Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-05-16
Washington gentlnel.
NEBRASKA AND KANSAS.
spEECH OF HON. w. II. ENGLISH


Mr. ENGLISH said
Mr.. CHAIRMAN: The territorial question now
under The consideration of this committee is one
universally recognised OF great importance.
and has elected the patient Investigation and
elaborate discussion OF the ablrst statesmen OF
America.
Involving, as il does, sectional questions OF the
most delicate character, and principles OF govern
ment of the highest magnnude-and applicable as
II Is, 10 TERRITORY said 10 be twice as large ~
the kingdom OF France, and from len 10 hiteeh
times larger Than The Stale OF indlana-t y mol 10
be wondt red that IL has awakened so H.uch ei the
public atienton. ! approach H. SIR, VITA some ue'
gree OF reluctance; for am but new member IN
this hall, and mol much IN Inc haoa Oh Puphc
speaking
In The hour propose devotng TO the subject.
do not aatter myselfthat shall be able 10 auduce
many arguments, or 10 present old ones IN an
improved light; but in view of the position oc-
cupy a member of the Committee on Terrific
res, where this bill originated, well from
other considerations, feel that shall be excused
for occupying The floor upon this occasion.
When the subject was first introduced, was
one of those who questioned the propriely of or
ganizing territorial governments at the present
session. | was inclined 10 doubt WHEELER The
population of Nebraska, or the wants of the emf
grating portion OF our people, demanded immediate
organization.
The immense quantity OF unsettled public land,
in the Territories already organized, seemed 10
afford sufficient outlet 10 emigration for the pres
ent; and, by reasonable delay, hoped that Il ca
ties might be formed with the Indians of such a
character as 10 remove every suspicion of bad
faith on the part OF the United States, towards This
unfortunate and almost annihiIated race of men.
Besides, il seemed evident that questions would
necessarily be involved in the measure, which
could not fail, for Time at least, 10 disturb the
peace and harmony of The country Upon The
other hand felt it 10 be true, that the want OF
population was attributable 10 the restrictions i'm I.
posed upon emigration by the existing laws. and
that II was highly important TO the country thet
settlements should be encouraged along the great
line OF, travel 10 the golden shores of the Pacific.
II evident, too, that the questions involved in
the organization OF these Territories, could not be
kept out of Congress beyond ft sessions AT
most but, under all the circumstances. was in
clined 10 believe. that 10 protect the country from
excitement and agitation for any time, however
short, was consunmation OF sufficient import
ance to justify posiponement of The question 10
some future session. These, sir, were my first
impressions. Il was with me- however, wholly a
question OF time, and not of doubt, 10 the char
acter of the law under which the Territories should
be organized.
Enteri aiming these views, felt constrained, by
sense of duty. when The question up be-
fore the Territorial Committee, of which ] have
The honor TO be q member, TO offer resolution
declaring II inexpedient, that time TO decide in
favor Of organizing territorial governments for
Nebraska and Kansas. The resolution. sir, was
voted down, and the committee decided in favor
of reporting the bill now under consideration
similar in all respects, / believe, 10 the one upon
the same ubjeci then pending in the Senate. This
House bill, il will be remembered, was reported
from the Territorial Committee, the 31st OF
January last when, by the indulgence oilhe House.
wss permitted TO make minority report, and
some explanatory remarks against ceriain features
Of the bill as it then stood.
l recur 10 these events, in order 10 show that
this measure was brought before Congress and the
country without any agency of mine. II was
brought here contrary TO my wishes, and in oppo-
siiion 10 my vote.
But sir, is here, staring xs IN the fae> for deei.
sion, and II has gone hence, with the torch of dis
cord to all parts OF this widespread land 1t is
no hngerthe same question a icos m the beginning
Delay would not secure The end aimed al
y my resolution, but would believe. have an op
pos,e effect. The measure has been eaborately
discussed in the Senate OF the United States, AND
bill has come into this House from that distin
ruished body, by majority which, considerin.
the great and diversified interests stake. is al
most without paralleiin congressional legislation
The agitation so much to be deplored, Is aread,
upon The country, and from Maine 10 California
This subject engrosses the public mind, and is the
prolific theme upon the public tongue. This be-
ing the case non-acfion ~ no Dnger the rn,
MI GU. IL as roo late. Now that iarties
rayed against each other upon this ever.exciiine
and dangerous SUBJECT who can contemplate.
without deep regret, the bad feeling which must
necessarily ensue, if il be left an open question.
giving fruitful material tor mischief to that class
Of men whose very iife-blood consists of agita-
ton
Sir, the flame which has been kindled ought 10
be speedily extiugnished, and in my judgment
that can noic hest be accomplished by the iname-
diate passage Of some BIZ giving governments 10
these Territories.
II is in The power of this House TO remove, to
great extent The exciting question Of slavery fer
ever from the national councils, by transferring
il 10 The limited and less dangerous sphere OF The
people Immediately interested in ,s decision
Shall IL be done? That, otier all is tAe mateyiG
onesfiogi-one which, am now satisfied, ought tc
Be promptly and emphatically answered-and
for one, am ready 10 answer it. am ready II
record nv vote and that vote, sir, shall be con
sisteni with the position have occupied upol
this question from the beginning; II shall be con
si.,.nt with the love bear for freedom and th'
free institutions of my native State; il shall b.
In conformity with what believe TO be The wishe
of a large majority Of those 10 whose kindnes
and partially am indebted for a seat in this ma
tional House OF Representatives; !, shall sccort
with my understanding oil the Constitution Ct the
country and the rights Of the several States. ano
shall be in strict conformity with the great cardi
nal principles Of the democratic pary--ihe polti
cal party, cir, OF my father and my fathers father
n love OF whose creed constituted goodly portion
of my pairimony, and has guided my political &C
lion thus far in life.
Its well known, Mr.. Chairman, that the House
bill, in the shape il introduced, did not meet
with my entire approval took the liberty, upon
my objections, and TO call the attention of my con
stituents 10 the subject did not speak of these
objections being vital IN their character, did
present them with an over degree of confidence
They seemed to me TO be well founded and fur.
ther reflection hns tended 10 confirm me in that
belief. Amendments were subsequently made 10
the Senate, which, in the main, removed the oh
jections then presented. The boundaries were
made to conform precisely with the proposition
had the honor to submit from the minority OF III,
Committee on Territories aud the principles O
the other amendment submitted by me upon tina
occasion were Also 10 great extent, incorporated
in the bill sent to US from The Senate which i
now proposed substitute 10 the House bill b,
my friend from Illinois. The act of Congress
known as the Missouri compromise is but a law
and subject liz other laws, TO be altered amended
or repealed al any time, by the sa epower viii,
enacted IT, Sul did not propose in my anent
ment 10 repeal il, but simply 10 repeal so muci
and so much only. Of every existing law as cor
ficted with the right Of the peope'to sefgovern
ment; and, further, 10 confer and declare tina
right in The moot unequiyocal terms.
have hep