Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-08-06

$50 go
:, REMARKS OF
Huns A. BIges AND D. S. REID,
- OF NoRrH.cARoLINA,1
In tue Senate Of Ms United States July 2, 1850"
the blu reported from the COMMITTEES on lsrf'eo-
sses for tie admission Of Kansas as state.
The Senate having under consideration the Dill
reported from the Committee on territories 10 au-
thorize the people of the Territory OF Kansas 20
Consultation and State Government preparatory 10
their admission into the Union on an equal footing
with the original States
Mr.. BIGGs said:
Mr.. President, know the Senate desires to ob,
tain a vote to-day on this BILL and therefore ieei
much hesitancy in proceeding after the time wn,cn
has been occupied by the Senator from ONO, lMr.
Wade] But since the adjournment yesterday,
has been pressed upon me public duty to say
something in this debate; and although the snort
time allowed has very much embarrassed me, yet,
as one of the Committee on Territories, feel con-
strained to obtrude some remarks upon the console
ration of the Senate, crude as they may be. Per-
haps it may be concluded 1t is presumption on my
part after the protracted and able debate on this
subject, by other Senators more experienced and
better qualified to enghten the Senate and the coun-
trv. I trust however, shall make some amends
for ntrudng my views by an attempt at brevlty as
far as practicable
shall not attempt an argument upon the contro-
verted questions of congressional or popular soVer
eighty in the Territories propose to consider the
question impartialy, and, as hope, in practical
point of view, and certainly with more camness
than has been manifested by the Senator from Ohio,
(Mr, Wade1 know that southern men are repre-
sented at the North as violent and rash but hope
a fair comparison can be made here this day be-
tween blind fanaticism, guided by passion, threat
ening to rule or ruin, and the calm suggestions of
those who, knowing their rights under written
Constitution, boldly, firmly, but calmly, address the
reason and judgment of the Senate and the country
From those who have heard the Senator from Ohio,
can it be disguised that there is evident oreshad
owing of determination on his part and those
sympathizing with him, if they cannot succeed at
the ballot box to pull down this fair fabric of hui
man liberty consecrated by the blood and sacrifices
of our forefathers2 hope it will not be expected
of me to follow him in his TRADE of denuncation.
The great general principle involved in the Kan
sas Nebraska act is the right of people in Terri
tory to determine for themselves all questions of do
nestle policy preparatory to admission into the
Union as State The legislation of the country
has arrived at that point after many efforts to settle
different policy. fit be said that the principle is
subject to some qualification, shall not deny it, be-
cause the Federal Government assumes the power
without question, of aiding or assisting to some ex
tent, in carrying out this general principle in the
means used and necessary to that end All power,
therefore, of euery Kind is not vested in the people,
or in the Legislature, of Territory. If this were
So then how is it that we have right to pass law
to authorize the people of Territory to form State
constitution? But without troubling ourselves with
inquiries about abstract rights it must be admitted
that by the principle of the Kansas act the right of
the people of that Territory to settle the question of
slavery he great matter of contention in their State
organic act is clearly asserted Now. is it desirable
<Io nf no hiatt hiS
policy should be abandoned? Would it be more
safe prudent to assert and insist upon the power
of Congress to determine this question? 1t may
suit the purposes of those who boldly maintain that
no slave States shall be admitted into this
Union, but l submit it is dangerous concession to
be made by the South. Permit the people in the
Territories to determine that question, and admit
new States with without slavery, as they may de-
eide, and let this be the settled policy of the Gov
eminent, and then the South the minority of this
Confederacy, may hope for show Of equality
and justice on this dstracting question and it is
principle suitable to all times and circumstances
Abandon this policy, and substitute the unlimited
discretion of Congress, and what can the South
pect, and what can the country hope for, but
tnued agitation estranged feelings traternal dscord
endless disputes, tumut, disorder, and ultimate
dissolution of the Union? As remedy for the dis
orders now existing, will any Senator propose that
Congress shall assume and exercise this power? If
there ever time when the legitimate power of
Congress ought to be exercised, and all its wisdom
invoked to suppress disorder and restore quiet
tainly this is the time And will any sane man haz-
ard his reputation in declaring that such remedy
is at all proper or feasible?
Sir, much has been said about the sanctity of the
Missouri restriction, and unmeasured denunciation
has been heaped upon those who repealed that re-
striction. The Senator from Ohio, [Mr. Wade] to-
day has forcibly contended that no unjust measure
could be permanent; and he has obviously exposed
nf III h1oo
prides himself upon being member. By an ap.
picati0n of his argument, how could it be expected
that such measure the Missouri restriction
could be maintained which enforced an inequality
between States and citizens Of the same country
know in my own State it was by many considered
an unwise policy, because, said they, the North
would have been content to let it remain. Such
persons argue from wrong premises. Is it not evil
dent now to them, if it has not been before, that
all the clamor heretofore had by what now known
and recognized the Black Republican party about
the sanctity of the missouri Compromise" is
sheer hypocrisy, as exemplifed by avowals this
day? The legislation of 1850 had disregarded the
restriction which was approved by the great Wing
and Democratic parties of 1852. The leading men
of this new party had always been it's most nvetcr-
ate opponents. Do they now, when, by deception,
they have increased their numbers at the North
propose to restore it? Not at all. The cry is now.
as heretofore, more slave States north or south of
SO deg. 80 min.
And now, Mr.. President, few words as to this
disturbing element, slavery. Do those who de-
nounce the institution with so much bitterness act
from motives of philanthropy to the master or slave?
their motive be to benefit the master, is it not
kind of intermeddng with other peoples affairs
that is improper, not to say insutng2 Is this the
course they adopt about their neighbours affairs at
home? l venture to say, whenever.in any commu.
nifty at the North, such rule of action obtains,
nothing but discord and strife prevail. And in our
f1fo kSn~1
pected that different result will follow? Is it be-
lieved that slavery is SIM and, as moralists or re-