The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-01-11


ought TO receive from the foreign government and
have the means OF his indemnity own hands, that in
the appropriation made there shall be withheld
sented. with the petition hold in my hand, most
ample, full, and satisfactory narrative Of the whole case
from beginning 10 end, and he has fortified his APP
pcaion by an appeal to numerous satisfactory author
tes TO show that in similar the government OF the
country OF the citizen will employ all the means in its
own power to see justice done; although the general
rule undoubtedly is, that when citizen subject con-
tracts with foregn government. he must depend upon
the good faith Of that government for the satisfaction Of
nus clam Bat there are exceptions to that general rule.
of which this s deemed to be AS to the proper refer
ence OF this petition, suppose might 60 10 the Commit
tee on Foreign Relations but the Committee on Finance
toner seeks his Indemnity that il may be best
refer to that committee and ask also thatihc ques
tlon of the pToprley Of printing the petitionwhch is
| ing-be referred to the Committee on Printing
Mr KING would say one word upon this question,
as II s not proposed to refer it to the Committee For
eign Relations. do not know in the history Of this
government solitary case that has occurred where an
individual entering into contract for any purpose what
ever with foreign government has ultimately come 10
Congress in order 10 procure indemnity OF his own gov
enment either by Withholding moneys due to the gov
ernment with which the contract was made. or in any
Now. Sir. understand the case perfectly we'll This
individual employed to ascertain if possible who it
was that had pnrloned the jewels Of Holland great
aass f a e 5en a safi o Hoa.
himself had purloined them, and gambled them away.
This individual expected 10 receive, doubt large
amount, il he should succeed in ascertaining who
the thief, and where the jewels. Ultimately the
thief discovered, Holland, and punished cap
italy there This individual, sir in pursuance Of his
to be paid him, went Holland, order to get that
pensation which it was supposed liberal government
and grateful prince would be ready to bestow was
ultimately offered very pltlfu sum, which he declined
The government OF the United States then instructed
its charge daaires to make an effort by appealing to the
justice and good faith OF Holland, TO procure the pay
lma ant of a Thayf ailad. and pnuv fha hon.
orabe senator from Kentucky introduces memorial
hereto do whatl To take money due TO the govern
ment of Holland to pay the claim OF this individual, pro-
yided Congress shall consider proper claim No.
sir to take money from the pockets OF private indi
viduals in Holland-me who had loaned their money in
good faith to US, expecting to receive it again in good
lime The proposition now is to take the property OF the
individuals to pay the debts OF the prince of the gov
eminent As is not to go to the Committee on Foreign
remarks, in order that the Committee Finance may
understand The true state OF the case.
Mr. CLAY. have doubt, sir, that the senator from
Alabama Mr.. KISG] has laid down the general principle
OF the law of nations correclythat to say, that If an
individual chooses to confde in the faith Of foreign
government and to make contract with that government,
he is bound unquesonaby TO look TO its honor and good
faith for the execution OF the contract stated that
principle myself when was up before. But there are,
may be- exceptions to that rule as there are exceptions 10
is the matter to- be investigated think SIR, that my
friend from Alabama may conclude, when be comes TO
look at the array OF authorities cited In this peon THAI
this in which the exception ought TO be made
IT, he alleges the debt for which we responsible
be debt due TO private citizens. subjects OF Holland,
perhaps have not the right 10 lake their property IN
order to satisfy this claim But am inclined TO think
that portion of obligation is to the government OF
Holland Al any rate that Is matter suitable to be m
vesgated by committee II it be so, as have sup
posed there be doubt that Of this kind may
be put, and meet with favorable consideration Suppose
that the amour, due wa. due not BY the United States
of Holland, so that il could be reached by attach
ment, and suppose that the claim in itself is good,
think there would not be question that Mr. Seely
would have right TO attach any property thus 10 be
reached and to subject them to payment OF his de-
mands and thus TO transfer the account from Holland to
the tribunals Of his own country But nasmnen as tins
private deb-I know not how il slihai is matter to
be investigated by the he cannot resort TO
attachment the United States cannot be made party
any such suit is therefore that he thought proper to
come to Congress- no part OF the debt belongs TO the
government OF Holland. do not believe that should
disagree with the conclusion OF the chairman OF the
Committee on Foreign Relations, Mr. kNc.l that
we could not advance Mr.. Seely money, and take
j from debt due sslely and alone i, to citizens citizens
Of il is due TO Holland. AT all events. what have
stated and what has been stated by the senator from
Alabama are sufficient 10 show hs, The mailer should
should go to the Committee OF Foreign Relations but the
suggestion before stated, in consequence OF the matter
being already before the Committee on Finance, induced
me 10 make that motion hope there will be no oppo.
ston TO its taking that course
The petition was accordingly referred to the Committee
on Finance.
The motion 10 print was referred TO the Committee on
Printing
SLAVERY.
The VICE PRESIDENT stated the business before
the Senate TO be the motion TO print the following resou
tons Of the legislature OF Vermont. presented by the sen
a:or from that State, tMr UPHAM:l
Raoived BY s Senate and House Of Representatives. Thai
slavery s crime against humanity, and sore evil in the
body poo that excused by the trainers OF the federal
crime entaed upon the country by their
predecessors and toerated solely thing Of nexorsble
Rssoipsd That the so-oaled com promises OF the oons
tuon restrained the federal government from inefierence
with slavery only the States In which II then existed
and from inererence with the slave trade only tor limited
time which has long expired and that the powers
conferred Congress by the contribution 10 suppress tne
rade regulate commerce between the states, 70
govern the Territories, and TO admit new Satespowers
conferred with express intention 70 iorm more per
feet union establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility
provide lo the defence promote the general we
are the blessings OF liberty 10 Ourselves and our
posrritynay all rghtfuy be used 80 as 70 prevent the
OF slavery into territory now ree ana 20 aoosn
slavery aud the slave trade wherever either exists under
the Jurisdiction OF Congress.
Rssoip,d, That and representatives, IN Con
gres be requested resist by all and constitutional
the extension Of slavery IN any manner whether py
or by the admission 10 Union Of territory aleady 40
quirsd, which be hereafter acquired without az
express prohibition OF slavery, either In the constitution o.
each State asking admission, or IN the act OF Congress
providing for such admission.
Rssoiped, fsrfhs That senators and representatives
la Congress be requested support avery Just and pfuden
measute for the eScu Ion OF slavery from The DISTRICT OF
Colnnbia Tor the entire suppression OF the slave uaue on
and generally relieve federal government from all
sponsiby tor the existence, maintenance, tolerance OF
slavery, or the traffic Va slaves.
Rnoiped JIthr, THAI our senators IN Congress be ~.