHITcoMB. / beg the privilege Mr. President
to make personal explanation. From what has fallen
from the senator from Mississippi and other senator's
feel called upon that pretty early period a
ter the introduction of the fugitive slave bill before it
underwent modification, and certainly before the Com
mlttee oil Thirteen ralsed spoke to sundry
tors in relation that subject 1t my mind
then that the loss of slaves from their running away
practical grievance that ranked in the sensbili-
ties OF the South especially in the border States and
ected their interests more than any other question
ring the present session. and for the purpose of satisfy
ing the people OF the South appeared me that there
disposition in the North to do them Justice accor
ding to the provisions OF the constitution OF the United
States, which it imperative as considered It, upon
all OF to observe mentioned this subject several
senators with whom had intercourse; and recollect
distinctly OF calling at the room of the senator from
Michigan, and of speaking with the senator from Mis-
sIssppi upon the subject also spoke with you sir,
Mr. President and rceolect Of your replying that it
was delicate subject to move to take that BILL when
1t was considered by courtesy raherunder the guild
ancc OF the honorable senator who introduced it. was
myself comparative stranger the rules of courtesy
IN THIS body and not much acquainted with the
parliamentary rules; yet thought would take op-
portunlty oil speaking with the honorable from
Virginia myself and suggest the propriety of nrodu-
cling it at an early period.
Now sir, saw at that time that the bill would need
some modification. 1t provided that every postmaster
should have the power of listening evidence and read
ing the certificates saw once considering the vast
number of such officers and the degree of intelligence
OF many of them, that would be utterly ridiculous il
not mpraccable, to attempt to carry the law in that
way was anxious, therefore, to take it up and
assume shape that would commend itself TO the patr
otism and Judgment OF the great of the people
both North and South. | felt ready myself, under my
sense OF duty TO the constitution, to do what thought
was right, and what thought would be acceptable
the people OF both sections. took occasion to con-
verse with the senator from Virginia upon the subject
we were coming from the Capitol one morning. Thai
was before the Committee of Thirteen was formed.
mention it because have already been alluded to in re-
gard to this matter and evidence of my disposition
of the members of this BODY endeavor to ALA,
the strife and agitation that have pervaded this country
and which have caused so much waste of time in this
chamber by putting that question upon practical basis
which would commend Itself to the great of the PEG
pie OF this country. The honorable senator from Vr
gnia knows the result of that conversations and il is no
necessary Tor me to say anything than that he
ceded to my request to bring it before the Senate.
Now, sir, prepared to do my duty under the con
stitution but certainly do feel liberty to vote o
the bill in the shape in which it was first presented
do not pledge myself for it in its presen
shape; but do pledge myself to for it in such
shape as hope will commend it to the confidence anc
patriotism OF the great of the people of these Uni
ted States, both North and South.