The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-09

Government for New Mexico" approved Septem-
Der g. 1850; IAN act for the admission Of the State
of California into the Union, approved Sep,em-
Der 1850; Gan act 10 establish Territorial Gov
eminent Tor Utah" approved September 9, 1850;
''An act y amend an act supplementary 10 the
act entitled act respecting fugitivcs from justice
and persons escaping from the service of their
ters" approved February -, 1893, and approved
September IS, 1850; and can act TO suppress the
slave trade in the District of Columbia, J" approved
September 20, 1850 commonly known the
"Compromise acts" are, in the judgment OF this
body, entitled to be recognised defnitive adj
iustment and settlement OF the distracting ques-
tons growing out of the system of domestic
slavery, and, as such, that said measures should
be acquiesced in and respected by all good cit
liens.
Mr. FOOTE modified his resolution, by adding
thereto the words "and faithfully Observed
He thought it proper and just, as well as desir-
able, that both Houses Of Congress should make
some such declaration as that proposed by the re-
solution, and unite in the solemn and formal dec
laration made by the President, IN two annual mes
en- gee that 'the series Of measures TO which have
alluded regarded by me as a settlement In
principle and ,substance--a final settlement OF
the dangerous and exciting subjects which they
embraced"
His resolution had already been misrepresentcd,
and his motives in offering II reyiled aud ira
duced. This had been done by certain papers
which he seldom cav, and by persons who would
receive no countenance from honorable men. lie
had no desire 10 return revilemsnt for reyilement
He had sufficient self respect TO feel more than
whether they came from north or south of Mason
and Dixon's line. He thought the effect produced
by such papers was but very slight upon honorable
men, Judging from the recent success which had
met his efforts elsewhere, he was 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 question
the propriety of the Presidents declaration, IN his
Message, that he regarded the series of measures
which had been adopted as u final settlement in
principle and substance of the dangerous and ex-
citing subjects which they embraced. He was pre-
pared to show that there existed stronger reasons
for Congress TO make such declaration than could
| be supposed to have influenced the Executive.
II was known that the number opposed to these
measures at the time of their passage was not con
temptible, and that number has not been dimin-
shed to the extent that certain over,sanguine per-
sons imagine. II was certain that armed opposition
| had been made 10 one portion OF that series OF
+, measures and that serious opposition has been
contemplated elsewhere. Factious persons have
! been engaged in attempts to intiame 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 ana agltators against
the law for the recovery of fugitives from labor and
sceues of boodshed and violence have occurred
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 a fair aPpreci
alton at the hands of his countrymen, both north
and south of Mason and Dixons line and he believed
! his countrymen were every day becoming more
| and more satisfied with them. He believed, how
ever that there was still something to be done by
Congress to reeoncile that feeling which long
course of agitation has engendered
Coming Senators did from all quarters OF the
Republic they could have no objection to report the
state of public opinion this question among
pir constituencies. hoped
were prepared by their votes upon this resolution
to aid in the restoration Of feelings OF fralernal af
lection so necessary for the existence of this ma
ton.
He did not expect the resolution to be unan
lnously adopted by Congress. He was aware that
there were gentlemen in both Houses committed to
perpetuate agitation, and who would be unwilling
by resolution 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 be given
to the settlement, or any part of it.
He had not brought this measure forward as a
party man; though from early age to this time an
| infiexible adherent TO the Democratic party, he
would scorn 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 II unsafe to rely on party votes for the
adoption of any measure OF this kind.
twas known that both parties at the North were
touched with Freesoilsm. lie had hoped on his
|
parties prepared 10 repudiate all association with
/ faction and its members. He had hoped to find
the Democratic party bound by no alliance with
men pied ged to resist the laws and to keep alive
agitation. For one he resolved to hold no po-
litical fellowship with any party or set of men
whose principles not in unison with those OF
the great body of patriots whom he now represent
ed on this floor. These sentiments and principles
were set forth and contained in the resolutions
Gently adopted by the convention of the State Of
Mississippi.
Mr. F. then read the resolutions
The people of Mississippi have resolved, in
venton, that they regard this series of measures
permanent settlement of the questions They ex-
pect from the representatives of the other States
declaration that their part too, that settlement
shall be considered permanent one, and that il
will be maintained in all its parts. Will Senator'S
speak out plainly, will they by their silence lei
themselves and their constituents be misunder-
stood! Let no one from the South say that the
North has right to expect US to declare ad
herence to this settlement; let Senator from the
North declare that the people of the South have nc
right 10 expect the passage OF resolution like this
Ii is we'll known that number of politicians at tho
} North stand pledged to advocate the repea or mod
ificaton of the Fugitive Slave law. There arc some
in Congress, and they have been admitted TO party
caucuses, who stand pledged to all efforts for
the repeal or modification OF that law.
II has been said, and with TRUTH that only few
of the representatives OF the North were present al
the passage OF that law. Some of them alb
sent accidentally; and he had no doubt but tibet all
of them had some for their absence other than
an unwilngness TO show their constituents they
were ready to vote for the bill. He Satisfied
that some of them then prepared TO vindicate
themselves by action and speech from this unjust
! insinuation. Still the fact of their absence had
been seized upon at the South evidence of an
un Willingness their part To vote for bill secur-
ing the rights Of the South.
II had also been said that in the measures there
nothing to prevent the application Of the Will
mot proviso to the Territories, nor interference
with slavery in this District. He had no fear that
either Of such measures could pass Congress but
he thought the passage Of this resolution calculated
! to quiet all apprehensions on the subject
He hoped that when he would leave here, a few
days hence, nc could carry home to the people OF
his State this additional assurance of permanent
settlement of the question
Mr. BUTLER surprised when he heard oil
this resolution. He surprised at its introduc-
ton il was a review Of The former legislation Of
Congress. He protested against such an unprece-
dented measure. If the past legislation had been
wicked this resolution could not purify W if il had
been vice. then the resolution was Unnecessary
He thought, If the Senator had designed it, he could
not have adopted course better calculated to open
again the waters of agitation. The acts enune-
lated in the resolution now among the statutes
of the country. The object was, as he supposed