The North-Carolinian., 1850-02-23

suoJec OF inquiry whether their COnstltu-
ton admits or excludes slavery from the
proposed State. But he understood Gen.
Cass as going further than this-to the ex-
tent otEg'ving to the people of the Terrific
ries th$ right to exclude slavery during
their territorial existence, and, indeed,
be tore government Of any sort had been es
tab''shed by Congress. He understood
the doctrine as advanced by General Cass
o be that, the occupants of the soil where
no government existed, as in New Mexico
California. Deseret. &C., had the right to
exclude slavery, and against this doctrine
he raised his humble voice aud though
he might stand alone, without one other
would protest against it to the last.
In the late presidential canvass, men of
all parties had assailcd this doc trine. The
wings charged General Cass with enter
tanning these views, and the democrats had
vlndicated him against the charge. The
doctrine was universally denounced by
men OF all parties in the South and now
we were startled with the intelligence that
Gen. Cass and General Taylor both ap
prove It. For himself, no earthly con-
sideration should keep him silent on such
a question: no consideration personal to
no party ties nor political obliga-
tions should seal his lips, when his coun-
try was about to be betrayed and sacritic-
ed. He had denounced this doctrine be-
fore his constituents he now denounced
it before the House. He would not con-
sume time. and prevent other gentlemen
from speaking. by going into an argument
on the subject. II had felt it due to his
own position, to the cause of truth and
justice. to make known, at the first con-
venient moment, that what he condemned
in General Taylor he equally condemned
in General Cass and having done this,
he was satisfied.
Mr. Inge of Ala, then addressed the House up
on the subject of the slavery question in general,
but upon the policy of the administration in
gard to the new territories in particular. He
reviewed the whole policy of sending Thomas
Butler King to California, the instructions given
to him. and to Gen. Riley, prompting the people
of California to hold a Convention-form
and apply for admission, &C., and con-
demned the proceeding unauthorized, and as
palpable wrong to one-half Oft the States.
He concluded by declaring that the south ought
never to abide the Union, should the north pass
the Wilmot proviso. The southern States, he
said, with 100000 miles of territory, and nine
millions Of people, wonld be far better off than
were their ancestors in 1916; and if they had to
fight, they would not have sturder foe to con-
tend with. But, there would be no cause for
civil war, in his opinion. A peaceable separa-
tion could be effected
Without transacting any further business, the
House adjourned
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13.
In the Senate, the petition from l4OO women,
which was debated yesterday, received and
referred to the committee on territories.
The joint resolution from the House limi ting
the expense of collecting the revenue, was
amended and sent back to the House.
number of petitions for the reduction of
postage, and various private favors, were pre-
sented.
The bill to carry into effect the convention
treaty with Brazil, was passed.
a message was received from the President of
the United States, laying before the Senate the
Constitution of California. Mr. Douglass moved
that it be referred to the committee terrific
ries. MIR Benton said he hoped Mr. Clay would
make a motion to refer it to a select committee.
Mr. Clay SAID that although he had no objection
to its being so referred, he did not wish to take
the lead on the subject, and therefore must de-
cline making the motion, Mr. Benton said that
such had always been the disposition made of
such business, and he thought the precedent
should not be departed from.
Mr. Foote moved that the subject be postponed
till to- morrow; which was agreed to.
Mr. Davis of Miss, then addressed the Senate
for an hour in reply to Mr. Clay's speech and re-
solutions, on slavery 10 the territories. Like
those who have preceded him, he will make
two days of it, and finish tomorrow.
The Senate closed doors for short time, in
ecutive session, but opened them again, and Mr.
Foote offered resolution, proposing that the
California constitution be referred to a commit
tee of fifteen Senators, to be chosen by ballot by
the Senate, and that that committee take into
consideration the whole subject of slavery in
the territer les, we'll the admission Of Cali
fornla.
This resolution lies over one day, under the
rule of the Senate. Nothing further done.
In the House, Mr. Burt of S. c.. from the COM
mttee on military affairs, reported back to the
House, with recommendation that it do not
pass, the bill from the Senate refundng to North
Carolina the amount of money advanced, and
furnished to the volunteers of that
State in the Mexican war. The bill there
upon committed to the committee of the whole,
and will be disposed of hereafter.
A message received from the President,
declining to publish the papers called for by the
House, IN regard to British interference on Tigre
Island.
Also message laying before the House the
Constitution of California
Mr. Stanton of Tenn, then made long speech
on the slavery question.
The House then considered and concurred in