The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-02-21
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY Ia. 1850.
GENATE

SENaIEs
Quite an interesting debate arose in relation to
the slave trade, upon the presentation of various
memorials and petitions by Messrs Dayton and
Hale.
Mr.. Dayton presented q memorial from the
Society of Friends in New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, and Maryland, praying that the Gov
eminent its influence in the suppression of
the African slave trade. Mr. Dayton said that
the slave trade, so far from being suppressed was
actually increasing The memorialists were the
representatives Of large meeting Of the Society
of Friends at Philadelphia; and they only asked
that Government would extend its power so far
as it might in suppressing the African slave trade
not intending TO sgitate the question of domestic
slavery; and that Government would instruct all
our foreign ministers to use all means in their
power to prevent its increase.
Mr.. King opposed q motion made by Mr.: Day.
ton to refer the memorial to the Committee on
Foreign Relations He had great respect for the
Society of Friends, and thought it dne to them
to say that he believed they never would lend
themselves to such measure as petition for the
dissolution of the Union but he thought the
Government had already done all in their power.
They had not only declared the slave trade pira-
cy and subjected all individuals engaged in it to
tho punishment Of pirates, but they had united
| with England for the purpose Of suppressing it,
WuiCu unu gwen Iioc W uiuCu uVuVio. ~ vac
| better that our Government should act independ-
emily in the matter, free from other Govern
ments. No one believed that slaves were brought
| to the coasts of the United States. There was
| only one instance known of the sort since the
| adoption of the law, and that was at the time OF
the transfer of Florida and the officer who was
suspected was dismissed and prosecuted.
| He suggested that the memorial might be sent
to the Secretary of State, perhaps, but the Com
mittee on Foreign Relations had nothing to do
| with it,
The memorial was referred to the Committee
| on Foreign Relations
Mr. Hale presented fourteen petitions from
| Pennsylvania, and one from New York, praying
for the abolition Of slavery in the District Of Co
lumbia five Of which asked that Congress ny a
change in the Constitution or some other means,
would abolish slavery Throughout the United
States
Also petition signed by AIS women OF DO.
yer, New Hampshire, asking for the abolition Of
slavery in the District of Columbia and the slave
trade within the District and between the States
The motion to receive these petitions was or
dered to lie on the table
Mr. Clay's resolutions, being the special order
of the day, were taken up, and Mr. Davis con-
cluded his speech.
Mr. Douglas moved that the Presidents mes
sage and accompanying document THE Constitu-
ton OF California; be referred to the Committee
on Territories.
This was opposed by Mr.. Foote. He had sub
mitted resolution that all these questions In re-
laion to slavery and ell petitions and other doc
uments in connection Herewith, should be re-
TERED to Select Committee
Mr Clay said he should with great pleasure
vote Ior the proposition to refer the Constitution
csi'iorniA to the Committee on Territories
OUT 'nat IL should be considered separately from
MI o.ner questions; that the Senate should &C,
WIN Is much promptness as was consistent with
cool deliberation; that three or four members
had come all the way from the Pacific, not sup.
posing, when they left their homes. there would
be such obstacles thrown in their way, and tina,
,nese gentlemen were waiting patiently In ths
ioooies ana ne should urge the special consider
alton Of this question alone
Mr. Foote sprang upon his feet instantly, and
expressed profound surprise at the remarks Of
the Senator from Kentucky had changed