The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-22

to early in the session, IN regard TO this question
of slavery never said anything ON TINS sub
Ject with the view OF causing any one 10 msuil-
derstand the position Of the honorable Senator
from South Carolina, in reference TO this meas
ure. have always taken II that every member
in this body from the Southern States must have
felt the necessity of some legislation upon this
subject, more efficient than that formerly adopt
ed.
Mr. MASON. My only object is, as is some
times said by my friend from South Carolina,
Mr.. BUTLER, to take care of history--to have
this matter correctly on record, and to vindicaie,
as far MS may be Necessary, myself and those
with whom acted, from any charge that we had
been careless Of our appropriate duties in refer
ence 10 this fugitive slave law 1t is thus seen
that the motion of the Senator from Mississippi
was designed TO take the matter of this BILL to-
gether with its kindred subjects, from the Sen
ate, and to carry them to committee policy
in which fully concured, and which was ulti-
mately effected One great and controlling pnr-
pose was, when that committee was raised, TO
except nothing fro il, but let the whole subjec!
20 to It,
Thus il was, apprehend, that the honorable
Senator from Michigan, when, on the 18th of
March, he proposed to take up the fugitive slave
bill, and act upon il separately, was, as he stated
at the time. induced TO do so because his hopes
of raising the special committee had failed lie
adverted to the close vote taken the day before,
and declared his belief that no special committee
could be raised or, if raised, would result in no
good | take it for granted that the Senator
from Mississippi thought differently for he con-
tinued to press the committee, and eventually
carried the measure Whilst the motion to refer
was before the Senate we thought our original
line of policy was the safest, and that the whole
should be referred together
Now, as to what particular views or opil ions
gentlemen held, or by what motives they were
governed, either separately or collectively, can
after so long time, answer nothing. The rec.
ord shows that we desired to except nothing from
the deliberations Of the committee
Of the particular conversation referred to by
the Senator from Mississippi, | have no re- ollec
tion, though doubtless we had many. do rec
olIect that heretofore alluded to by the Senator
from Indiana, Mr. WHTooMB But what my
answer to him was do not know, except that
declined the proposition he made, because we
deemed it iDjudcious and inexpedient to press
the bill at that time | should hold so still.
think it highly probable that it was frequently
said in conversation, that it would be impotic
in Southern senator's to do il, lest, among other
reasons, they should weaken their position upon
other vital questions affecting the institution Of
slavery, then before the Senate The Senator
from Mississippi says, that the reasons assigned
for declining change of our policy was, lest by
30 doing we might find it impossible thereafter
to rouse the border States to energetic action in
cooperation with the other Southern States for
the vDdcation of their essential rights" This
may very probably have governed US to some
extent in our desire to keep the subject together
/ should have deemed myself wanting in my
proper duty as representative of ohe of the
Southern States, if had done anything which
might tend to weaken the position which the
Southern States then held. | trust have thus
shown to the Senate, and to the country, that so
far as depended upon those to whom the fug-
tive slave law more particularly committed
we were not only not wanting in our duty, but
we did that which we deemed best for the occa-
sion, and from which certainly no mischief has
resulted, for the law ultiu ately passed in most
strn ent form, without any very serious or de-
cided opposition.
Mr.. FOOTE of Mississippi. 1t has ever af
forded NE the highest satisfaction on all occa-
sions when the matter has been discussed, to
state that believe the whole body of Southern
Senators had been perfectly faithful to the
South on that subject, and that the honorable
Senator from Virginia Mr.. Mason and the
honorable Senator from South Carolina, [Mr
BurLER acted not only with fidelity to the
South in reference to this matter, but with great
energy, judgment, and skill. That has been my
opinion, and have always expressed it. | would
never have undertaken to intimate the fact which
| have stated, that Northern Senators urged
through me, earlier action on this subject than
took place, but for the fact that certain remarks
which fell from the lips of the Senator from
South Carolina, Mr. BUTLER, if unreplied to,
might leave the impression that Northern Sena-
tors generally had manifested most decided OPP
position to early legislation on this important
subject rose simply for the purpose of stat
ing rAe fac's of the case, with the view of vindi-
eating the secret truth Of history which had not
been previously revealed My object was not
to implicate the Sena,or from South Carolina
or the Senator from Virginia, but simply to en-.
able us to have better understanding among
ourselves. and to let my constituents, and the
citizens of the South generally, understand that
there was a strong and earnest desire on the
part of influential Northern members OF this
body to accord to the South all that the South
could claim on this point. That was my sole
object.
MI. MASON ] have finished what had TO
say on this point, but do not wish to take my
seat without saying few words upon the reso-
luton now before the Senate. What shall
say must be brief, from reluctance to detain the
Senate, as well as from my present condition.
for ] am unfortunately so hoarse that can
scarcely speak at all.
The resolution which is now before the Sen
ate is of character which does not in any form,
address itself to my appreciation. can see no
reason for it, and no occasion for it. As ! I'M
dcrstand it. it declares that, in the opinion Of this
body, the measures cited should be considered
as terminatin all questions arising out of the
C.l. I Al.