The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-01-27

the tendency OF things u.s. 70 supersee the original organ
cation OF political communities.
These measures are seen by many, resisted bv a..
II all would think independently, most men woup
think right Politicians think for themselves, under NM
lesson. Of advancing the interest Of others; but Ey
whose interest they profess 10 embrace
Mr. President, il was moi my intention to have dwell
so long upon these topics; but SIR they are A
gentleman from Vermont said-that will intruie them
selves upon One cannot be considered without n
being in connexion with others. The destiny OF The ~
public does not depend upon single act This slaver
question is looked upon the nucleus OF sectional now
err and few will take the side OF the weaker party and
LETT to take OF ITSELF il must do its duty and i
doing it, It will have To incur the reproach Of nsolen
and the aspersons OF treason; being under the han Il
the press, and sectional influence. il makes its appeal n
the tribunal OF the constitution. \
But fear that those who administer al that tribunal
not, like Justice, blind in her decisions don't 50 much
fear the vigilance OF Argus as the acquisliyenes
Mammon.
The influence Of the government cannot be understood
on the subject, without referring 70 other matters
These acquisitions bring with them the very question
that viii be discussed in this BILL These acquisitions
made by war, under treaty OF peace that temh
ted it. Ia
The war with Mexico had different aspects and al
long il was waged to defend the territory of Texas
part of the United Sates-so long as il regarded a,
to maintain the obligations OF treaty with Texas
in other words, TO do what Texas declared she had y
right to do before her annexationt had my appreciation
and even after that when il became war OF inyaSs
did more recommended that troops should be aisa
in my own little Stale, and they raisedthey wed
raised in spirit Of patriotismto maintaa the honor
the national flag 1921
But sir in the very first speech ever delivered in h
chamber, said wanted no more territory for this republic
There few who thought with me; few on the olhs
side OF the chamber and believe but myself on this
My voice was but the utterance Of an humble ind
yidual. thought foresaw land look to my speechs
for what say-that these acquisitions would be Id
apple of dscord and it has turned out that they a
The al. H. wzll Ia ,f l.--..IW
They were acquired by WAR, and war is the higha
power that be delegated to exerted by any nation
L is power that like Aaron's rod, swallows upd
the rest From necessity, it must be illimitable in ii
means and unlimited in its ends II may reach cons
quences which never contemplated by the natiss
that waged it. The treaty that terminates il carries viii
il both rights and duties The with Mexico is al
illustration Of all that have said It the first wa
for the conquest of foreign territory that has been wag
by this government and it placed the generals who
Quoted il situation al TO- " , whca might
were too pure to claim them, and the sodiery had too
much OF the home feeling Of the citizen 10 think submit
to the temptations of conquest; they were the growth
the republic and loved il with patriotism that wouR
maintain it. They had. under the laws OF war, the pow
ers OF appropriation not only to kill in battle but 10 take
and confscate property, And what beautiful exhib
ton of our character hatthaf apprehension wu
entertained OF any improper use OF power abroad.
General Scott in the heart of Mexico, with unia
tied power, except such as was imposed by the laws
war; under the laws of nations. And yet, while nun
plant soldery bestowng laurels him, and wha
he making the most even,ful period OF hlstoq
he yielded to the first suggestions Of his government
return home. He had his faults in his complaints to
government bat his reued all that he said
fhe honor OF his country was committed to him; aa
Notwithstanding he felt himself chafed in the apprehensa
that he might be superseded by lieutenant general, he
tinued TO do his duty. History will do him justice And
think that his country would be justified in besloW
ing him the highest ttuiar rank that is known in on
military history both for ms patriotism and MS eondaa
him, though without the willing leglons to support him
he exhibited the virtues OF Camilus
But, sir, should rather speak of the results OF the wa
than the incidents OF its prosecution, the rst ao
my affect the topics involved in this discussion.
These conquests, secured by treaty of peace, haw
been made under the banners and in the name Of III
United Slater. 8rt fs "a go "a
Suppose the southern volunteers had gone and aka
possession Of them, and under the precnce OF an nh
rent right 10 selfgovemment. had organized themsevu
into State; and In Of the articles OF their consh
tuition had said that no one but STAKEHOLDER should bold
Office, or have the franchise of citizen why, sir w
such pretenson. the northern people would have stood
Sscs WHAT sas has Sssn done VIM peculiar po
lation, who did not win the territory, but who have
had preferences from facilities OF emigration, and, Per
haps, also, from the suggestive and moulding lnne
ence OF executive authority, have appropriated II, an
have excluded those who contributed TO win IT, Ihg
have defined limits, made q constitution, and dom
all other acts Of an independent people-of peors
who have 90 far the advantages of progressive %
ciey to claim under title Of being the first faia,
with the further pretension Of excluding whom thr
please and that without the advice, consent or pemn
sion of Congress. Surely, when the cesson made
made to those who had declared the war; and wh
they They the people Of the different sovere
States, through their representative trnsteehe Congs
OF the United States. And, trustee, Congress took
and such must hold II Is resulting consequence
the power clearly conferred by the constitution ina
Congress must take of and govern the Territories ina
have been surrendered 10 Its domnion-subject only
the limitations and controlling influence of equality
and right among the partners who achieved the eonques
Whilst this last view may be somewhat in connlct WV
the opinion OF the distinguished senator from Michigan
whom feel indebted for many profound thoughts an
sound doctrine, that required degree OF rmness
and maintain, nevertheless, they are the docnn
sanctioned by the history of our institutions
And both the history and spirit Of these insltulon
inculcae a prominent idea OF the distinguished gentle
man referred tohat is, under Tree charter OF gove
ment, to allow the people OF Territory to shape he l.
own destiny, 10 have prohibitions TO have no d'Sd
toas, especially to have no Executive influence. bu
surely Congress ought TO give the power of attorney
appropriation, and success will yindcate usurpaion
Sir, dread success II has the fascination OF fortune
and Il takes very stern justice TO resist i-a Jusnd
which honest minority may assert, but which fuo
majority may, and fear will, override.
This question, involving the rights OF the South-ih
volvng the very existence OF her instiiutonscanno
be overlooked in regard to these territorial conques
They serve TO make important part Of the issue oeV
us hope, sir, in looking 10 California, we may moi
like the dog, that IN swapping at the shadow oa
substance. aaF
The old Atlantic States and their sisters have commo
histoy-they were all Saxon. and all were eou9
together by common feeling. We should not wthhoI
the dominion OF laws and constitution IRON mos
who entitled under the treaty of peace TO clam tnem