Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-03-19


their private capacity, the gentlemen who oc-
cuped the platform at those exclusive reunions
may continue to claim our respect; but as
public men, they are clearly no better entitled
to speak for New York than the seven tailors of
Brantford were to call themselves I'VE, the
people Of England. Tammany Hall has spoken
our sentiments.
'-Thc following are the resolutions offered,
emitting the preamble
a. Resolved That we give our most hearty APP
proval TO the provisions OF the NEBRASKA and Kan.
sas bills which assert the great principle of self.
government. That the capacity OF men 10 govern
themselves does not depend upon their places of
residence. That. in the language OF the first re-
solve of the Baltimore platform, we place our
trust in the intelligence the patriotism and the
discriminating justice OF the American people,
alike in the Territories and in the States. That
we approve the doctrine of congressional non-in-
PREVENTION in its broadcast sense, not only as right
in ITSELF but as most salutary in its consequences
That il is doctrine of peace, and has direct ten
dency permanently TO withdraw from Congress
and the legislatures Of the several States the ag-
tation of the slavery question, which must other
wise frequently arise, and always assume a sec
tional and irritating character. That Il is doc
trine which commits the question oil slavery 10
the people who are directly 10 be affected by il,
and removes il from the hands OF designing men,
who agitate il for their own objects IN their own
districts, and without any intention or possibility
of benefling the people of Nebraska and Kansas.
SO. Resolrea That we do not mean 10 be under
stood as expressing our assent TO the amendment
by senator Clayton, excluding Aliens from voting
in the Territories oil Nebraska and Kansas, TO
which we ale opposed in principle, and which we
trust may not be adopted uponlhe final passage Of
the bill.
50. Resol,ed, That the right of the people 10 de-
termine the question of slavery for themselves in
Nebraska and Kansas, in our Judgment, stands
upon precisely the same general grounds as their
right TO legislate upon other domestic reatons---a
right which nobody has yet proposed TO deny them,
and which is exercised by the people under every
territorial government. That it would be as wise
for Congress 10 cgislate upon the relation OF pa
rent or child or master and apprentice, as upon
that of master and slave. That the same general
considerations which induced the reference OF the
aforementioned relation 10 the people of Utah and
New Mexico demand its reference 10 the people
Of Nebraska and Kansas. That we deprecate the
federal notion recently revived that Congress has
right TO stipulate with the people OF State about
10 be admitted that they shall observe forever GER
tain laws relating to their domestic institutions !;
because il is an assumption Of permanent control
by Congress which is anti-repubcan and danger
Gus, because il mpairs the equality OF those States
which are beced to H. and bccauseit violates the
principle that the people shall govern. That, IN the
language of the third resolve of the Baltimore plat
form, we hold that the federal government is one
of limited powers, derived solely from the Consitu-
ton, and the grants Of power made therein ought
10 be strictly construed by all the departments and
agents Of The government; and that il is inexpedi-
ent and dangerous 10 exercise doubtful constltu-
tonal powers
81. Resoired, That the substitution ofan arbitrary
geographical line, in place OF the sound judgments
and patriotic hearts OF the people, is in direct vio-
atlon Of the principle Of popular government
stated in the preamble. That, as Constitution
loving citizens and democrats. we are determined
to adhere faithfully principle and 10 increase
our labors for its defence in proportion 10 the al
temps ofaboliiionists 10 overthrow it. That we
dissent entirely from the assertion that The Mis-
souri, compromise was compact or agreement
between freedom and slavery. That the Consti-
tuition of the United States contains no warrant
for the doctrine that this Of Congress is elevated
above the jurisdiction ofthe present or future Con.
crosses. That this act. like any other, must stand
upon its constftutionality, and upon the clrcum-
stances which require lis continuance: OF winch
circumstances Congress must Judge. Ihat the
democracy have always denied the power OF one
generation 10 bind future generations by acts be-
You'd the revision of the latter; and the conces-
sion Of such power would transfer the desunles
OF the living 10 hands the dead.
s. Resoirfd, That we deprecate the interier-
ence OF the clergy in their ecclesiastical capacity
in our political affairs that, while we conccde 10
them the fullest right 10 express their opinions IN
constitutional manner upon oil suDJectS we can
not but express our decided conviction that pro-
test in the name Of the Almighty God and in his
presence against the people of Nebraska and
Kansas governing themselves under the prov
sions Of the Constitution Of the United States, and
statement that the Nebraska bill exposes us to
" the righteous judgments of the Almighty" are
calculated TO impair the influence Of the sacred
Office. and affect that respect for the clergy which
is so important an element in Christian com,
munity.
&C. Resolred, That we cordially respond to The
wise counsels Of the President Of the United
States, presented in his late annual message.
founded upon the broad views therein presented
by him of the wonderful growth of this Union,
and of the vast proportions which is soon TO al
| tain; and we commend to the thoughtful constd
Grafton Of every patriot and democrat the exhorta
ton that, "as manifesty indispensable condition
Of the perpetuation Of the Union, and OF the roa
cation ofthat magnificent national future adverted
TO, does the duty become yearly stronger and
clearer upon us as citizens OF the several States
10 cultivate lraternal and aflectonate spirit
language and conduct in regard 10 other STATES
and in relation 10 the varied interests, institutions
and habits of sentiment and opinion which may
respectively characterize them. Mutual forbear
ance. respect and non-interference in our persona
action as citizens, and an enlarged exercise OF the
most liberal principles of comfy in the public
dealings of State with State, whether in legisla
ton. or in the execution of laws, are the means
TO perpetuate that confidence and fraternity the
decay Of which mere political union, on 50 vas
SCALE could not long survive