The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-12-27
CONGRESSIONAL.
DEFERRED DEBATE.
MONDAY, DECEMBER -, 1851.



THE COMPROMISE MEASURES
The Senate resumed the considerable OF the special
order, being the resolution submitted by Mr. FooTE az
amended on the motion Of MIR. BADGER. declaring the
compromise measures a deRnitive settlement oftbe dues
tions growing out Of the subject of slavery
Mr!HOUSION. MI. President. for several days past
have hoped this resolution could be disposed Of |
have evinced but tle anxiety to participate in this de
bate, though have thought much relation to the dis
position which is TO be made Of the resolution which is
now before US, must confess tina, i was matter Of
asonlshment when first met with il in this BODY
had expected nothing Of the kind The general aspect of
affairs throughout the country seemed 10 be OF the most
favorable character towards the harmonious adusmen
of the difficulties which have excited the commuay and
had hoped that they would have been permitted 10 have
taken their natural course and that the good OF The
American people would have regulated these matters
without the nteposition OF any deliberave or legisa
tive body. The contrary, however has been the case
and devolves upon me as member, not only of this
body but OF the democratic party, TO declare my objec-
tions to 1t.
Imay say ,ha, occupy no equivoca position in relation
the Senate will prove that the only senator nc W
upon this floor that voted for every measure of the Com
promise. An honorable senator from Pennsylvania lAr
Surgeon] also voted Tor all the provisions of the Com
promise, but he Is no longer member of this body
This being my position, feel at liberty acqu, myself
OF all embarrassment and TO proceed to the in
OF this subject hope without incarring the suspicion
OF any design to conceal smooth any portion of
my conduct desire, sir to have no broader platforms
than those now existing and maintained by the two par
ties of this country. understand that the democratic
party tolerant in its principles; that they pro-
scpvs that they are q not ,h for applying the
generally are, gentlemen Of the same party differ
essentially upon the subject OF internal improvements
That has been evinced on former occasions here. within
my recollection, and, believe it extends much further
back than my familiarity with the proceedings Of this
body And not only ,hat-for have heard discussions
here by the members OF the same political party the
tariff in regard to which there wide difference OF
opinion; yet, i was not ground for prescribing the
ting in all the rights pertaining to il '' ' 'A'pA
Ibis being my view OF the principles of the party, |
am perfectly willing that the platform upon which we
have heretofore acted should remain as il now is and has
been recognised If gentlemen have eparied from the prn
cpes Of the democratic faith and they choose to return
10 the same platform, know objection TO their doing
They have right 10 return at any lime they please
and the mere concurrence with paper resolution,
less they feel il here, [layng his hand upon his heart
will never constran them 10 co operate with the party in
good faith have this 10 say TO gentlemen who
naclous on this subject, Show me your faith without
your works, and will show you my faith by my works
When this rule is applied | no difficulty in the
way OF concurrence OF opinion and action in the demo
cratic party. Moreover, object most especially the
action OF ,h's body upon the subject of political plat
forms. understand that the business of the Senate OF
the United S,ates-at least regard my own duty-is
legislative employment, and not ID censiruc. political
party fabrics for the people. would defer to the pres
sure from without, but should expect benefit the
community by Tadatlng from this point influences OF
opinions that too much OF centIaism Centralsm
is the danger against which the States have to guard
and il our legislation has this tendency as has been
complained OIL do not say il has-bu if such dangers
TO be apprehended from legislative action, they
q "
The United States into political machine' never will
agree 10 this, sir | will exercise a function in
this body that is not clearly delegated by the relation
which b bear TO my constituency, and lor which was
sent here.
1t is principle which orthodox and essential to the
democratic party. that the citizen, in a republic, is to
delegate power that be conveniently exercise him
cell; and the powers which he cannot conveniently ex
ercse he delegates to his representative, who is to per
whenev The powers delegated diverted from the OBJ
jects to which they ought 10 be directed is applica
lion of them which foreign 10 the rights Of the people
and the fcfore will never exercise any power which
may have in this body towards creating sentiment at
home. when ought IN Justice, TO derive that sentiment
from my constituency. We have the effect OF IT in
days gone by do not.ay for the purpose of awaken
g any feelings "reminiscences that would be unpleas
ant but is not within the recollection of members Of
this body, that opinions which sent from here TO
the several States throug hout the South had powerful
influence in producing the excitement which existed in the
country' was opposed 10 all this, because deemed
that the people throughout this Union sufficiently
intelligent TO appreciate their true condition, and that II
there necessity for correcting evils that might grow
up in the county, they would have ample opportunity
at the ballot for exercising their powers IN correcting
them These my opinions in relation 10 this matter
II the democratic platform and the whig platform are not
broad enoogh Tor all 10 occupy let the people put any
additional plank which they deem neediu We know
not but that wee by enlagng may induce an accession
TOO great for The platform TO BEAR and break ason
der
Resolutions similar TO the one under consideration
introduced INTO of the democratic members OF the
other house, and met with little favor there some nifty 10
thirty rejected IT, Ii not introduced into OF
senator's, or presume 1t would have met with as tls
favor But has found its way into this body; Tor what
purpose For the purpose OF benetng party that was
acting, | believe, harmoniousy. Some differences OF
opinion existed IL always the case, and always will
be but how easy would have been within short time
for all these aspcrtes OF feeling to have out and
enabled the members Of each party to act harmonously
Mr. FOOTE. Does The senator intend to intimate that
had any party purpose 10 view IN introducing this reso-
lu,ionl
Mr. HOUSTON. cannot believe that the senator bad,
and would be sorry to believe that there was any ind
viduaI purpose in It. But certainly it not
ton OF party and the gentleman has the privilege OF dis
POSING OF it in manner suitable to himself.
Mr.. FOOTE | did not introduce II as party man.
Mr.. HOUSTON. have witnessed with concern The
proceedings OF this body for some days past have
been silent for If older person than myself were
present. there senator's here who more familiar
with the proceedings OF the body than am, and 10 them
deferred the duty and privilege of regulating the con-
practice OF the body, and looked moreover enlgh
ened President For myself having occupied great
portion OF the time Of this body, shall claim the priv
lege OF proceeding without interruption unless for the
puIpoee OF correction OF some ent which may
make IN the progress Of my speecb My disposition is
never 10 provoke interruption produce annoyance TO
honorable members of this body. and oanpot suspect
that any one would have the design OF annoying me ;
but every senator must be that such things must
be unpleasant, If not discourleous.
should think, Mr.. President. according to the rule
which have laid down that II we 10 resolutions
in this body or if joint resolutions pa ssed by Con-
Rress prescribing The faith Of either party, or what their
principles should be. every one who did not come
within the exact measure prescribed would be crsproach
fully treated al least suayed at the tribunal OF party,
not where be would have hearing because he would