The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-04-09
CONGRESSIONAL
SPEECH OF mR. SHIELDS.

Oa the Territorial Question:; delivered "a the Aeadte
Friday, iPra 5, 1850.
The Senate having under consideration the resolutions
some time since submtie by Nj BELL which Mr. FooTi
moved TO refer to select connltce OF thirteen
MIR SHIELDS said.
Mr. PREsIDESr. Ii was not my intenton when thin
not the vanity 10 suppose that anything could ,sa,
wond contribute in the slightest degree TO the work q
scneiaiion; and itl eArsnely anxious, i eoglf
Jury But, sir, lhe discussion has become 50 general
and so many have participated in H. that fear, II re-
main any longer silent, my silence may be msconsrued
self and my constituents 10 make few explanatory OBJ
seryaions; and promise that these observations will be
the honest convictions OF my mind
The Senate, sir, has hardly yet recovered from the
effects Of its recent great loss Death has bereayed this
body OF one OF Its most illustrious members This be.
eayement will be long felt in this Senate and in every
CITY, town, and hamlet throughout this broad land from the
Aapc. lhe Rasi6e sas oS the great lgts
81 This continent has just been exngushed one oil the
most brilliant stars OF our political galaxy has disappear
red The star that shed its lustre not only the proud
and noble State OF South Carolina, but on this whole
country, has been removed from our sight, translated
trust to higher and parer region. to shine in brghtel
frmament Sir, il is with feelings subdued and deepened
BY this sad event that enter this morning upon the sim
pie and humble duty OF defining my position, and ex-
planning the motives that will govern my future action in
this body upon the delicate questions now under consd
eration
The Stale Of Illinois, which have the honor in part 10
represent has thought proper 10 give instructions or
my guidance and government the subject OF slavery in
the Territories recognise the full right Of my State to
give such Instructions and consider it TO be my duty
as one Of the senator's from that State to obey them
as political trust which 1t is my duty 70 discharge
in good faith. il can do so without any violation Of
the constitution OF my country. The resolutions
Of the legislature Of Illinois instruct to for the
application OF the Wilmot Proviso TO all the Territories
quired BY the late war with Mexico These resolutions
lconsde Institutional, and, such, is my duty TO
obey them. In my humble opinion, the Congress OF the
United States has full power and authority govern all
the Territories, including the District Of Columbia in all
respects whatsoever including the introduction and the
exclusion Of slavery, subject Limitation restric
ton except that contained in the constitution OF the Uni
ted States In other words believe that Congress can
exercise all governmental control the Territories
which is not in conflict with the provisions o the
siluon cannot understand the argument have heard
urged in this chamber, that Congress can declare war,
country and people the United States, and YET that it
has power 10 govern them alter they have been
nexed Upon this principle, Congress can destroy gov
ernmen but cannot replace it, annex people, but
cannot govern hem can regulate territory, but cannot
regulate the peoples govern the land and the habita
lions, but cannot govern the Inhabitants OF the Terrific
es Sir, there Is something so ncomprehensble IN this
argument, something unreasonable in this proposition
that cannot believe it, accept IT. the authority OF
any man, however distinguished as statesman. But
do not wish TO pursue this argument any further have
merely alluded to this matter for the purpose OF declaring
that regard the instructions constitutional and thai
my duty, as well as my determination. to obey them
Sir, in saying this, do not wish to be understood
laying down any rule Tor the government oil others in
similar cases Imerely wish 10 prescribe rule in this
particular case for my own goyernment--and that Is, to
obey constitutional instructions, or resign This, take
it, is good, honest old fashioned, democratic rule, upon
which can stand and act with honor and safely.
twill be readily perceived that this restriction upon
my action will prevent me from giving my support TO the
resolutions now under consideration, 10 any compro.
mise on the question OF slavery in the Territories am
little AFRAID OF ths Committee OF thirteen, anyhow.
hardly think can do any good and am afraid II may
do much injury. In my opinion, the mind OF every
Der OF this Senate has been long made up on all these
Questions great senatorial committee like this will
excite great public expectation and il this expectation be
Disappointed the effect may be extremely pejudical.
Mr. FOOfE, Gnerposng) wish 10 make one single
suggestion TO my honorable end that he has misunder-
stood the motion which have had the honor TO present
compromise is not mentioned; adjustment is the
word; and. if he is in favor of adjusting the questions
he must 20 for the motion.
Mr. SHIELDS. Well, sir, | am not 80 critical per
hsps in my knowledge OF words as my honorable friend
from Mississippi, and viii change the word compromise
for the word adjustment However in acting under the
instructions OF my State, am determined 10 act IN
good faith; and therefore cannot support the propo-
alion of my honorable friend from mississippi Tor
any OF The propositions OF compromise now before the
Senate But, sir, while this is the case, am far from
thinking that Is my duty as senator from Illinois,
knowing do the spirit and patriotism OF the people OF
that State, TO stand here IN my place and wage OF
herce denuncaon against this and every other proposition
which may have been maured and brought forward by the
highest minds OF tins body for the settlement and adjust.
Of our unfortunate difficulties il would be especially
unworthy OF me, who have been the recipient OF the
generous, though perhaps unmerited, sympathy OF this
whole country 10 contribute my puny efforts in this body
10 widen the breach between the North and the South,
and 10 excite The passions and peudces OF section
OF this great country against another think ought 10
be one Of the last OF living 10 be guilty of such
duct.
Sir, have northern men and southern men stand
together, shoulder 10 shoulder, many struggle have
northern and southern blood mingled on many field
have northern and southern follow the glorious
standard oil common country to common victory and
10 many victory And with all these rccolecuons still
around me, would consider myself criminal to take ad
vantage OF position 10 excite hate and
ty between brethren OF the country, having the
glorious history, and the same common destiny,
the Pride in the past and the same hope for the
futures especially as sincerely believe that the very
now engaged in this unfortunate controversy would to-
morrow, necessary unite 10 common struggle for their
common country against hostile world. SIR, have no
sympathy, communion Of feeling, with those men
who employ their energies in exciting and maddening
one portion OF their countfymen against another have
seen and felt the ruin and wreicnedness that have fol-
lowed the success OF such unhallowed efforts in other
The OF such efforts here. Yes cir, the full and
complete Of these unhoy efforts here would be
The ruin Of this republican government the destruction oil
The great temple oi American liberty
Mr. President, regret to say that the proceedings OF
Congress during the present session have been charac
erized by extraordinary passion and excitement Grim
nanons, nveeves and personalities, have too often dis
nsuied our debates and have threatened on some
occasions to bring us into angry personal collision These
are omnous indications in the American Congress, and
Ianlculary IN an American Senate, which has been
ormy distinguished heretofore for the dignity popety,
and decorum, OF It's proceedings But sir not only here
pu nrougnou, 'ne whole county, the indications seemed
state Of perfect apathy while the South was in state OF
furious excitement The North was siorifv;no thc vir