The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-08-21

gwen up to Texas, is worth the whole of the 10000
square miles, and OF $4,000 more added to them. upon
that dTeary and desoate pain over which (as the
ator from Missouri has told us) one only find
his way by OF the stakes which have been driven
down into the soil to take the place OF those natural
landmarks which to be found abundance where.
ever land is 1T for the occupation OF man.
But, after all, Mr. President. the real question before
us is, what rs to become OF New Mexico' That is the
sir do not propose to detan the Senate at this late hour
OF the day and OF the session, by any formal speech
that subject But, lest my votes should be msunder-
stood hereafter must state my opinions and purposes
briefly, but distinctly. During the short period in which
have bad the honor OF seat in this body, have been
content with giving votes upon these great questions from
day 10 day, with but little explanation have done
from sincere reluctance to delay the action OF the
Senate. had at any time rather be checked for silence
than taxed for speech" have done So however, the
more readily because had already had opportunity OF
expressing my views elsewhere II so happened sir that
on the very day on which the Compromise bill was in
Ioduced into this chamber, | was making speech on
the same subject in the other end of this Capitol While
the distinguished senator from Kentucky [Mr CLAY]
who is not now among US, but who, we all hope, will
soon return to his place renvigorated by the ocean
breeZes OF New England-was reading the report OF the
COMMITTEES OF Thirteen here, was addressing the House
there. ! remember 1t the more strongly, because that
distinguished senator, with the resistess fascination
which belongs to him. had drawn of large portion of
the audience. which, under other circumstances might
have reasonably expected and had left me with quite
too many empty both the floor and in the galle
ries, for the Inspiration which necessary
IN an effort OF that kind. But far may be impo
tant TO TO inform my constituents of the views and
opinions which entertain on this subject, that speech
will answer my purpose.
will only say, then, here and now, that have changed
no opinion or intention which then expressed am in
favor, now them of the unconditional and immediate
admission of California to the Union; and for that
nre, rejoice to say have at last had the satisfaction of
voting am in favor, nov as then, OF settling tins
boundary line between New Mexico and Texas as sepa-
rate and independent question And with regard to New
Mexico herself for the purpose OF avoiding that strife and
contention which, fear is always destined to spring up
-
posed to be established soil now ree and IN regard to
which any question OF slavery can arse am IN favor
now then OF pursuing The plan proposed by the late
lamented President of the United Satcsthe plan of ad
mitting New Mexico a State soon she shall pre-
sent herself with republican constitution and OF post
ponng all consideration OF this territorial question until
that time shall arrive.
To these views, sir, still adhere. No change of ad
ninlstration, and no change OF my own position, has
altered them IN the degree this h therefore,
is pressed 10 vote, shall vote against IT, IT, in the
mean time, however, motion shall be made to apply 10
New Mexico the principle of The ordinance of 17s7 shall
vote IN favor OF that notion | am aware sir, that the
revival of this principle has been stgmatzed i'll some
quarters as ojous and offensive 10 the South can only
say that shall vote for II IN spirit OF offence. shall
preponderaace, and with vain view of orowding
slavery out OF existence by conhnng II within IFS present
limits But shall vote tor il because believe such
restriction to be Tor the highest and best interests Tor the
present and for the permanent welfare, of The Com
nonweath, whose deslinles now about to be deter
mined My own earnest desire, however, would be, that
SODkfcsS VI OHlleu a. no uisidHt
day. accept and ray the constitution which New Mexico
herself has framed and should thus settle this question:
and forever in the only way in which 1t can be fully
and finally settled Il has already been stated by the
President of the United States that that constitution will
come here n the shape of petition to Congress 10 ad
nit New Mexico into the Union. Now, it would seem
to nothing than justice that instead OF going on
with the bill under consideration, should wait 10
this petition, order to have the views and wishes
OF the people of New Mexico fairly before u.s. and in
order that we may decide inlegenily and deliberately
upon the suggestions which they may make in regard 10
their future condition. AT any rate, these the
views which expressed elsewhere many months ago,
and these the views upon which shall act here to-
day.