The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-19
DEFERRED DEBATE,
IN SENATE MoSDAy, Dec. Is, 1851.

IN SENATE MONDAY, Dec Is, 1851.
THE COMPROMISE MEASURES.
the following resolution
"a resolution declaring the measures of adjust
noent to be definite settlement of the questions
growing out of the system of domestic slavery.
Be 1t resoiped That the series of measures en-
braced in the acts entitled "An act proposing to
the State Of Texas the establishment of her north
ern and western boundaries, the REIMBURSEMENT
by the said State of all territory claimed by her
exterior to said boundaries and of all her claims
upon the United States and to establish terrific
rial government for New Mexico" approved Sep
TENDER 9, 1850; Gan act for the admission of the
State of California into the Union,' approved
September ., 1850; "An act to establish terri
toria government for Utah, approved September
9, 1850; Gan act to amend and supplementary to
the act entitled An act respecting fugtives from
Justice, and persons escaping from the service of
their masters, ;" (approved February ~ 1882
approved September lSi 1850 san act to sup
press the slave trade in the District of Columbia, -
approved September 20, l550-commonly known
as the Compromise Acts''-are, in the Judgment
of this body, entitled to be recognised as a deini-
tive adjustment and settlement of the distractng
questions growing out of the system of domestic
slavery, and such that such measures should
be acquiesced in and respected by all good cili-
zens. "
Mr.. BUTLER. Mr.. President, am very sor-
ry that this debate has been suspended, because
what would have said last week would have
been said in very few words, and distinctly in
reference to the topic before me. To resume
and continue the debate now will not obviate
the incidental injustice to myself and others,
occasioned by so long suspension. | went
into the debate last Mondt morning unexpect-
eddy; that is to say, spoke from information
acquired only the day before. had not seen
any of the notices in the newspapers of the
honorable Senator's resolution | had not learned
that they had been proposed in the Democratic
caucus Although, in some measure, | might
have spoken from information thus acquired, nv
remarks were made mainly from views which
took of the subject whilst hearing the honorable
Senator from Mississippi
While denounced his proposition ms a mode
of ratification of the compromise to which had
been opposed, said not one single word, made
not single alluson to his own State, or TO him.
self, except perhaps, of political character, and
that rather by implication than by any distinct
expression. He was pleased to say / had come
into the debate inops concilii came into it,
however, with nothing like militia precogit cta
soon learned that was contending with one
who was conducting his movements with the
concert and skill of political tacticians. But
even regarding him as an organ, combining him
self TO the views and purposes of himself ans
others, might have felt little inclination or de
sire to continue and widen the debate. When.
however, the gentleman enlarged the scope and
aim of his remarks, and gave them such, direc.
ton that they could not escape me and Others
and Ipbp ha MAD oil a
excitement and passion for which was not pre-.
pared, had no alternative left but to make re-
onder. They are illusions and remarks which
cannot escape myself, in connection with the
measures he has brought up for ratification, as
representative of the State Of South Carolina.
He knows, as well as any man upon this floor.
how painful 1t is to me to have anything like an
occasion to participate in debate of this kind.
There are incidents in our lives which he knows
very well make this painful to me. | must.
however, discharge my duty, and hope | shall
do so in such a manner that, whilst NAV show
TO the gentleman that he who lives in glass
house should not throw stones" I may also en-
deavor TO vindicaie myself from some Of III !,
illusions and remarks which were intended TO
reach me. When ! saw the gentleman, with so
much deliberation, draw from his culver arrows
that had been laid aside for a contest for which
was not prepared, confess that then looked
with surprise rs well as concern upon the course
which the debate was likely to take
If the gentleman had satisfied himself with
simply avowng that he intended to put the seal
OF appreciation upon the compromise measures.
! might not have had cause to complain so much
IL he had contented himself with being entirely
silent as regards the effect which his resolution
would have upon those who opposed il, might
not, perhaps, have been altogether satisfied but
| would not have taken material exceptions
But he went much further and not only be-
slowed applause and comuendaton upon the
cherished compromise measures, but turned
round and fired on the camp of his former
comrades. My duty to that camp deserted "a
it has heen, requires me to vndcate its history
and the conduct of those who are connected
with it. Under the cover of the propostion
now before the Senate, there seems to be
double aim--to make a new platform for the
security Of some, and to expose Others who ore
not willing to be forced from their original po.
sition; and this, too, in manner unprecedented
in the Legislative history of this country. or an
other. 1t is a mode of ratification of what il |
regarded ms n popular measure by certain poti.
cians-of course, not so much for their own
advantage, as for the good of the plole country
mot to give up to party what is meant for man.
kind. ! may take different view Of the matter
Instead of quoting agitation and restoring har.
mony, this proceeding will SOW the seeds OF
dscord among those who have common inter.
est to defend the rights of the States, especially
he Southern States, which are alone in danger
md which must be doomed If their true friends
suffer party organizations TO divide and DESTROY
hem. This measure is to be an ark for the elect
# the land to be saved from the great deuoe