The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-09


Government to answer the ends for which it
established, he said, was rapidly giving way. The
first STEP he said towards the abolition OF slavery
was in the ordinance of 1857. The next was the
passage Of the Missouri Compromise act, which the
North now discard With regard 70 the restora
ton Of fugitive slaves the North are in open viola
ton to the Constitution of the United States
design aioat to restrict slavery to its pre-
| sent limits, with a view ultimately Of abolishing
slavery in the States All parties at the North ia
vor non-extension and the representatives from
that section vote for the Wilmot proviso, and are
in favor Of the admission Of California as State,
because she comes here with the Wilmot proviso
engrafted on her socalled fundamental law; and
her admission becomes part of the scheme of nom
| extension The time has arrived when the ques-
ton must be decided how far written constitutions
can protect the rights OF the minority against the
tyranny OF a reckless majority.
He referred To past history TO show that the States
entered into the Union with the express under
standing that they could resume their original
power whenever it was made use of to their injury
and that the breach Of the Constitution by any
party loft them at liberty to secede, yet, at the
same time, the right OF resistance was affirmed.
There must be veto power against aggression
somewhere. II the President refuses to exercise
1t, the minority must exercise it themselves. He
indicated the rights of the South and opposed the
admission Of California, which would cut of the
South forever from the Pacific.
Mr.. JOHNSON, Of Kentucky, recognised the
right of State to say whether slavery should
should not exist within her borders; but he did not
circumstances before gentlemen had time to read
her constitution. He had objections to her adms
sion, but If they could organize suitable govern
ments for the remaining territory, he would be
willing to surrender his objections on a common
compromise question: settle the difficulties which
now agitate the country. He argued that the in
terdiction OF slavery in the Territories would be
contrary to the powers othe Constitution the States
being equals in dignity and rights. The South de-
manded the right to go to the Territories with
their slaves until the people form State govern
ments and apply for admission into the Union.
Gentlemen from the North have il in their power
to compromise the questions. Several have already
manfested their intention to do 30. If others Join
them in this the difficulties will be dissipated in
an hour, and Congress need not remain in session
a month He had confidence in the PRESIDENT but
ne was for eiecting Immediately what the Presi-
dent thought time can accomplish. He wanted to
know, before California was admitted, whether the
Wilmot Proviso was to be applied to the Terrific
ries or not. If gentlemen are determined to vote
California into the Union and then take the lions
share, by appropriating the remainder of the Terri
tory, they will have to get California in without
southern votes. The South do not ask the North
to vote for the extension of slavery; they only
| ask that New Mexico may do what California has
been permitted to do. He preferred the Missouri
compromise line for an adjustment, but this will
not be assentcd to by the North. Next TO this, he
would admit California, and provide territorial
governments for the remainder of the Territory.
Let the people there settle the question of slavery
preparatory to admission as States into the Union
In conclusion, he showed that the cry of dissou-
ton has been fostered in the bosom of northern
Abolitionists; and that Kentucky devotedly
attached to the Union. Not until the fanatics had
dshonored her would she raise the flag of dsunion
When hoisted, she would fight under it.
The Committee rose, and the Speaker resumed
the chair.
NEW MEXICO AND TEXAS.
Mr. KAUFMAN asked leave to introduce the
following resolutions, which were read for informa-
tion viz:
Whereas n annears from n nnbcat;on in The
Washington Republic, that James s. Calhoun, In
dian agent, instead of attending solely to his duties
as such Federal officer is endeavorng to incite the
people of Santa Fe and vicinity to form State in
derogation Of the claim of Texas to said terrific
ry; and
Whereas the interference of said officer is i'm
proper-therefore
Resoved, That the President of the United States
be requested inform this House whether such in
reference the part Of the said Indian agent is
without Executive approval
Resolped, That the President be requested to in
form this House whether any of the officers of the
Government have been instructed by him, or by
the Secretary of War, TO prejudice the claims of
Texas to Santa Fe, by melting the people Of that
place and vicinity TO form State government
Resolved That the President be requested to in
form this House whether any Of the instructions is
sued by the previous administration TO the militia
ry officers of Santa Fe, to support the jurisdiction
Of Texas said territory, have been annulled or
modified by this Administration; and also whether
the proclamation Of Lieut. Col. Bcall, calling the
convention that met at Santa Fe on the Oath Sep
tember, l649, 10 form a territorial government,
was sanctioned by this Government; and, if so, to
furnish the House with copy of the order sane
tioning the same.
Objection being made,
Mr.. KAUFMAN moved suspension of the rules;
but the motion was disagreed TO.
Mr.. POTTER asked and obtained leave TO intro
duce bill from the Committee on the Post Office
and Post Roads, for the relief Of the Wilmington
and Raleigh Railroad Company; which was referred
TO the Committee Of the Whole on the state Of the
Union.
THE FRAsKISe NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. or POSTAGE.
Mr. CONGER asked leave 10 introduce the fol-
lowing resolution, viz:
Resolped That the Committee on the Post Office
and Post Roads be, and they hereby instructed
10 report TO this House. with as little delay as prac
ticabe, bill to abolish the ranking privilege and
for the reduction Of postage 10 the uniform rate,
when prepaid, Of two cents on letters weighing no
more than one half ounce each. and ive cents when
not prepaid; also providing that all newspapers
within the county Of their publication, or the dis
lance Of thirty miles OF the same may be received
through the mails, by actual subscribers, free of
postage.
Mr. CoNGER objection being made) moved
suspension Of the rules.
Mr. POTTER said that the Committee on the
Post Office and Post Roads had the subject under
consideration, and would shortly make a report.
The gentleman from New York now proposed 10
take the sense Of the House. He would suggest
that vote upon the resolution be deferred until
there shall be n larger attendance OF members. He
was Of the opinion that majority in favor Of
the reform, and said the committee would report
when the House we're ready 10 receive the bill pre-
pared.
without taking the question,
The House adjourned
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