The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-05-16
THE VOICE OF MASSACHUSETTS.

The following resolves have passed both branch
es of the Massachusetts, Legislature:
Whereas the people of Massachusetts, acting
under n solemn sense Of duty, have deliberately
and repeatedly avowed their purpose to resist the
extension of slavery into the National Terrific
ries the admission of new slave States into the
Union, and, for these ends, 10 apply in every
practical mode the principles of the Ordinance Of
1887 also, to seek the abolition of slavery and
the slave trade in the District of Columbia, aud
the withdrawal of the power and influence of the
General Government from the support of slavery,
so far as the same may be constitutionaliy done;
and whereas the important questions now before
the country Ihaket desirable that these conyic-
tons should be reafiirmed Therefore,
ResOiped, That the people of Massachusetts,
earnestly insist upon the application by Congress
of the Ordinance of 1887, with all possible sane
tiens and selemnities of law to the territorial pos
sessions of the Union in all parts of the con-
tinent, and for all coming time.
Rssolped, That the people Of Massachusetts
cherish the Union with undated attachment /;
that they will support the Constitution that, APP
preciatng the inestimable benefits flowing from
it, they believe it better for all parties and
tions, with reference to any existing evils to wait
and work patiently under and through the Con-
stitution, than to destroy it and they have no
doubt that they hold these sentiments in common
with overwhelming majorities of the people Of
these United States but, in any event, they will
follow their principles, deferred by no threats Of
disunion and no fear Of consequences.
Resolred, That the integrity and permanence of
American power on the Pacific Ocean, the in
crease of our commerce and wealth, the extension
of our institutions, and the cause of human free
dom on this continent, require the immediate adj
mission OF California into this Union, with her
present Constitution, without reference to any
other question or measure whatever.
Resoiued, That the sentiments of the people Of
Massachusetts,, as expressed in their legal enact
ments, in relation to the delivering up of fugitive
slaves, remain unchanged; and inasmuch as the
legislation necessary to give effect to the clause Of
the Constitution relating to this subject Is within
the exclusive jurisdiction Of Congress, we hold It
to be the duty of that body TO pass such laws only
In regard thereto Ms will Two saotatucu ey tho put-
lie sentiment of the free States, where such laws
are TO be enforced and which shall especially Sc
| cure 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 determined by jury in the State
| where such claim is made
Resolped, That the people of Massachusetts,, in
the mRintainance Of these their well-known and
nvincible principles expect that ell their officers
and representatives will adhere to them, at all
times, on all occasions, and under all circum-
stances
Resolped, That his Excellency the Governor be
requested to transmit copy Of these resolutions
TO each of the Senators and Representatives Of
Massachusetts, in the Congress of the United
States