Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1850-01-25
CoNGREss-IsT SESSION
TUESDAY, JANUARY -, 1850.
SENATE.

Several memorials presented
Mr. Yuec introduced leave bill TO increase tho e
cheney of the navy by retired list. an
Mr. Mason Offered amendment TO the fugitive slave ol
provdng that person obsructing the arrest ot save
shall be held guilty Of msdemeanor; and mat ths 'eso
nv of the fugitive shall not be taken.
Mr. Davis, Of Miss, offered resolution calling ior IN
formation the assembly dispersed from Round Island
Mr. Webster offered resolution declaring mat provls
ion ought TO be made for giving every male citizen or aref
intending become citizen quarter section oil puolic
land subject entry a private sale Tor the puposeoi cut
tiyatnu with power devise the BY VIII, pul not 10
sell it.
Mr. Dickinson from the committee finance, reported
the bill establish branch mint in the city oil New ork
The Senate resumed the consideration OF inc resolution Of
ered by Mr. Fooe declaring that is the duty Of Congress
establish territorial governments for California, Desee
and New Mexico
Mr. Cass resumed and concluded his argument against tho
constittonaity of the Wlmot Troviso He read some e1
tracts from John Quincy Adams diary IN whicn ne pro-
nounces that the constitution of the United States y moral
" and politically vicious nasmuch as II did not proo sa-
very He contrasted the spirit of this denuncation win
that of Gen washngtons Farewell address ana tne pa'f-
The man who thus denounced the constitution OF hs coun
y had held more posts of honor under than any man o
the last century, he then held the second post under the ov
crnment, and soon after held the trst
Mr. Cass concluded his remarks on the constitutional
branch Of the subject The necessity OF settling the question
he urged with much force.
Formerly il had assumed that the power to exclude
slavery from territory existed and that the source from
which it derived was sought for. The Senate VA not
bound bv the political legislation of the Supreme Court
This Senate 10 Judge for itself Of each question Ii tn
oninons of the Supreme Court binding upon us,
might being dlvesed Of all responsibilities abandon ou
seats here The opinions of the Supreme Court poca
subjects all ober opnions-opnions by the way The
were entitled respect, but not binding.
| lie examined the precedent in the action OF Congress
Authority in counties favorable the development was
slow growth. Authority comes from time and use lher
arc bur few instances decisions statute book an
these for the part passed sub sileno and settled no
thing There was dscusson-merey silent legislatio
as to power over territories up TO 1920 There nohn
in precedent preclude reference the constitution
The Missouri controversy brought up the question and
settled but evaded by political expedicnt
compromise was submitted TO- but i, uttered previol
| opinion. Ga.
No man could now observe the of things in the 9o
without seeing in them the danger that the fathe oi III
i country pointed out in his farewell address.
II The resolution passed over.
/ The Desere memorial and constitution were referred
the committee territories.
The bill introduced by Mr. Fooe, for the organization
territories &C. referred hs committee on tsrTitore
Adjourned.