The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-12-03

for the deliberations OF the houses OF Congress with
sufficient accommodations Tor spectators and suitable
apartments for the committees and officers of The two
branches OF the legislature II also desirable not 10
mar the harmony and beauty Of the present structure
which as specimen OF architecture universally ad-
mred Keeping these objects in view concluded to
make the addition by wings detached from the psssAi
building. yet connected with il by corridors This mode
Of enlargement will leave the present Capitol uninjued
and AFFORD great advantages Tor ventilation and the ads
sion OF light and will enable the work 10 progress With
out inienupiing the deliberations Of Congress To carry
competent architect The corner stone Was laid on The
4lh day of July last, with suitable ceremonies, since
which time the work has advanced with commendable
rapdiiy. and the foundations OF both wings now
nearly complete
again commend to your favorable regard the interests
OF the District of Columbia. and deem only necessary
to remind you that. although It's inhabitants have no
voice in the choice OF representatives in Congress- they
not the less entitled 10 jus, and liberal consideration
in your legislation. My opinions this subject
more fully expressed IN my last annual communication
Other subjects brought TO The attention OF Con-
gress in my last annual message, TO which would re-
specially refer But there was one OF than ordi-
nary interest, to which again invite your special alien
ton. allude to The recommendation for The appoint
men OF a commission 10 settle private claims against the
United States. Justice 10 individuals well to the
government imperatively demands that some more
venient and expeditions mode than appeal Congress
should be adopted.
II is deeply to be regretted that in several instances
officers OF the government in attempting execute the
law for the return OF fugves from labor have been
openly resisted and their efforts rustra ted and defeated
ldWiess violent ttat such resist
ance resulted in The death OF esmahle citizen, and in
others serious injury ensned 10 those officers and to ind
viduals who using their endeavors to sustain the
laws Prosecutions have been instituted against the al
legged offenders far they could be identified, and
still pending. ! have regarded il as my duty, in these
cases 10 give all aid legally in my power to the enforce
ment OF the laws, and shall continue to do wherever
and whenever their execution may be resisted.
The act of Congress for the return of fugiives from
labor required and demanded by the express words
OF the constitution.
t;,,,,,,r ,la., knIJ
vice or labor in one Stale, under the laws thereof
ping into another, shall, in consequence OF any law
regulation therein. be discharged from such service or
labor but shall be delivered up claim of the party
whom such service or labor may be due" This cons
utiona! provision is equally obligatory upon the egsla
tive the executive. and judicial departments OF the gov.
eminent, and upon every citizen OF the United States
Congress, however, must from necessity, first act upon
The subject by prescribing the proceedings necessary to
ascertain that the person is fugitive and the to
be used for his restoration to the claimant. This
done by act passed during the first Of President
Washington, which amended by that enacted by The
last Congress- and II now remains for the executive and
judicial departments TO take that these laws be
faithfully executed This injunction Of the constitution
is as peremptory and binding any other; il
stands exactly on the foundation that clause
which provides for the return OF ugves from justice
or that which declares that no bill OF attande or post
Jato law shall be passed that which provides for
equality Of taxation according to The census or the
out the United States or the important provision that the
trial Of all crimes shall be by jury These several
i
same authority, must stand or fall together. Some OBJ
ectons have been urged against the details Of the for
the return of ugi,ves from labor but it is worthy Of
remark that the main opposition aimed against the con-
stiuon itself, and proceeds from persons and classes Of
persons many of whom declare their wish to that
constitution overturned They their hostility any
law which shall give full and practical effect TO this
quirement of the constitution. Fortunately, the number
OF these persons comparatively small and is believed
to be daily diminishing but the issue which they present
is which involves the supremacy and even the exist
ence of the constitution.
Cares have heretofore arisen in which individuals have
denied the binding authority of acts OF Congress. and
even States have proposed to nufy such acts upon the
ground that the constitution the supreme law OF the
land, and that those OF Congress were repignan to
that instrument bat notification is now aimed not so
much against particular laws AS being moons silent with
the constitution against the constitution self and il
is not to be disguised that spirit exists. and has been
lively at work. Iend asunder this Unon which is our
CHERISHED inheritance from our revolutionary fathers
In my last annual message stated that considered
the series OF which had been adopted at the
previous session. in reference TO the agitation growing
OF the territorial and slavery questions final settle
men in principle and substance, OF the dangerous and
exciting subjects which they embraced; and recon-
mended adherence the Adjustment established by those
measures sntl time and experience should demonstrate
the necessity OF further legislation 10 guard against
sion or abuse. was not induced 10 make this recon-
menda,on because thought those perfect, for
no human legislation can be perfect. Wide differences
aud larIng opinions only be reconced by yielding
something all Sides and this result has been reached
alter an angry conflict oil many months, in which one
part OF the country was arayed against ano her.
and violent CONFUSION seemed to be imminent Look
ing al the interests OF the whole country fell, il to
be my duty 10 seize upon this Compromise as the best
that could be obtained amid conflicting interests and to
insist upon 1t final settlement be adhered to by all
who value the peace and welfare OF the country wear
has now elapsed since that recommendation was made
To that recommendation still adhere ADD congratulate
you and the country upon the general acluescence in
these measures OF peace, which has been exhibited in all
paris OF The republic. And only this gene raj
acquiescence in these but the spirit Of conc
ation which has been manifested in regard TO them in
parts OF the country, has removed doubts and uncertain
ties in the minds OF thousands OF good concerning
the durability OF popular institutions, and given re.
newed assurance tba, liberty and Union NAV sub
sist together for the benefit OF this ADD all
generations. WILLARD FILLMORE
WASHINGTON, December 2, 1851
The reading OF the message having been concluded IN
motion by Mr. PEARCE, twas
Ordred That the Presidents message and accompany.
ing documents be printed, and that fhousand COME.
thereof in addition tho usual aumber be furnished for
the use OF the Senate.
RESOLUTION SUBMITTED.
Mr.. FOOTE. OF Mississippi, submitted the following
resolution for consideration
re.oloon declaring the measures of adjustment 10 he
definite settlement of the questions growing out of the
system of domestic slavery.
Be r6ioirsd. That the series OF embraced In
the entitled IAN proposing the State of Texa,
the establishment Of her northern and western boundaries
tho renqussnent by the "a State OF all territory
by her exterior to said boundaries. ard OF al her claim.
upon the United States. aud establish gov.
etnment Tor New Mexico approved September g. 1880
the Uoop," approved September D. 1885, can act 10 es.
isblish territorial government for Utah. approved Sep
ieuber q 1850 IAN act TO amend and supple mensry 10
the entitled AN respecting fogitives from usce
4 md 4gnsa hnVY thn .sFtl. IL