The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-05-17
CON CIR ESSI0N AL.
SPEECH OF HON. w. II. ENGLISH,

I'm
Of Representatives May o 1854
The House being in Committee Of the Whole the state
of the Union,
Mr. ENGLISH said
Mr CnaInNAs: The territorial question now under the
consideration Of the committee Is one universally recog
nspd as of great Importance and has elected the patient
nveaton and elaborate discussion OF the abest states
men in America 81,
cate character and principles Of government OF the highest
magnitude and applicable as tits to territory said 70 DC
twice as large the kingdom OF France and rom Ten 70
fifteen times larger than the State OF Indiana Is not 70
he wondered that il has awakened much OF the public
attention approach it, sir with some degree OF reluc-
lance for am but member IN this hall, and not
much in the habit Of public speaking
In the hour propose devoting 10 the subject do not
aaer myself that shall be able to adduce many new ar
ments or to present old in an improved iighi but
in view Of the position occupy as member u .ne Jo
mt,ee an Territories where this bill originated as well as
from other considerations feel that shall De excused LOT
occupying the floor upon this occasion
When the subject was rt introduced was one OF thosc
who questioned the proprey of organizing territorial gov
srnments nj the present session inclined to doubt
whether the population Of Nebraska the Of the
mgrang portion Of people demanded immediate or
ganzation.
Territories already organized seemed to afford sufficient
outlet to emigration for the present. and by reasonable
delay hoped that treaties might be formed with the In
dians such character to every suspicion Of
bad faith the part of the United States towards this
fortunate and almost annihilaed of men; besides it
evident That queSuOnS would necessarily be
yolyed in the which could not fail for time at
least to disturb the peace and harmony of the country
Upon the other band felt it to be true that the want Of
population attributable to the restrictions imposed
upon emigration by the existing laws and that 1t high
IL important to the country that settlements should be
outraged along the great line of travel to the golden shores
Of the Pacific 1t was evident too that the questions in
yyed in the organization Of these Territories could
be kept out of Congress beyond few sessions at most
but under all the circumstances, inclined to believe
that TO protect the country from excitement and agitation
for any time however short was consummation of sui
Gent Importance to justify posponement of the question
to some future session. These sir, my first impress
sons Ii with however wholly question of time
and Of doubt as to the character Of the law under
which the Territories should be organized.
Entertaining these views, felt constrained by Of
duty when the question up before the Territorial
Committee of which have the honor to be amember TO
offer resolution declaring il nexpedient that time
Nebraska and Kansas The resolution sir voted down.
and the committee decided in favor of reporting the bill
now under consideration similar in all respects believe
the upon the subject then pending in the SEN
This House bl it will be remembered, reported
from the Territorial Committee the 3ls of January last
when by the indulgence of the House permitted to
make minority report, and explanatory remarks
against certain features Of the bill ii then stood.
recr to these events in order to show that this
brought before Congress and the country without
any agency Of mine II was brought here contrary to my
wishes and in opposition to my vote
But sir HEREsrARISG US IN THE FACE ron DECISION
and has gone hence with the torch of diseord to all
paris OF TINS anu 1T is LONGER
QUESTION ! BEGINNING. Delay would not
the end aimed at in resolution but would be-
hsye have opposite effect The has been eabo
niey discussed in the Senate Of the United States and
M has into this House from that distinguished body
by majority which, considering the great and diversified
interests at stake is almost without parallel in congres
sional legislation.
The agitation so much 10 be depored is already upon
the country and from Maine TO California this subject
crosses the public mind and is the prolific theme upon the
public tongue This being the case SoSAcnoN Is 40 LONGER
I'm rsuE POLICY II is TOO LATE Now that parties
nyd against each other upon this eycr-excung and dan
gerous subject who contemplate without deep regret
The bad feeling which must necessarily If ii be left
an open question, giving fruitful material for mischief to
that class Of men whose very lfe-bood consists Of agi
toni
Sir the flame which has been kinded ought 10 be speed
y ertnguished and in my Judgment that NOW best
. be accomplished by the IMMEDIATE PASSAGE Of
giving governments TO these Territories.
1t is in the power Of this House TO remove TO great
rien the exciting question Of slavery forever from the
aonal concs by transferring il to the limited and less
ngeous sphere Of the people Immediately interested in
decision. SHALL IT pE DoyE7 THAT, ArrEn ALL, Is Tm
sirrRIAI ouKsuos-one which, satisfied, ought
be promptly and emphatically nnswcred-and for one,
am ready to answer It, am ready TO record my vote
and that vote sir shall be consistent with the position
have occupied upon this question from the beginning; it
shall be consistent with the love bear for freedom and
he free institutions Of my native State il shall he in
ormly with what believe to be the wishes of large
majority Of those 10 whose kindness and partiality nm
ndebtch for scat in this national House of Representa-
ives II shall accord with my understanding Of the
uiuuon OF the country, and the rights of the several
ateS and shall be In strict conformity with the great
ardna principles OF the democratic party-the political
Any sir, Of my father and my fathers fsthcra love Of
nose creed constituted goody portion Of my patr-
nony and has guided my political action thus far In life
hs well known Mr.. Chairman, that the House BILL in.
ne shape II introduced did with my entire
approval took the liberty, upon the occasion Of its In
oaueuon to state OF my objections and TO call the
aanion Of my constituents to the subject | did not
s these objections being vital in their character
rVf ad present them with degree Of confidence
hy seemed 10 10 be well founded and further reiec-
uon has tended to confirm me in that belief Amendments
ere subsequently, made in the Senate which, In the maip
emoyed The objections then presented The boundaries
e made 70 conform precisely with the proposition had
honor 70 submit from the minority Of the Committee
lerriores and the principles OF the other amendment
submitted by upon that occasion were also to great
en incorporated in the bin to us from the Senate
we nov proposed q substitute To the House bin by
ttehd rom Illinois. The act Of Congress known
~ ~ Assoan Compromise is but law and subject like
aer laws 10 be altered amended, or repealed at any
ae ~ me same power which enacted H. Sl, did not
Vse IN my amendment 10 repeal IL but simply TO repeal
AND 80 ONLY Of every existing law con-
Sl with the right Of the people TO sclfgoycrnment
w srner TO confer and declare that right in the most
anequivoca terms.
whatever may have been my views in reference to other
ghe involved have never had doubt as to the pro-
ayowng the right Of the citizens of every organ
-, ana Territory TO shape and regulate their do
n, y hsu'unons under the constitution, In such mnn-
-, mey might deem best suited to their climate, soil
Welfare '' 'o'iuuN''e '" 'ne' n'iP'N'Ss 'A
p1 N reference to who shall be entitled TO The rights
"a Infinitely prefer the Senate TO the House bin
IN KIN q 'hese remarks speak in favor Of the passage
~ h,eah bill containing the principles indicated
N ~ "'olly report, mhodying the leading features
~ sent 70 us from the Senate and now proposed
own ns 70 The House bill. 1 Of course prefer my
proposition but whenever nv vote viii secure the
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