Washington sentinel., 1854-03-04
the present generation, and Judge for myself,


and for those for whom | am deputed to act.
Mr.. President, come now to question
which, but for one thing personal to myself
might, perhaps, have passed over entirely in
this argument, and that is, the question OF the
power Of Congress over the Territories. | am
glad that the venerable senator from Michigan
Mr.. CAss) is in his seat, for | shall be COM
PEELED to turn and to review some remarks
which We're made by him in 1850. The ques-
ton is, have Congress power to legislate upon
upon this and upon all other subjects in the
Territories MY doctrine has uniformly been
that we have the power, and, in my opinion,
there can be no doubt at all about 1t. To say
that we have not the power is to deny and fall
siiy the very first principle OF acquisition. Rea-
son tells us that he who acquires either by force
or by purchase, may, and of right must, govern
his acquisition. The power exists beyond a
doubt.
But the senator from Michigan did me the
great honor, while was private citizen in
private life, to refer to me in not very compli-
mentary terms in 1850. On the 2lst and 52d
days of January of that year, when was en-.
tirely out of public life, with no public employ
ment, with no engagements here, but when
was ut n distance Of II thousand miles from this
place, that senator, in undertaking TO maintain
his position that there is no power in Congress
to legislate over the Territories, constituted
himselfa catechist, and me catechumen. BY
chance ] found his speech. came across it,
aud readit. Prior to that time had never
an aspiration, and never an idea, that should
reach the political elevation by which the SEN
ator himself was honored with a seat on this
floor; but when found myself thus catechised,
thus attacked, and, may say, thus attempted
to be ridiculed, hailed it us my star of desti,
ny. From that moment never had doubt
that the senator and myself would live to meet
face to face here, and that should have the
gratifying opportunity of answering the ques.
tions which he put to me. Sir knew that
destiny had provided that for me. never
doubted il. l never hesitated in my path /
knew that so soon as vacancy should hap.
pen from my State in the Senate of the United
States should be sent here, and that the sen.
ator could not die and depart this life until
that time
Before proceed to read from the senator's
speech, allow me to preface by stating that his
position is that there is no power in this gov,
ernment over the Territories, and, having once
stated it, he must adhere to it. Doctor San
grado-like, he has written n book, and though
his prescriptions and his practice kill every.
body, he still must adhere to them, because he
has written. book. | might, perhaps, com.
pare the senator's course to that Of witness OF
whom a story is told. 1t is said that, by acci.
dent, in describing a horse in court, witness
swore that he was sixteen feet high instead OF
sixteen hands high. Being reminded of his
error, but being assured that he had sworn the
horse was sixteen feet high, he said he was
no changing, and what he had sworn to once
he would swear to again. Laughter So
think the senator is on this question. Now,
then, to the extracts. The senator said
And member of this body, high in character
rs Jnrlsi and as statesman, has characterised
he difference between the power 10 institute gov
in the Territories and the power Of un.
limited congressional legislation over them, us
'nHdle Of abSnrduies"
take great pleasure in saying that cordi
ally indorse that sentiment But here beg
senator's to take distinction between power
md the exercise of power Yon have the con.
lueror's rights and powers over conquered ter
'itory, but it may not always be the part OF
wisdom to exercise them. You have the power
o build this mighty temple, this Capitol OF
'urs, and to line it with gold, if you will, but
would it be the part Of wisdom, or of prudence,
II propriety, to do so? The senator proceeds:
while representative from Indiana, in the
hall, with courage that Amos, re.
cems him from the censuren-
rom the iniamy, he might as well have said
which such sentiment cannot but inspire in an
American breast, says that this government could
establish despotism in any Of its Territories, be.
'ond a doubt; this government could sell them
nto slavery, II Il pleased
The senator quotes the language which
lsed in answer to an inquiry from n mani
lardly know how to describe him--Mr. Vena.
'le, of North Carolina. The senator continues:
But with commendable charity -
lie is taking it off little now
he provides specific for the wound he nncts
y assuring MS there is no danger. IL acould BE-
10 suppose there ,cas for there is a
reat difference between the possession and the
Nercise Of power"
He quotes what said when member of
he House, and continues:
/" Where he learned this lesson, that there is no
anger OF the abuse of power, profess my ina.
billy 10 tell II is doctrine better suited TO the
leva than TO the Wabash"
Sir, let me say to that senator, that the Wabash
! large, pelucid, and ruffled stream. In its
there are large prairies, extend
ng further than the eye can reach. There are
he large, gigantic mountain or hill oaks, which
ave for centuries bid defiance to the storms Of
eaven. There are large plantations, and all
hings are built upon large SCALE 1t would
ot be strange, then, thus surrounded, that the
Wabash should have an inhabitant with large,
and improved ideas. Sir, the peo
lie in the valley of the Wabash gaze upon ma
nre in all its largest developments and it |
,ould be strange if nature there did not pro-
uce one son corresponding to her external de-
elopments. Physically she has produced one
laughter fully as large as the one produced in |
fichigan. Renewed laughter.l But, sir, |
ass to another part of the senator's speech.
" II is not necessary TO make extracts from va |
ous speeches, TO show how prevalent is this |
pinion of the omnipotent power Of Congress over
nc Territories
No; for all men who had ever studied or |
easoned upon the subject, and had not, San
been committed to his doctrine and |
heory, would at once have yielded. There
as a uniformity, the senator admits, in the
pinion. He proceeds:
81 have already referred to the declaration thai
,cy may be sold into siapery;"
That ia what I aaid and I will establish Il |