Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-02-22

| plated slavery only as as domestic institution
not as political element, and merely stipulated
Tor It's security where il actually existed in the
States. The first Congress realirmed the ordi-
nance of ST; there was also the celebrated me-
mortal OF Dr. Franklin. The original policy Of the
country was nonntereenton by Congress with
slavery in the States, aud its prohibition in all the
national domain on that ground was he thought,
The only one on which slavery could stand in
peace.
Slavery, taking advantage of the Indifference Of
the north, soon got control of the federal govern
nent, and bent i 10 its purpose. Yet, as late
lozi, John w. Taylor the strenuous supporter
OF the prohibition of slavery, was elected Speaker
OF the House; no Wilmot-proviso man OF this day
could expect that honor.
lie argued at length the constitutionality of the
iissouri prohibition citing northern and southern
speeches and judicial decisions. He denied that
s.aVeholders could under any authority of the
Constitution, remsve from one State into another
with his slaves. though he might call them prop
cry. slavery was mere sectional institution.
Inc prohibition of slavery in the Territory Of
NEBRASKA stood on grounds OF adamant, upheld by
constant precedent and time honored compact 1t
was now IN the power of The majority to overturn
H. and TO remove the sacred landmark, and open
TINS whole domain 10 slavery. Our fathers set
iorth, IN burning words, among their grievances,
that George Ill, in order 10 keep open market
where men should be bought and sold, had prosti
tuted his negative for suppressing every egisa
commerce. Congress, like the English mon
arch' might now prostitute its power TO the same
purpose, but II could not escape the Judgment of
the world or the doom of history.
lie denied that this measure proceeded from
The north II submltted 10 popular vote, il would
be rejected by overwhelming voice. Ii was
melancholy instance of the power of slavery, that
II loosened and destroyed the character OF north.
ern men. If this bill were passed, il would he
vain to say the slavery question was settled.
n hsa Led III ne
thing could be settled which is adverse TO freedom
lie denied that il was any part OF the policy of
those with whom he acted politically 10 interfere
with slavery in The States. The banishnent of
slavery from every part of this Union, where the
power oftne national government extended. would
be permanent settlement of the slavery question.
The bonds of the Union would be more strongly
| cemented by firmly upholdng the principles OF
| liberty and Justice. Danger 10 the Union only
10 be apprehended from the war on freedom.
The north and the south, he trusted, amidst all
difference of opinion, will always have hand and
heart for each other and, believing IN the sure
prevalence of almighty truth, he lookec conf
IDENTITY forward 10 the good time when both would
unite, according TO the sentiments of the fathers
and the true spirit of the Constitution. in declaring
freedom and not slavery national, while slavery
and not freedom shall be sectional. Then would
be achieved that Union contemplated al the be-
ginning, against which the storms of faction and
the assaults of foreign power will beat in vain
upon the rock of ages, and freedom seeking
firm foothold will at last have where to stand and
move the world.
Mr.. TOOMBS obtained the floor
On motion by Mr.. BAYARD, tomorrow being
the anniversary Of Washngton's birthday,
The Senate adjourned till Thursday