The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-19
THIRTY-FIRST CONGRESS-.
FIRST SESSION.
wEDSrsDAy, September Is, 1850.
SENATE.

SENATE.
FREE NAyIoATIoS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE, AND re-
CIPRocITY TRADE WITH CANADA.
Mr.. HAMLIN, from the Committee of Commerce,
reported bill providing for the free navigation OF
the ST. Lawrence river, and providing for a recip-
rocal trade with Canada.
JAMES ROBERTSON.
Mr.. BUTLER, from the Committee on the Judi
ciary, TO whom referred the memorial Of James
Robertson, praying indemnity for wrongs and in
Juries sustained by him at the hands Of the officers
OF The Senate on the 9TH OF December last, asked,
and the committee was discharged from the fur
ther consideration Of the same.
SLAVERY ~ THE TERRITORIES.
Mr. CHASE, pursuant 70 notice, asked leave to
introduce BIZ to prohibit slavery in the Terrific.
rics Of the United States.
Mr.. CLAY said that he felt constrained TO op
pose the introduction Of this bill. The subject Of
slavery had been settled, and the country was now
at peace. lie was opposed to the introduction Of
any measure TO disturb that settlement. The qucs-
tons had been put at rest, and he opposed TO
any disturbance Of them.
He asked the yeas and nays on granting leave
Mr.. CAsS said that lac conceded with every
word that had been uttered by the Senator from
Kentucky And be then moved TO lay the motion
10 receive the bill on the table.
Mr.. CHASE asked that the motion be Withdrawn
Tor moment 70 enable him to explain.
Mr.. CASS withdrew the motion.
Mr.. CHASE said that he had no intention 20 pro-
woke any lengthy discussion this subject. He
had no desire 10 prevent the transaction Of the
pressing business Of Congress by the introduction
Of this measure at this late stage Of the session lie
did not think, with the Senator from Kentucky,
that this subject had been settled. As il was the
general desire not 70 consider this subject at this
late period Of the session, he would withdraw his
The motion To grant leave to introduce the bill
was then withdrawn.
SLAVE ADDICTION, ETC, ~ TIE DISTRICT or
COLUMBIA.
Mr.. PRATT moved that the Senate take I'd the
bill, introduced by him on Monday, 70 prevent the
enticing assisting Of slaves to run away or cs
cape from their masters in the District Of Columbia
Mr. HALE said that he agreed with some things
said by the Senator from Kentucky. The country
was now al peace and he was opposed 10 the in
PRODUCTION Of any Aggressive or disturbing mea-
sures. He was for peace, and wanted the intro
duction Of Of no bill these disturbing and agitat
ing subjects fLaughter.l
Mr.. CLAY said that this bill was not aggres-
sve one. IL was 10 prevent the great aggression
Of stealing slave property.
Mr.. CHASE opposed tho motion 10 take up the
bill. Hit we're taken up he would persist In HE
application 10 introduce the bill he had ust with.
drawn.
The question was taken on the motion to take up
the bill, and decided in the afhrmativc-ayes 90
noes not counted.
Mr.. HALE said that he desired TO give those
friends Of the abolition Of slavery in the district
who were waiting for the right time. an opportu.
nifty 70 place their votes on the record on plain
ierred 20 the Committee the District Of Colurn-
bia, with instructions 10 report bill to abolish
slavery in the District Of Columbia He asked the
yeas and nays on the motion, and they were or
dered.
The question was taken on the motion, and II
was rejecfd-yeas 9, nays 4l-a follows:
YEAS.--Messrs. Baldwin. Chase, Davis Of Mas.
sschusetts, Dodge Of Wisconsin, Ewing, Hale
Hsmlin, Seward, and Winthrop.
NAYs.--Messrs. Atchison, Badger, Barnwcll
Bell, Benton, Bright, Butler, Cass, Clay, Cooper,
Davis Of Mississippi, Dawson, Dayton, Diokinson
Dodge Of Iowa, Dou glas, Downs, Telch, Foote
Fremont, Gwin, Houston, Hunter, Jones, King,
Mason, Morton, Morris, Pratt Rusk, Sebastian,
Shields, Smith, soult, spruanes, Sturgeon, Tur,
ncy, Underwood, Wales, Whitcomb, and Yulee--il.
Mr.. CLAY suggested that part Of The bill re-.
lating TO the removal Of free negroes be omitted,
TIL such time IL could be determined upon what
could be done with them.
Mr.. PRATT explained, that the bill conten-
plated the removal Of none who were now RESI-
dents Of the city
The bill was then read ne follovs.
BE enacted, &c, That II any free person or per
sont, within the District Of Columbia shall entice
or induce, BY percussion other means any ssveor
slaves 20 run away from hs, her, or their owner or
lawful posscssor, or shall in any manner aid, abet
or assist any slave or slaves in running away or