Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1851-12-20
The Compromise Measures.


ssslppI:
Ret RESOLVED, That the series of measures en-
braeed in the acts entitled g An act proposing to
the State of Texas the establishment of her Nor
thern and Western boundaries the REIMBURSEMENT
BY the said State of all her territory claimed by
her exterior to said boundaries, and of all her
claims upon the United States, and to establish
territorial government for New Mexico" approved
September g. 1850 90 An act for the admission
of the State of California into the Union," ap-
proved September 8, 1850; g An act to establish
a territorial government for Utah." approved
September 9, 1890 An act to amend and sup
Elementary to the act entitled An act respecting
fugtives from Justice, and persons escaping from
the service of their masters" (apProyed Febru-
AIRY 12, 1898 approved September 49, 1880
and An act to- suppress the slave trade IN the
District of Columbia" approved September ~,
1850 commonly known as the "CempromlSe acts,
are, in the judgment OF this bouy' enIltled 10 De
recoynized as a definite adjustment and settlement
of the dstracting questions growing out OF the
system of domestic slavery, and such that said
measures should be acquiesced in and respected by
all good citizens.
Mr.. Foote modified his resolution, by adding
thereto the words and faithfully Observed
He thought it proper and just, as well as desi-
rable, that both Houses of Congress should make
some such declaration as that proposed by the
laration made by the President, in annual mes
sages, that " the series OF measures to which |
have alluded are regarded by a settlement,
in principle and substance-a final Settement-ot
the dangerous and exciting subjects which they
embraced
His resolution had already been misrepresented,
and his motives in offering it revIed and traduced
This had been done by GER ain papers which he
seldom saw, and BY persons who would receive no
h. ,1n da
sire to return revilement for revilcment. He had
sufficient self-respect to feel more than contempt
for the attacks of a degraded press, whether they
came from North or South OF Mason and Dixon's
line. He thought the effect produced by such pa
pers was but very Slight upon honorable men.-
Judging from the recent success which had met his
efforts elsewhere, he satisfied that wicked men
in all quarters were his enemies. He expected to
be misrepresented, and that what he had to say
to-day would be misstated and, to guard against
any thing of that kind, he had done what he had
seldom done, reduced his remarks to writing
No person, he supposed, was disposed to ques
ton the propriety OF the Presidents declaration
in his Message, that he regarded the series OF
measures which had been adopted : a final set
Element in principle and substance of the danger
Gus and exciting subjects which they embraced
Tie was prepared to show that there existed strong
err reasons for Congress make such a declaration
than could be supposed TO have influenced the Ex-
ecutive
Il was known that the number opposed to these
measures at the time of their passage was not con-
tempnble, and that number has not been dmin-
Shed to the extent that certain Oyer-SanguIne per-
sons imagine. 1t was certain that armed oppoSi
ton had been made to portion of that series
OF measures, and that serious opposition has been
contemplated elsewhere. Factous persons have
been engaged in attempts to infame the public
mind in some of the States of the Union. Great
and perSevering efforts have been made In the free
States by small politicians and agitatorS against
the law for the recovery of fugitives from labor,
and scenes of bloodshed and violence have oc-
Cured
Movements have taken place in some Southern
States the tendency of which has been to establish
relations of permanent hostility between the people
of the North and South.
He entertained the confident hope that those
measures would ultimately receive fair apprecla-
ton at the hands of his countrymen, both North
and South of Mason and Dxon'S line and he be
leved his countrymen were every day becoming
more and more satisfied with them. He believed
however, that there was still something to be done
by Congress to reconcile that feeling which long
course of agitation has engendered
Coming as Senators did from all quarters of the
Republic they could have objection to report
the state of public opinion on this question among
their respective constituencies, and be hoped they
were prepared by their votes upon thlS resolution
to aid in the restoration of feelings Of fraternal af
lection necessary for the existence of this ma
ton.
He did not expect the resolution to be unani-
mously adopted by Congress. He was aware that
there were gentlemen in both Houses committed to
perpetuate agitation, and who would be unwilling
by resolution or otherwise to sacrifice their local
popularity and personal ambition. But he hoped
it would be supported by such large number OF
both Houses as TO give assurances to the whole
country that no successful opposition can be given
to the settlement, or any part of 1t.
He had no. brought this measure forward
party man though from early age 20 his line an
nhexble adherenJ to the Democratic party, he
would any proposition to blend the interests
OF party with this movement.
He had in view the attainment of higher ends
than the advancement of mere party purposes
he would think it unsafe to rely on party votes fol
the adoption of any measure of this kind.
1t was known that both parties at the North
were touched with Free-soilism He had hoped
ON his arrival here to find the Democratic and
Wing parties prepared to repudate all association
with faction and its members He had hoped tC
find the Democratic party bound by no alliance
with men pledged to resist the laws and to keep
alive agitation. For one, he was resolved to hold
no political fellowship with any party or set of men
whose principles not in unison with those Of
the great body of patriots whom he now represen-
ted on this floor. These sentiments and principles