Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-03-28
Mr.. Hamlin's Speech.

Mr.. Hamin's recent effort in the Senate on
the question of the admission of California. is
highly complimented by the press. as a clear
and luminous argument, fortified with prece-
dents and proofs showing the authority. pro-
priety and duty of Congress. to admit Califor-
MIA under present circumstances. Mr.. II. clio
lied the profoundest attention of all, and al
though frequently interrupted by interroga-
tories from Southern members, he was found
to be completely armed at all points. and sus-
tanned his positions triumphantly A synopsis
of his positions and argument will present
fair idea Of the speech, which we are pre-
cluded, by our limits, from publishing in full.
In his preliminary remarks, Mr.. Hamiin con-
tends for observance of all entanging ALI
ancCs in considering the question of the ad
mission of California as sovereign state into
the Union. The question of slavery in the ter
ritories or slavery in the states, has no connec-
ton with the question-nor should they have
these matters should be discussed and settled
where they appropriately belong-and he would
no, have the admission of California as state
either retarded in its progress or finally pre-
vented by them. He was happy in agreeing.
in this particular, with the oldest and ablest
senators upon both sides of the chamber. This
was agreeable also to the Californians. and
with these vie VS. he was in favor of supporting
Mr. Benton's proposition to refer the question,
disconnected from all others, to the appropri-
ate committee. In passing along Mr.. II. would
allude IN THAT org of Disnpiop Disup;op that
has resounded in our ears, of late. Sir"
said Mr.. II. II have no eulogiums to pronounce
upon this Union. II furnishes its o,cn best eu-
logy." In like summary manner, he disposes
of the groundless fear of aarmists. There is
no real aarm.-there is no cause or fear of dis
union. have never felt the slightest alarm at
any time. md l think we can all now see that
the bubble has burst" says Mr. II.
Mr.. Hamlin then proceeds TO consider the
main subject before him-and examines. first,
the right of the people of California to form the
Constitution which they have presented-and,
secondly. having the right to form that Con-
stitution, have they so exercised it, that we. in
the discharge of our duty. should admit them
as another of the states of this confsderacy
Mr.. II. argued from article 4, section 8, of the
Constitution. that Congress could not create
state. 1t can admit, but is not empowered to
create-says report of Mr.. Berri"n from Geor-
gia, in behalf of the Judiciary Commute of the
last session of Congress, to whom this question
was submitted. This was the doctrine ofnear-
ly the whole senate, and TO which he fully
subscribed. His first proposition was, that
Congress has not the power to crsate state,
and secondly, that the people of this territory
have. California has acted from right as well
as from necessity. One of the finest features
Of our government is, that it excitcs Just
pride in every breast. and produces living
faith in the capacity of man, for self govern
ment. These great fundamental truths of the
Constitution have been cherished and have
have been incorporated into the Constitution
OF nearly all of the states-and their influence
is spread throughout the world. Oregon and
Iowa, exercised this right, a. have nearly all
the territories and states of this Union. In
this day of progress, among the varied opinions
nave cedseu u oe surprised at any oplnlon-
not even at the course of those who controvert
the opinions just assumed, and who deny the
doctrines Of the Declaration of Independence.
1t has been objected that there has been exec
utve interference. Mr. II. had no lance to
break in defence of the executive. Judging
irom the declarations of Gen. Riley, the inter-
ference was by the last, instead of the present
administration, !. But we have the authority of
W. buchanan and MIR. Marcy for saying that
: ~, ."s.fu were issued. For his part
he did not believe that their action ~. ~.
suit of any interference whatever. e;,h.r d;r.,t.
ly or suggestive.
But it is said. that in the formation a. ri.
territorial government. the people of all cI....
chimes and compilations were allowed To nav.
ticiPate-but under the proclamation of Gen.
Riley. the qualification of voter vas ere