Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-03-14
DEBATE IN THE HOUSE

sentiments Of Reitt, de-
During the evening session of w ednesday, febr1-
ary 18th, Messrs. Yates, Goodrich, and Campbell,
respectivey delivered their views against the fur
Their extension of slavery, when
Mr.. Banks (Free-soiierJ rose and 1--WE copy from
the Globe1 replied to remarks heretofore made by
Mr. Keitt with reference to Massachusetts politics
and nent one several facts to show that the present
character of that State is not to be Judged by IT'S
character during the late war. rs to the Hartford
Convention had been declared the hoor OF Con-
gress, that their purpose not to dissolve the
Union One of the objects was to vndicate the right
of the State to pronounce an opinion on the Federal
Government; in other words, it was a question of
State rights. With what propriety could South
Carolina reproach Massachusetts, when she herself
claimed dsunion a right ?
Mr.. Kcitt (Dcmocrat) replied, when South Carroll
ma proposed disunion, she did it with open doors;
she never did it in the midst Of conflict with for
eign foe, and never will.
Mr.. Banks said that the fact that South Carolina
proposed disunon with open doors did not change
the character of the act In further reply to the
remarks Of Mr.. Kett, he read extract from
letter apostolic of Pope Gregory, XVI, dated 1882
to show the Pope prohibited and interdicted the
commerce in slaves under any pretext or color, and
discussed the question of sovereignty and suffrage.
He replied to Nv Chandler, reaffrming that neither
the Pope of Rome nor any council authorized to
speak for that church, has ever, under any circuI
stances denied the power to control the laty of that
church in temporal affairs and referred to numer-
Roman Catholic authorities to support his posi-
tons.
Mr.. Kett, replying to Mr.. Banks, said. that the
Pope possesses no power over the political opinions
of the Catholics in the United States, and this is
shown by the fact that the Catholic population of
this country against Abolitionism These things
the gentlemen from Massachusetts, has shown
Mr.. Banks replied that his remark was directed to
onehistorca point proclaimed by the Roman church,
but never denied.
Mr.. Keitt Shall prescribe the Catholic church
because Of its religious tenets? 1t is not for me to
fling stones others. Can do it because it has
been tratorous to the Constitution? The gentle
man from Massachusetts, says, the members of the
Catholic church have rcpudated ctation III the par
ticular of slavery.
He then alluded to the fact that while witchcraft
prevailed in Massachusetts,, the Catholics of Mary
land threw out the flag of religious liberation, the
only spot where it ioated during that time of peril
and persecution.
Mr.. Sellers Know othing1 tinterrupting) said
his friend should bear in mind that the charter grant
ed to Lord Baltimore from a Protestant King
1t was limited charter, and during the existence
of the provi cial government, there was always
Protestant j"rity. The question of religious toll
Grafton brought a religious test, except
the memorable occasion. The Catholics dared
violate the charter granted by Protestant King.
Mr. keitt replied he had stated the fact as he had
read it in history, and recorded by Bancroft, who
resides in Boston 1t was charter granted by a
Protestant King for religious tolcration and was
to be violated by Protestants against Catholics who
were true 20 the charter, and founded cities and
ruled the Commonwealth. The Catholics true
to it; the PTote>tants false to it.
Mr.. Sellers said the very instant the Roman Cath
oics got the ascendancy, they tried, by all possible
means, TO make Maryland a Catholic State.
Mr.. j. C. Allen asked whether Protestant Kings
did not give charters to New England States without
religious to!eration?
Mr.. Kett. That is true; but have stated what
is related by the historians. l would ask the gen.
tleman from Massachusetts whether he thinks the
Nilmot proviso constitutional?
Mr.. Banks My opinions expressed in the
speech which the gentleman has cited As to what
| | will yEha
Mr.. Sellers. That is right
Mr.. keitt Will the gentleman not say he will
vote to incorporate in the fugitiveslave law trial by
jury:
Mr. Banks. l shall vote as I think right and pro-
per. l say am here for Massachusetts, and not for
South Carolina, and mean to represent Massachu-
sets faithfully shall sail my own ship in the
House. If the gentleman puts negro into it, will
carry him into free country.
Mr. keitt. Will you vote for the admission of
Ia slave State?
Mr. Banks. Just as I may think proper. r. ugh
Mr. Sellers. Ito Mr.. KEITH If kankas or Ncbras-
ka shall apply to into the Union free State,
will you vote for it
Mr. keitt. If it meet the requirements of the
Constitution will vote for it whether free slave.
Applause | want to know whether the gentleman
from Massachusetts will do that want to know
whether the ow-Nothings of the North will.
Cries of Good for KEITH ask the gentleman
from Maryland whether he viii say the Known Moth
ngs of the North will vote?
Mr. Sellers know nothing and never will know
anything. Laughter.
Mr.. kett. Certainly.
Mr.. Sellers. As to the Native American party, l
will say without the slightest reservation, that in all
their principles and feelings they perfectly
sentative. While side is not in favor of slavery
the other side is not opposed to it. They mean
10 lay it aside. The knowNothing party, Il dis
claim knowing anythng) mean to pursue this par
ocular course. [Laughter.l We mean to do what
neither the Abolitinsts the Secessonists of the
dO-nalnelv. he IOio oft heSa
States intact.
Mr.. Keitt. The gentleman said zee will preserve !
he Union.
Mr.. Sellers. The Know-Nothngs You may !
tSmatize that party, but it has hold on the Amer
can people. The very instant the Senator from |
Massachusetts, Mfr. Wilson, elected he was de-
lounced all over the country. twas said the Union
would be broken up! But what did the Senator |
ay late memorable night of this session > |
Hear his words: Il would not say, my colleague !
aid would not restore fugitive slave to his mas
err; but if the law of Massachusetts, will not, I'll
lelp to do it myself" Do you call Senator Wilson
know-Nothing? Beitso. Under the old regime,
Who was sent to the Senate from Massachusetts, by
he Democratic party? Mr.. Sumner [Cries of
No" "No!" "Yes :" YES, he was elected by
he Democrats" l understand Mr. Sumner was
ent to the Senate by the Democratic party of that
tate.
Mr.. Keitt would ask, if the recent letter written
" Mr.. Wilson to the editor of the American Organ
vas pronounced conservative, how it that
orsed by the gentleman from Ohio? Mr. Gid
ngs] He said, if the same questions had been
ropounded to him, and he was called on to answer
s curtlV and c0mDrehenSiveIy he should have