Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-05-06
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MASSACHUSETTS,

The following resolves have passed both branches of
the Massachusetts Legislature:
Whereas the people Of Massachusetts,, acting under
solemn sense OF duty have deliberately and repeatedly
avoWed their purpose to resist the extension of slavery
into the National Territories, the admission of new
slave States into the Union and for these ends apply
in every practical mode, the principles ofthe Ordinance
OF 1885 ALSO to seek the abolition OF slavery and the
slave trade in the District of Columbia and the with
drawal OF the power and influence of the General Co.
vernment from the support of slavery, far as the same
may be constutionsy done; and whereas, the impor-
tant questions now before the country, make desirable
that these convictions should be rearmed Therefore,
ResolUed, That the people of Massachusetts earnest
ly insist upon the application by Congress- of the ord
nance OF lis| with all possible sanctions and soemni
ties of law to the Territorial possessions OF the Unon
In all parts OF the continent, and for all coming time.
Resolned, That the people of Massachusetts cherish
the Union with undated attachments that they will
support the Constitutions that approaching the nestma
Bile benefits flowing from it, they believe it better for all
parties and sections with reference to any existing evils
to wait and work patiently under and through the Con-
stitution, than destroy it; and thew have no doubt
that they hold these sentiments in common with over
whelmng maoritles OF the people of these United
States but in any event. they will follow their princi-
PIES deferred by no threats OF dsunion and fear of
consequences.
Resolued, That the integrity and permanence Of
American power on the Pacific Ocean, the increase OF
our commerce and wealth. the extension of our nstitu-
tlons and the cause OF human freedom this continent
require the immediate admission OF California into this
Union, with her present Constitution without reference
to any other question or measure whatever.
Resolued That the sentiments of the people of Mas
sachusetts expressed in their legal enactments in
relation to the delivering up of fugitive slaves, remain
unchanged; and, inasmuch the legislation necessary
TO give effect to the clause of the Constitution relating
to this within the exclusive Jurisdiction of Con-
gess we hold to be the duty OF that body to pass
such laws only. in regard thereto, will be sustained
by the public sentiment of the free States, where such
laws to be enforced and which shall especially Sc
to all persons, whose surrender may be claimed as
having escaped from labor and service in other States
the right of having the validity of such claim deter
mined by jury in the State where such claim is made
ReSolved That the people of Massachusetts, in the
maintenance OF these, their well known and nvincible
principles expect that all their officers and representa-
ves will adhere to them, all times on all occasions
and under all circumstances.
Resolued That his Excellency, the Governor, be re-
quesed to transmit copy Of these resolutions to each
OF the Senators and Representatives OF Massac husetts
in the Congress OF the United States