Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-04-13


forewthout troubling the Senate with any argument in de-
fence vndcaon Of my views upon the right Of petition
distinctly stated that deemed the right Of petition inherent
right of the CITIZEN ndeteasble right Just much the
right Of suffrage right to be forfeited only by crime hold
to be the ndeeasbe right of every human being to petition
higher power. submit myself all applications and all
demands, in private and in pubcle and and in
herent right man specially secured and GUARANTEED un
derstand the constitution, TO every citizen Of this country
therefore present. Of the organs through whom appca
lion must be made to this legislative body every petition that is
submitted to me for that purpose. withhold nome de-
fend and vindicae those which my place defend
and vindicae, and leave without vindicaon defence,
and for future consideration, those which present without
vndcation or defence This is my rule Of action O'her
Senators have different rule They think they have right
and that they bound discriminate between petitions
which they will present this body and those which they
will do not impugn their motives do not assa them
in the least should have lived to but little purpose Mr.
President, long have lived, il had not learned from
my nrmies the obligations of justice and charity to
the motives of Others shall shrink from the perform
of what duty under any circumstances Of censure
go little further in explanation, because shall vote Tor
receiving this petition shall agans the resolution to
reject IT,
Mr.. CLAY, Gin his seat) The motion is to reject the
Prayer Of the petition.
Mr. SEWARD. thank the honorable Senator from Ken
lucky for the information understood it to be motion TO
reject the petition itself
Mr.. SEWARD. am very glad TO receive the explsna-
ton II furnishes occasion which cam WIN great
pleasure and satisfaction, manifest the spirit which entertain
and cherish in regard the constitution and all he nstu
tons Of this country.
have had say heretofore that while believe
that all have natural and naenable rights TO ie o-
ery and the pursuit Of happiness, and thai 1t Is oe nnda
purpose this Government to secure these rights mat
the time such institutions exist among men should
be held and maintained until they can be peaceaby awfu
and consiu-i,nally changed am in favor as have sad
of the emancipation of the slaves IN TINS country, ana 10 al
countries hut as have said before, in favor Of obtain
ing that object only by PEACEFUL lawful and constitutional
means aud where the constitution nerdicts there stop
To this petition and reject its prayer as one that ought
not 10 be granted 10 exact accordance with the course
have before proposed in regard to petitions for dissolution Of
the Union It belongs the States where slavery exists
to abolish there. To and organize the slaves would be
means Of violence TO effect emancipation unconstituonay,
in violation Of State rights.
And now, whatever may be intended for me, here else
where beg honorable Senators to understand this the rule
of my conduct for the future shall sssa the motives
OF any member Of this body. shall defend myself
against any mputaton Of motives made against II such
mpua,ons made, in whatever shape they may come