Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-02-09
THE SLAVERY QUESTION.
MR.. CLAWS COMP ROMISE
LIZ SrNATE EEp,v i 1GSn


IN SENATE, FEB'Y 5, 1850
Mr.. MANGUM / move that the Senate now nroceed
the consideration OF the special ORDER being the
lutions proposed by the Senator from Kentucky.
The motion was agreed to, and the Senate proceeded
to the consideration Of the following resolutions:
1t being desirable, Tor the peace, concord and har
mony OF the Union of these States to settle and adjust
amcably all existing questions OF controversy between
them, arising out OF the institution Of slavery upon
tar, equitable and just basis Therefore,
lst ReSotUed That California with suitable bounda-
RES, ought, upon her application, to be admitted OF
the States OF this Union, without the imposition by Con-
gress OF any restriction in respect to the exclusion or
introduction OF slavery within those boundaries
I'd ReS0IUed, That as slavery does exist by law
and is not likely to be introduced into any Of the ter
rtory acquired by the United States from the Republic
OF Mexico, it is inexpedien for Congress to provide by
law either Tor its introduction its exclusion from any
part of the said territory and that appropriate Territorial
Governments ought to be established by Congress in all
the said territory not assigned the boundaries of the
proposed State of California, without the adoptjon oil
any restriction condition the subject of slavery
Sd. ResolUed, That the western boundary OF the
State OF Texas ought be fixed on the Rio del Norte
commencing the marine league from its mouth, and
running up that river to the southern line of New Mex
thence with that line easwardly and SO continuing
in the same direction to the line established between
the United States and Spain, excluding any portion
New Mexico whether lying on the east or west OF thai
river.
~ 4th Resoued That it be proposed to the State o.
Texas that the United States will provide for the paw
ment OF all that portion of the legitimate and bona fdt
public debt OF that State contracted prior to its
ton to the United States and for which the duties on
Gfegn imports were pledged by the said State to its
ditorss not exceeding the sum OF s., in considera-
ton OF the said duties pledged having been no longer
applicable to that object after the said annexation bu
having thenceforWard become payable to the United
states ana up the condition also that the said State
OF texas shall, by some solemn and authentic act
ner Legislature, OF convention relinquish to the
United States any claim which it has to any part O
5th Resoloed, That it is nexpedient to abolish slave
ny in the District of Columbia whilst that institution
continues to exist in the State OF Maryland without the
consent OF that State, without the of the peo-
pie OF the District, and without Just compensation to the
owners OF slaves within the District
otn put resolued, That it is expedient to prohibit
within the District the save-rade in slaves brought into
II from states or places beyond the limits of the Dis
trct, either to be sold therein merchandise or to be
transported to other markets without the District OF
Columbia.
7th Resolued, That more effectual provision ouobt
to be made by law, according the requirement OF The
constitution iorthe restitution and delivery OF persons
bound to service or labor in any State who may
to any other Stale or Territory in the Union.
| And 9Th Resolped, That Congress has no power TO
prohibit or obstruct the trade in slaves between the
sayehodng States; but that the admission or exclusion
OF slaves brought from one into another of Them de-
pends exclusively upon their own particular laws
Mr.. CLAY. Mr.. President, never on anv former oc-
cason have risen under feelings of such painful solicit
tude have witnessed many periods of great anxiety.
o. peril ana OF danger In tins country but have
before risen to address any assembage oppressed
appalled, and so anxious and, sir, hope will! not be
out OF place TO 90 here what again and again have
done In my private chamber, to nplore of Him who
holds the destines OF nations and individuals in his
hands, to bestow upon country his bessing-to be-
stow upon our people his blessing TO calm the violence
and rage OF party, to still passion, allow reason once
too, sir, to bestow his humble servant now before
nm the blessing OF his smiles, and of strength and abb
llty to perform the work which lies before him? Sir
have said that have witnessed other anxious periods in
md |
PRESIDENT to trace to their original source the cause of
all our present dangers, difficulties and distraction.
