Washington sentinel., 1855-02-06

THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
SECOND SESSION.
senats-Monday, February 8, 1883.

\ SOnaSO-MOnOay, reDIuaIy d 1900
| Mr.. STUART presented the resolutions Of the
Legislature of Michigan. They declare, among
other things, that slavery is regarded by the people
OF thal State as great moral social, aud political
evil, at war with the principles of the Declaration
OF Independence, and the great object contem-
plated by our fathers in establishing the Constitu-
ton Of the United States, an impediment 10 the
prosperity Of our rcommon.country, and an element
OF domestic weakness and dlscord, and that the
act OF Congress of 1850, known as the fugitive
slave law, was, in the opinion OF the people OF that
Slate, an unnecessary measure; that 1t contains
provisions Of doubtful constitutonaIity that the
mode OF proceeding under II is harsh, unjust, re-
pugnant to the moral sense of the people Of the
free States cruel and des DC towards the per-
son claimed fugitive ;v6nd that they are in
favor of its immediate repeal and they instruct
their Senators and request their Representatives
10 use their best exertions TO procure the imme-
date repeal of the act Of 1850, which is known as
the fugitive slave law.
Mr.. CASS expressed his disapproval OF these
resolutions apd said that some ye y ago the Legis-
iature Of Michigan instructed the Senators of
that State TO vote for the Wimot proviso, and al
that time his convictions Of constitutional duty
prohibited him from obeying those instructions;
but, he avowed his determination TO resign his
seat whenever called upon, for he was believer
in the right Of instruction, when fairly exercised
and under proper circumstances. He was not
called upon to resign, for those resolutions were
repealed.
But il now appears tha: the Democratic party
has lost its ascendency in the legislature OF Mchi-
gan and the resolutions which had been presented
TO the Senate were the result Of the action Of the
new party. He was now instructed 10 vote to
deprive American citizens in the Territories Of
the power 10 regulate one Of the most important
Of their domestic concerns, that of the relation be-
tween master and servant, and for the repeal Of
the fugitive slave act, which was passed to give
effect to solemn guarantee OF the Constitution.
He .peremptorily declined to obey those instruc-
tions, and expressed his determination not to re-
sgn his seat.
Mr.. STUART said he wished not to appear to
treat the opinions ofthe Legislature of the State
of Michigan withssilen indifference, and, there
fore, while presenting these resolutions, and thus
performing an ordinary act Of duty, he acknow-
lodged the honors he had received from his State,
but stated that some things contained in the pre-
ambe were neither historically nor logically true !;
and whenever the occasion should arise in the
course of legislation, making it necessary for him
to act and 10 vote upon any of the subjects al
luded to in the resolutions, he should endeavor to
regulate his conduct and action by his sense of
duty'to tho State and 10 the Constitution of the
United States, which he had sworn to support. If
he should differ from the views expressed id the
resolutions, he should differ in becoming man
ner personally, but with that frmness of purpose
which should actuate every senator.
The Senate spent some time in the considera-
tion of she bounty land BILL
Tomorrow the French spoliation will probably
be taken up.
The Senate adjourned.