Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1853-02-24
Remarks Of Mr.. Tompkins,

SOIL 1eSOlutlOIs.
Mr.. Speaker. 1t has been a custom in
this House when the ayes and noes have
been demanded, for gentlemen when their
names were called 10 rise and give the rea-
sons of their votes. / propose 10 antici-
pate the fashionable occasion, and to give
my reasons now, as briefly as | can, why |
shall vote against the motion 10 reject, and
should that motion not prevail why l will
vote, should an opportunity occur, 10 adopt
the resolutions of the gentleman of St. Louis,
or others to the same effect, repeating the
Jackson resolutions Of lS49. Here let me
premise, Mr.. Speaker, that the position
take on this subject, is not as the ally of
either the Benton or anti-Benton wing Of
the Democratic party;-nor if am correct
ly informed am | now speaking with the
appreciation Of some of my Wing rriends.--
This is a question above all party, in one
sense, because prirci pies are involved, al
leciinS the union of the States, and the Fed
eral constitutions and therefore, in the exer-
else Of my privileges as a member on this
floor, choose TO express my sentiments, on
my own responsibility. Al the time the
jackson resolutions passed this General
Assembly, it is well known, that an excite
ment prevailed throughout this Union, in
relation 10 the power OF Congress over tic
subject Of slavery, in the territories, that en-
dangcred the existence fthe Union ITSELF
Amongst other propositions assumed in
those resolutions, the existence Of this pow
or in Congress is most expressly denied
and in case it should be exercised, an tmer.
gency arises in which Missouri is pledged
to cooperate with the southern States, il
such measures as may be deemed necessary
for their mutual defence. Now sir doRo
believe there is single pfoposition. dis
tinctly stated in those resolutions, and con
tended for by their advocates, although
some of them are conflicting and confused
that is sound and tenaLIc, and WARRANTED
by the constitution. | do mo, propose 10 ar,
que the cons,itulionality of the power O
Congress over tie subject of slavery in The
territories; il is sufficient OH the present oc
casion 10 say have 10 doubt ii exists
Whenever the question OF slavery can bj
settled by the people Of the territories,
have always though t that Congress shou.'
no. interfere TO exclude it, and | have al
ways been opposed 10 the Wi!mot proviso
because believed it TO be an unnecessary
and dangerous exercise of the power. Blu
in case the people themselves cannot agree
in the absence Of all law recognizn
slavcry,-or that in regard TO territory new
" acquired that the States of the north in
sist that it shall be free, and the States @
the south insist that il shall be slave; Wher
then is the authority 10 decide? Now tn
territories cannot be organized except b
! Congress, and it will not be and never la
been commended that the States have the pow
: er 10 settle the question. There is non
known among men, except in the Congress
of the United States. In view then Of III
: fact, clearly warranted by the recent histor
Of The country, that this question has NOR
seriously agitated this coniederacy than an
n that has arisen, | regard it as a subject
q the first Importance, that the power shou
not be denied. Sir our system Of govern
N ment would be incomplete without ii, al
Z | think am justified in believing as d
Ie that so far as the integrity Of this Union
y effected, it is the most conservative pow
e. in the constitution. The union of the
, States was in more imminent peril, whc
II the Missouri controversy was pending,-
when the State Of Missouri applied for al
mission into the Union--than at any oth'
period OF our national existence Party c.
element and turbulence, were drowned
~ that fierce sectional strife, which forge! Il
common glory o! our infant country, and t!
- priceless heritage OF the fathers Of the r
" public. The ties which bound us togelh
"a a as one people, were every moment in dang
:, Of being srndered, by the ircnzicd spiri,
di>unon. What saved this Union them
1t was the exercise of the power of Co
gress, when the compromise line OF &c de
80 min was adop ed, and the State Of Mi
~ souri, was admitted. 1t has saved Il
" Union once, and whenever such result
,,o pending at any future time, and it can
secured, SO true as love my country, |;
in favor Of the exercise Of the power. L
e. cause believe in that rowerI too have be
H. charged with being freesoilcr. But
is hold This opinion in common with Tie grei
all est men OF the Wig party. hold it Il,
he Wing. ! do not know exactly what fro
he soiler means, but protest against bel
0h robbed OF my good name as Wing, by t
- application OF any such nickrame or cpih
m, Nhpt j. tho trua ,pn,,,;,,, ~ tI,.o l..