Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1855-08-10

were II not so, il would be imposs-
bic for the line, that divides two great
political parties-di,dng upon a
moral and political quesiion-to div
ide this House upon this question
which is one wholly disconnected
from any other. The fact is too
evident TO admit of doubt, that there
has been during the political contests
Of this Territory an under current,
strong and irresistible and il has
been said that this House will be car
ried along in this current, and that
all opposition will be carried before
II. ! am aware that ! happen TO be
opposed 10 this strong force ; | know
that | am opposed to it naturally,
candidly, and decidedly, and being
opposed, may say things unpleasant
TO many, yet shall say what | say,
believing II to be the truth, believing it
10 be the law f; | shall speak free from
prejudice or luminosity, and fearless
Of the result, looking TO the Consii-
tuition of the United States for my
guide and TO Justice for my reward
! have no section TO please, no poli-
teal party TO uphold, but have our
own homes, our own dear and sacred
rights, 10 defend.
A little more than one year ago,
one of the most important and ex-
citing debates arose IN Congress that
has ever occurred in our legislative
halls That bill, organizing the Ter
riiory we now inhabit, was then pend
ing before Congress-Seward, Sum
ner, and Chase, believing they fore
saw the awful consequences that
must result in the passage Of that
bill, believing that its passage would
destroy The force Of national com
pacts, and break the plighted faith Of
the Union, opposed II with that
logic, learning, reason, and eloquence
that is exhibited only in the true
statesman. While on the other hand
Douglass and Cass advocating the
principle of State rights, actuated by
an untlring zeal, chung to it until lis
passage. The bill passed-people
iIom every State in the Union came
to this fair western land, seeking for
themselves and for their children
homes that they might embelllsh and
make beautiful by honest industry,
believing as they had right to be-
lieve, that protection which this bill
guaranteed would oe extended to
them. No one dreamt that those
rights for the security OF which this
bill was originated and passed, would
10y the strong arm of might be taken
from the quiet citizens OF tins Terri
tory. Who then thought that those
who advocate the passage of this bill
would look on with no concern and
see it nullfied land those living under
lis protection without law, without
power, without orderi But | will
not sDeak of the ball. could but
refer to it, since 1t is this that pre-
sclbcs the manner of forming a gov
eminent of our own. 1t is under
the provisions of this bill that this
Leg;slure is, or should be, created.
| stand upon the Kansas Nebraska
bill today IN maintaining my right Ia
a scat in this House, and | hope !
may be able 10 show clearly that It
am deprived of il, it is in open viola
ton of this bill. propose 10 speak
of my election. | shall expect tc
show that the election ut which
was elected was legally called and
legally held, and that the election on
the 22d day of May is the only one
which this House has any tight tc
investigate. My right toa seat in thi,
House depends upon the conformity
of my election with the organic ac
of the Territory. If the new cleo,
ton was called in conformity with
this act, then my election was in con
formlty with ii. | take the ground
sir, that neither this committee, moi
this House has any power given by
the organic act To dlSannul an cleo
ton called by the Executive. The,
cannot by their own legislative ac
substitute themselves in the place o
the Executive, take 10 themselves
that power given TO the Executive by
the organic act, and declare persons
elected by virtue of an election once
set aside by the Executive himself. -
huu" sni .,... 40 q, ,-i.s
ton | have TO war with large party
in This Territory. know am nc.
cused of departing from established
rules-irom precedents: but sir,
depart from Mo precedent. This case
has no precedenl-it stands alone
I O,her cases have been decided un
der conslltutlons-we have no con
slltulion TO look to-we must look /,
the organic act, and TO that alone; II
forming our conclusion. | know i
is argued by men of legal learning
that this Territory is subject to othe
laws than those OF Cohgress-bu
let US see.
This Territory was first coded Il
thls government by france, and Vat
lei on the laws of nations says, 'Tha
every nation acquiring territory b.
treaty or otherwise, must hold II sub
1 iecl to the constitution and laws q
It's own government, and not accord
ing to those of the government ced
ing it, Hence, this territory aile
lis cession was subject to the laws q
Congress alone at lhe.,ime OF the pas
sage of this act. There were no la"
extending over this Territory for III
organization aud government of III