Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-02-09


OF finding PLAN OF proposing some mode Of accom-
mediation. which should once more restore the blessings
OF concord harmony, and peace to this great country
am not vain enough TO suppose that have been
cesstu in the accomplishment of this object but have
presented scheme, and allow me to saw to honorable
Senators that if they find in that plan anything that is
detective, II they ind IN 1t anything that is worthy of
acceptance, but is susceptible OF improvement by amend
ment, it seems to me that the true and patriotic course
mot to denounce it, but to improve not to reject
without examination any project of accommodation
having Tor its object the restoration OF harmony in this
country but to look att to if be susceptible of Ella
boraon Improvement, to accomplish the object
which indulge the hope is common to all and every
OF u.s. to restore peace and quiet and harmony and
happiness to this country
Sir, when come to consider this subject there were
two or three general purposes which it seemed to me
to be most desirable, ii possible to accomplish The
was settle all the controverted questions arising
out OF the subject Of slavery 1t seemed to me to be
doing very little if settled one question and left other
dlstractng questions unadjusted 1t seemed to me to
be doing but little five stopped one leak only in the
ship State, and left ther leaks capable of producing
danger if not destruction, to the vessel | therefore
turned my attention to every subject connected with
the institution OF slavery, and out of which controverted
questions had sprung to if it were possible or prac-
cable to accommodate and adjust the whole of them.
Another principal object which attracted my attention
was, to endeavor to form such scheme of accommo-
datlon that neither of the two classes of States into
which our countryis so unhappy divided should make
any sacrifice OF any great principle. believe, sir the
series OF resolutions which have had the honor to pre-
|
Sir, another purpose which had in view was this
was aware OF the difference OF opinion prevailing be-
tween these two classes of States l was aware that
whilst portion of the Union was pushing matters "a
1t seemed to me- to the greatest extremity another nor
ton OF the Union pushing them to an opposite and
perhaps not less dangerous extremity 1t appeared to
me, then that if any arrangement any satisfactory ad
ustment could be made of the controverted question be-
tween the two classes of States that adjustment that
arrangement could only be successful and eectual bv
exactng from both parties some concessons-not Of
NOT Of prna pIe at hrto f,o
nlon IN relation to matters OF controversy between them
Sir believe the resolutions which have prepared fulfil
that object believe sir, that you will find upon that
careful, rational and attentive examination Of then,
which think they deserve that neither party in some
OF them make any concession at ALL in others the con-
cesslons OF orbearance mutual; and in the third
place. in reference to the savehodng States there are
resolutions making concessions to them by the opposite
class OF States without any compensation whatever be-
ing rendered by them to the non-slaveholding States
THINK every one OF these characteristics which have
assigned, and the measures which proposed is suscep-
tDe OF clear and satisfactory demonstration by an at
lehlVe perusal and critical examination of the resou-
tons themselves Let take up the first resolution
The lrst resolution, Mr. President as you are aware
relates to California and it declares that California
with suitable limits, ought to be admitted as member
OF TINS unlon without the imposition of any restriction
either to nterdct or to Introduce slavery within her Ii
mts Well, now is there any concession in this reso-
luton by either party to the other? know that gen.
tlemen who come from savehoding States say the
North gets all that she desires but by whom does she
fStiti bocS IL Sct II ny any dcUOn OF congress! LII
slavery be interdicted within the limits of California
mas 1t been done by Congress-by this Government
NO, SIR That Introduction is imposed by California her.
sell AND has 1t not been the doctrine Of all parties that
When State IS about to be admitted into the Union the
state has right to decide for itself whether it will or
VIII not have slavery within its limits!
