Washington sentinel., 1854-05-10

seen fit TO promulgate He trusted they were the
views of every member of this body. When the
contents of dispatches shortly to arrive, shall be
known, il will be found that England is at the
bottom of this whole quarrel, if such il may be
called, with Spain. He trusted that the govern
ment Will have the energy and the members here
representing the people OF the country will have
the frmness TO proclaim our rights, and stand by
them TO the last.
Mr.. ZOLLICOFFER advocated the passage of
the Nebraska bill, the main feature of which, he
said, was the provision which repeals the Mis-
souri, act of 1920 If the compromise had been ad-
hered TO by the north, he would be the last man
TO disturb ~; but, in every question that has been
presented, the anti-slavery men of the north have
repudiated the binding efficacy of that act, es-
pecially when the extension Of slavery was in con-
troversy from that period 10 the present time.
Mr.. VALLEY opposed the BILL 1t was un-
oft, and its only effect would be evil, and that
continually. Should the bill become law it will
prove a godsend TO political aboltionsts, but will
ill the patriots breast with inexpressible sorrow.
Mr.. LATHAM asked the privilege of printing
speech on subject different from the Nebraska
BILL Leave was granted He then requested
gentlemen within the sound Of his voice to read
il, as il was matter of much concern TO his con-
sttuents. Laughter.
Mr.. ENGLISH addressed the committee, taking
the ground that under the Nebraska bill, as II
came from the Senate, slavery can have no legal
existence in the Territory, unless a Legislature IA
vorable thereto shall be chosen by the people (;
secondly, that slavery cannot exist there /; and
thirdly that the bill is just 10 all sections of the
country, and is in strict conformity with the ge-
MUS of our republican institutions
Mr.. SIMONS argued that the Missouri COM
promise is contract, binding law, and which
the courts would be bound to hold against the ac-
tion of Congress, much TO the modification of
gentlemen Of both houses, unless he had read
law for thirty years to no purpose, He likewise
spoke against the policy Of repeating the Missouri
act.
Mr.. COX, while he declared that quiet should
be given 10 the country by the passage Of this
BILL vet he did not feel that his northern friends
who oppose it are unpatriotic He referred to
historical documents TO show that the north never
regarded the Missouri act of 1920 as a compact.
Therefore, the charge ofthe south violating COM
pact came with bad grace from the north.
Mr. DAVIS, ofRhode Island, said that, whether
the bill should pass not the effects already pro-
duced in arousing agitation on the question of
slavery were such as could not be avoided. The agi
taton against that institution was not now confined
10 that class which had so often been stigmatized
as fanatics, but had extended already to men of
business in the NORTH and even to the emigrants,
who are manfesting their natural opposition TO
slavery. He contended that slavery is inconsist-
ent with true democratic principles, and earnestly
opposed the repeal of the Missouri compromise.
Mr. TAYLOR, of New York, said that the ex-
citement which this bill had produced is rapidly
giving way to sober reason, which leads 10 right
conclusions. He held TO non Intervention in the
local affairs of the Territories, including slavery.
As TO the Missouri law Of 1890, there was no COM
pact about it. 1t was mere law, repealable at
The pleasure Of Congress.
Mr.. BALL obtained the floor, and gave way for
a motion that the committee rise.
No quorum voted-yeas 46, nays 56.
The roll was called and 110 members answered
TO their names.
The committee informally rose, when that fact
was reported to the House.
Mr.. SAGE moved an adjournment; but the ques-
ton was decided in the negative-yeas 40 nays 66.
Mr.. RICHARDSON moved that there be call
of the House.
Mr.. STRATTON moved that the House ad-
journ.
The question was decided in the negative
yeas 80, nays 60
Mr.. BALL said he would rather make his speech
tonight
The SPEAKER said he knew Of no means by
which less than quorum could go into committee; /;
and, after counting the House, said there were
now one hundred and fourteen members present
Mr.. COBB. And there are half a dozen out
there in the lobby
The question was taken on the motion that
there be call Of the House, and decided in the
aiiirmative-yeas IS, nays 81; but,
On motion OF Mr.. CULLOM, all further pro-
ceedings in the call were dispensed with.
quorum now being in attendance, the House
again went into committee
Mr.. BALL said he was uncompromisingy OPP
posed to that portion OF the bill which proposed
TO operate as repeal Of the Missouri compromise
of 1920. He considered il great wrong and out
rage to be perpetraed on the people of the north
and as threatening to disturb the peace of the
whole country
Mr.. BAYLY obtained the floor, when
The committee rose; and
The House, at five minutes past ten o'clock,
adjourned.