The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-23

honorable senator's whom recollected distinct.
ly authorized me to have the interviews alluded
to early in the session, in regard to this question
of slavery. never said anything on this sub
ject with the view of causing any one to m'sun-
derstand the position of the honorable Senator
from South Carolina, in reference to this meas
ure. have always taken It 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,
fMr. BUTLER, to take care of history-to have
this matter correctly on record, end to vndcate,
as far as may be necessary, myself and those
with whom | acted, from any charge that we had
been careless of our appropriate duties in refer
ence to this fugitive slave law. tits 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 a committee--a policy
in which fully concurred, and which was uti-
mately effected. One great and controlling pur.
pose was, when that committee was raised, To
except nothing fro nit, but let the whole subJec!
60 to it. ..... -.
Thus it was, apprehend, that the honorable
Senator from Michigan, when, on TIE 18Th OF
March, he proposed to take up the fugitive slave
BILL and act upon it separately, was, AS he stated
ut the time induced to do so becarse his hopes
of raising the special committee hid failed. He
adverted to the close vote taken the dav before,
and declared his b'lief that no special committee
could be raised or, if raised, oud result in no
good. take it for granted that the Senator
from Mississippi thought differently; for he con
tinred to press the committee, and eventually
carried the measure. Whilst the motto" to refer
was before the Senate, we thought our original
l"o Of policy was tho Attest, and that the hole
should be referred together.
Now, as to what particular views or opl ions
gentlemen held, or by what motive they were
governed, either separat ly or collectively Il can,
after so long time, answer nothing. The rec
ord shows that we desired to except nothing from
the deliberations Of the committee. H..
OF the particular conversation referred to by
the Senator from Mississippi, l have no re- oec-
ton, though doubtless We had many. do rec
oec. that heretofore alluded to bv the Senator
from Indiana, Mr. WHlTcoMB. But what my
answer to him was DO not know, exec; IT that
declined the proposition he made, because W.
deemed il injndicous 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 impoIitc
in Southern senators to do it, lest, among other
reasons, they should weak n cir position upon
other vital questions aft citing the institution of
slavery then before the Senate. The Senator
from Mississippi says, that the reasons assigned
for declining a change of our policy was, lest BY
so doing we might find it impossible thereafter
to rouse the border States to energetic action il.
cooperation with the other Southern States for
the vindicaton 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 one of the
Southern States, if had done anything WHICH
might tend to weaken the position which 1he
Southern States then held. | trust have thus
shown to the Senate, and to the country tina; so
far as depended upon those to whom the fugi.
tive slave law was 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 ultirately passed in most
strin ent form, without any very serious or de-
cided opposition.
Mr.. FOOTE, of Mississippi II 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 en- that subject and tha; the honorable
Senator from Virginia Mr. MASON and the
honorable Senator from South Carolina, Mr..
BUTLER acted not only with fidelity to the
South in reference 10 this matter, but with great
energy, judgment, and skill. That has b,ea my
opinion, and | have always expressed IT, | would
never have undertaken 10 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, il unreplied to-
might leave the impression that Mort Sena.
tors generally had manifested most decided OPP
position 20 early legislation on this important
subject. | rose simply for the purpose Of stat
ing the FAC OF the case, with the view Of vindi.
eating the secret truth of history which had no,
been previously revealed. Ny object was not
20 mpcate the Sen,'or from South Carolina
or the Senator from Virginia, but simply to en-
able us o. have n better understanding among
ourselves, and 10 let my constituents, and the
citizens Of the South generally, understand tha,
there was n strong and earnest desire on the
part Of influential Northern members Of this
body 20 accord 10 the South all that the Sonth
could claim on this point. That was my sole
Object
NJ. MASON have finished What I had 10
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
saw must be brief, from reluctance TO detain the
Senate, as well rs from my present condili ~
for am unfortunately 30 hOarse that can
scar. ely speak al all.
The resolution which is now before the Sen.
ale il Of character which does not, in any form
address itself TO my appreciation. ! can see no
reason for IL, and 10 occasion for IT, A un-
derstand it, il declares that, H. the opinion Ofthis
body, the measures cited should be considered
as trminatin all questions arising out Of the
institution Of slavery. Now, am not aware that
there Is any State in this Union, except the State
of South Carolina, which continues TO protest
apainsi them. ! am not aware Of one Of the
Southern States, except the State Of South Car
olina. which has not declared, in the most en-.
phatic manner, TO the majority in this govern
ment: If you will stop there, and execute in
good faith the Law for the reclamation OF fugitive
.I.vos we vill ecouiescc in what has beei done