Here the confusion arising from the pressure OF the
clowo was so great that 1t was with difficulty Mr. c.
could be heard And he suspended his remarks until
the lobbies had been sufficiently cleared to restore ra
storation of order ~
Mr. CLAY resumed. The great principle sir which
was In contest upon the memorable occasion of the in
tfoducton OF Missouri into the Union was whether it
was competent or not competentor Congress to impose
any restriction which should exist after She becane
member OF the Union We who were in favor OF the
admission OF Missouri commended that no such restrc
ton should be imposed. We commended that when
ever she was once admitted into the Union she ha all
1e rights and privileges OF any existing State in the
Unlon ana mat among these rights and privileges
was to decide tor herself whether slavery should or
should not exist within her limits that she had as much
nght to decide upon the introduction Of slavery or
! its apotlon as Ne" ork had right to decide upon
though subsequently admitted, she stood amongst her
peers equally invested with all the privileges that anv
one OF Inc original thirteen States had right to enoy
And So ST. think that those who have been contendno
win SO mnch earnesness and perseverance for the VIII
mot proV!so ought to reflect that, even if thew could
carry their object and adopt the proviso it ceases the
moment any State or Territory to which it was annIi
eabe came to be admitted as member of the Union
why, SIT, no one contends now, no one believes that
with regard 10 those Northwestern States of which the
ordnance OF 1887 appled-Ohio Indiana Illinois and
Michgan-no can now believe but that anv ono Of
those States, it they thought proper to do it. have inst
as nucn right to introduce slavery within their borders
s Sgnla mas TO maintain the existence of slavery
whn hers Then, sir, il in the struggle for power and
empire between the two classes of States decision in
Saorna mas taken place adverse to the wishes of the
o1utnern States IS decision not made by the Gene
ral Government It, decision respecting which thew
can utter no complaint towards the General Govsrny
ment. 1t IS decision made by California herself
Wch Galiforna has unquestionaby the right to make
under the constitution OF the United States There ;s
then, in the first resolution according to the ohs
lions which made some time ago. case where neither
party comedies where the question of slavery neither ts
introduction nor introduction is decided in reference to
the acuon OF this government; and if it has been deci-
oed II mas been by different body-by different now
er-oy California ITSELF who had right to make the de-
clslon
Mr. RESIDENT the next resolution in the series which
nave offered beg gentlemen candidly now TO look at
was aware perfectly aware of the perseverance with
winch the Wilmot provso was in, listed upon, | know
that every one othe free States in this Union without
exception, nad ny ITS legislative body passed resolu
tons nstrucng their Senators and requesting their re-
presenatves to get that restriction Incorporated in anv
territorial government which might be established under
me auspices OF Congress knew how much, the free
STATES had put thelr hearts upon the adoption of tins
measure In the second resolution call upon them to
waive perssng in it, ask Them for the sake of peace
ana IN the spirit OF mutual torbearance other mem
Ders OF the Unon to give upto no longer insist upon
ito see as they must see if their ewes are omen the
dangers which lie ahead if they perzevere in Insisting
uponlt. When called upon them in this resolution TO
40 hls' was not bound to offer, for surrender of
tina favorite principle measure of theirs. some
compensation, not as an equivalent by any means
but some compensation in the spirit of mutual for
bearanee, which, animating one side, ought at the
same time to actuate the other side. Well, sir,
what It that is Offered them? 1t is declaration
OF what characterized, and must still characterize
with great Difference to all those who entertain op-
pose opinions as two truths, will not say incontes-
table, Dut 10 me clear, and think thav nuuht he
regarded as indisputabe truths What are thew
The rst is, that by law slavery longer exists in any
part OF the acquisitions made by from the Republic Of
Mexico; and the others, that in our opinion according
to the probabilities at the case slavery never will te in
PRODUCED INTO any portion of the territories acquired
caration OF what call these two truths equivalent to
the enactment OF the Wilmot proviso. l have heard
this asserted but is that the case? II the Wimot pro-
vso be adopted in Territorial Governments established
over these countries acquired from Mexco it would be
positive enactment, prohibition, an introduction as 10
the introduction Of slavery within them; but with regard
10 these opinions had hoped, and shall still indulge