The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-06-24

SPEECH OF
Hon. ". e. HOWARD, OF Texas.

SPEECH OF
Hon. ". e. HOWARD. Of Texas,
Against the admission Of California, and the dis
memberment Of Texas-delivered in the House
of Representatives, June III, 1850, in the Com
miitee Of the Whole on the California message.
The House being in Committee Of the
Whole, and having under consideration the
Presidents message in relation to the adj
mission Of California
Mr.. HOWARD said:
Nothing, Mr.. Chairman, but the deep
interest which my immediate constituents
and the State of Texas have in these ques-
tons, could induce me to claim the attention
Of the Committee at this late period OF the
discussion. The time has as length. arrived
when the peace and welfare Of this country
require, not compromise, but justice to
the South, and an observance of constitu-
tionA requirements and official oaths for
their support The South demsnds her COM
stitutional rights, and just share in the
benefits of this Government no other COM
promise is required, or will secure tranquility
to the country.
am not, sir, about to enter into any abb
stract speculations upon the nature and char
acter of slavery. am content to treat the
institution as it was regarded by the fathers
of the country who framed the Constitution
under which we here assemble, as an exist
ing relation of society, drawing to itself
certain fixed, and, in theory, firmly estab-
lished civil and political rights What the
greatest and purest men that the world has
ever seen--a Washington, a Franklin,
Hamilton, and Madison guaranteed as a
right, cannot be proved sinful by the latter
day saints Of abolition and free-soil, how
ever men may differ as to it's character in
other respects. NeitEer shall l so far follow
the hackneyed examples Of bad taste, as to
participate in the sectional determinations
which have been so freely indulged in by
speakers from all sections during this Debate !;
they are beneath the dignity Of the subject,
and unworthy Of the American Congress.
Sir, when our forefathers, the men OF the
Revolution, framed the present Constitution,
the great charter of American liberty
slavery constituted no objection to the Union.
If, in the progress Of events and opinions,
it has become so odious and sinful in tae
estimation of any considerable section of
this country, that the Government cannot be
administered in its original spirit, and the
letter of the Constitution complied with, let
the fact be proclaimed, and the legitimate
consequences follow. But it is not in can
dor and honesty to appropriate the advan-
tages Of the compact, and then refuse to
abide by its obligations and express stipula-
tons; the performance, like the benefits,
must be mutual by all the contracting par
ties
1t cannot be disguised, that attachment
and loyalty to the Constitution are, in some
sections Of the Union, greatly weakened,
and in danger Of being entirely destroyed.
During the present session of Congress,
petitions have been presented from free
States asking for dissolution Of the Union,
on the ground that the petitioners could not
conscientiously remain in Union, the Con-
stitution of which guaranteed slavery. A
very considerable party openly took the
ground, that the Constitution is opposed to
the divine law in this respect, and must
yield to this new rule Of political faith. 1t
is novel revelation, and above the word Of
God, for the Scriptures, as well as the Con-
recognise slavery, and pronounce
it legal.
1t was satisfactory to hear this disreputa-
BILE doctrine denounced by the distinguished
from New York, (Mr. DUER, as
well as by the eloquent member from Massa-
chusetts, (Mr. WINTHROP although the
value of their reprobation was very much
weakened by certain phrases which they let
fall about habeas corpus and jury trial. 1t
cannot be necessary to remind gentlemen, as
intelligent as they are, that the difference
between one who openly and boldly sets the
Constitution at defiance, and one who adj
mits its obligation, yet evades it by dexter
Gus legislative devices, as to the remedy, is
scarcely worth the consideration Of the cas-
uist
The truth is, Mr.. Chairman, the Consti-
tuition, in relation to the restoration of fugi-
tive slaves, has become dead letter, and
so, believe, it is destined to remain. This
condition of things is calculated to awaken
the most lively apprehensions. The whole
foundation of the American theory of gov
eminent is the respect and attachment of
the people for their written Constitutions
When they cease, the representative repub-
lican system of government is at an end
II the people Of this country once embrace
the opinion that there is Divine law, or
any other rule Of government above the
sanctions of the Constitution, and the obi
cations of an oath, an end Of republican
forms will soon follow.
No one can read the acts of certain State
prohibiting the restoration of
fugitive slaves, opposed, as they are, to the
Constitution, the law of Congress, and the
decisions Of the Supreme Court, without
feeling his pride as an American citizen hum
bled in the dust
After the close of a brilliant war the gov
eminent acquired, by treaty of cession, an
extensive and valuable country from Mexi-
CO. This acquisition was the result Of COM
mon blood and treasure, freely expended by