should ascnoe It to the violence and inemperance of
party spirit. To party spirit Sir in the progress of
TINS session we have had the testimony of two Senators
here, who, however they may differ on other matters
concur IN the existence OF that in originating the
unhappy differences which prevail throughout the conn
try the subject of the institution of slavery Partas
In their endeavors to obtain the one the scendancy
over the ohe catch at every passing floating plank in
order to add strength and-power to each We have We
been told, by the two Senators to whom have referred
tnat each OF the parties at the North, in its turn has
moved and endeavored to obtain the assistance Of
small party called Abouonists, in order that the scale
IN Its favor might preponderate against that OF it's ad
Versary And all around us, every where we see too
many evidences OF the existence Of the spirit and in
temperance OF party might go to other legislative
Dodles than That winch is assembled in Congress and I
might draw from them illustrations of the melancholy
truth upon which am dwelling, but need not pass out
OF this Capitol itself lsayit sir with ali Difference and
respect to that other portion of Congress assembled in
the other wing Of this CAPITOL but what have we wit
messed there During this very session one whole week
has been exhaused-l think about week-in the vain
endeavor to elect a doorkeeper of the House
Here there was gre at confusion arising from the
continued pressing forward OF the crowds who thronged
the galleries, the obbies and the floor of the chamber
SO much SO as almost to drown the voice of the homo
rable speaker
MIR. Cas- Will the Senator give way until order is
restored? N0' -
| Mr.. CLAY resumed his seat.
The VICE PRESIDENT The Sergeant at Arms will
see that the the Hoor At,
Mr. FooTE 1t is to be hoped that the disorderly will
be aueted, m N''' VIII
MIR. BADGER The noise arises from those persons
who are collected outside in the ant-room and who,
not beng able to getin and hear themselves to be
resolved SOY q, that nobody else shall hear.
The VICE PRESIDENT directed the Sergeant at rms
to clear the outer obbes of the crowd and order being
In some degree restored
Mr.. CLAY resumed. And, Mr.. President, what was
the question in this struggle elect doorkeepera II
was not as to the man to the qualities of the man or
who best adapted to the situation 1t was whether
the dookeeper entertained opinions upon certain great
national measures coincident with this or that side of
the House. That was the sole question which nrevent
ed the election OF doorkeeper for about the perod of
week. Sir, make repoaches-none. TO either
portion OF that House Estate the fact and state the
TACT to draw from the conclusion and to express tbe
hope that there will be endeavor to check the vio
lence OF party.
Sir, what vicissudes do not pass through in this
short mortal career OF ours9 Eight years, or nearly
looh my leave Hnaly, and. SIM
posed, forever from this body At that time did upt
conceive OF the possibility Of ever again returning to it.
And my private wishes and particular inclnatons and
the desire during the short remnant Of my days to re-
main in repose and quiet could have prevailed YOU
would never have seen me occupying the seat which
now occupy upon this floor The Legislature of the
State to which belong unsolicited By me, chose ' to
designate me tor this station and have come here sir
IN obedience to sense of stern duty, with no personal
objects, no private views now or hereafter to craft,
know sir, the ea ousies the fears the apprehensons
which are engendered by the existence Of that party
spirit to which have referred but if there be in nv
hearing now out ofths cap ol, any one who homes
in his race for honors and elevation for higher honos
and higher elevation than that which he NAV occupv
beg him to bell We that l. at least will never oste
him in the pursuit Of those honors that elevation.
beg him to be perfectly persuaded that, if my wishes
prevail, my name shall never be used in competton
with his beg to him that when my services is
terminated in this body my mission, so far as respects
the public affairs of this world and upon this earth is
closed, and closed if my wishes prevail forever But,
sir, is impossible for be blind to the facts which
are daily transporting before 1t is impossible for us