Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-03-23


out by express provision of the treaty of Gusdaupe Hdsl
go, by which acquired III the 9th article Of which sipuIs
that until the inhabitants Of this country incorporated init
me unon they shall be maintained and protected in hs
full enjoyment of their liberty and property, spulatou
which we have thus far entirely dsregarded.
But the Inhabitants of California, finding that Congress
mad neglected 10 provide them with Government have
gained for themselves and claim to be admitted into
the Union The question is now submitted 10 us whether
not this demand shall be acceded to.
Before examining this question, allow me 10 say few
10 RELATION TO the manner in which this constitution has
oeen adopted Several gentlemen the other side have SCI
efey censued the people OF California for daring adopt
constitution without having authorized by Congress 10 do
mas been called an act Of rebellion, of revolution,
e"cdment and the President of the United States for
having coun'enanced, having opposed this unwar
proceeding has been charged with being partceps
himself A'A''u aiooe'Non against
In relation to this charge shall merely state that that
strange revolution which consists not in an
asnea uover1ment but in establishing one where none
oeioi anu .nat mat Is singular rebellion which con-
ssls mol 10 opposing or resisting Government but on the
contrary IN rendering an immediate and voluntary Submission
70 ~ 10 swearing allegiance to it. and in soliciting to be al
lowed to participate in its administration =
10 my opinion, sir the people of California have actsd
wisely in peferng government, however irreeuarv CON
stuted to no government al all and the President in af
odlng every encouragement TO the accomplishment Of This
object, has done more than his duty.
II has been than insnuated by several gentlemen
over the way that only this Convention gotten up by
direction Of the President but that the constitution was die
taed by him.
It might be considered sufficient answer to this charge to
state that entirely unsupported by evidence whether in
the official documents that have been laid before us or in the
unofficial accounts we have received from that country But
dence Of positive character
AS regards the origin of this pan, candor compes me to
say mat the merit OF originating belongs exclusively the
late Administration and that it is of the wise and
Judicious measures for which the country is indebted to it.
This Is clearly shown by the official documents transm It.
ted to US BY the President and confirmed by private ac-
counts.
As regards any Interference by the President in the debe
ratons of the Convention that framed the constitution is de-
MED both by himself by the gentleman through whom this
influence said to Fave been exered and am told by the
gentlemen who have been chosen Senators and
hSes, most not all, Of whom members Of the Con-
vention.
And now, let ask how is that the President should
nave had sufficient influence to up this Convention
prescribe to them what sort OF constitution they should adopt
and yet not be able procure the election of single member
IN either House favorable to his administration leave to
who have ingenuity than possess reconcile
this discrepancy.
have doubt therefore, Mr. Chairman, that the Con-
yention that framed this constitution fairly convened and
that the constitution itself fairly adopted at all events it
was rauhed by an overwhelming majority Of the people of Ca
lfornia, q believe than H. 900 out of is OOO1 H
therefore, contain provisions contrary to the constitution
or laws or to the rights and interests the United States
perfectly willing they should live under it. at least until we
shall have provided them with government.
But the question arises shall California be admitted
into the Union with this constitution This very diff
erent question from the first Whether California shall
be permitted o herself is hng-wheher she shall
be permitted IN part to govern another and quite diff
feren thing Let remember, in the first place. that this is
not question between California and the United States
entirely between the States themselves and to be decided ex
cusvey with reference to our interest and convenience
california has PROFESSIONALLY no right to demand adms
sion into this Union. We under obligation we have
given pledge, either expressed implied to admit her.
There in fact such organized political body Cali
fornia There Mexican province of that name which
Inv ltjtndes
of adventures have focked to it only from the United
States but from Europe, from South America om Mexico
from the islands in the Pacific and from the opposite
nen OF ASIA who have taken Of the country and
are helping themselves very unceremonously all the gold
they can pick up. We have, with beraly unparalleled
permitted this but does follow that that
powers privileges? Have they any right to complain il
we refuse to do this Are sufficiently liberal when,
after they have gorged themselves with gold, permit them
either return to their respective homes to remain in the
country and govern themselves -
Viewing the question: then, to be decided excu-
vey with reference to our own interests ask the gentle
men who advocate the admission Of California inform
what possible advantage will derive from her admission
hat end will be promoted by it Are competent
to ourselves without the aid of California Sir,
have yet to hear the first argument in favor Of this measure
and there many against it.
10 the FIRST place, all admit that the proceedings by
which this constitution adopted were, say the least
extremely Irregular The Convention that framed it. not be-
ing authorized by Congress- had legal exstence and the
blank piece of paper They have adopted such boundaries
their State suited their pleasure any one here pre-
pared to whether those boundaries such ought
70 approvei
The Constitution of the United States Cart sec. y de-
,ares, that Representatives shall be apportioned among
he several States according their respective numbers and
provides for enumeration of the inhabitants of each State
With view to this apporiionment. No enumeration has
made of the population of California Is any here
prepared say that she has population of actual bona
esdents sufficient to ente her to admission q State If
here be- he has been fortunate in obtaining information
han have been for have sought obtain it, and the
counts receive very contradictory My opinion is
hat she has that population. At all events if such be
he fact, have evidence of it. Thus, sir We are called
ipon admit into the Union country of yesterday give
much weight the other House the largest State
his Union, and much weight in this body of the
sufficient to enttle her to admission; called upon
u whether she be entitled We called upon not
,ny to put her upon equality with the other States but
1--WE her preference hem since assign her larger
representation than she is entitled to- consent to,
10 this might overlook matters of FORM but cannot sane
i'm proceeding which, my opinion, would be violation
If every principle and departure from every precedent ea
ing the admission of States into the Union their repr
,ensaton this floor.
Why it that certain gentlemen manifest such extreme
anxiety fo- the admission Of California Why that they
aent Of the ordinary forms of legislation that rstad
her entrance Why is it that they will await the sssm-
mites of marriages but rush with indecent haste the lille
gtimae embraces Of their avote How tia, those
very gentlemen who have heretofore prnaciousy opposed
every attempt give California Territorial
striving convert her Suddenly into sovereign State of
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