The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-08-26

Now, sir what the platform adopted in lieu of the
rejeced2 The word slavery cannot be found in it.
Instead Of the 18th section have the nth, as above
MI. WHITNEY, Iinterrupting.) ask the gentleman
from Mississippi he considers the constitution Of the Uni
ted States as sound on the slavery question
Mr.. BAHkSDALE Certainly | do, sir.
Mr.. WHITNEY. Then would ask the gentleman If he
can lind the word slavery in the constitution OF the United
States #a
Mr. DARKsDALE. find a synonymous terms per-
sons held to service but there such language in
your platform, anything like it. Now, sir, mark the
Language OF this section. Under IL Congress pass
the Wmot proyiso abolish slavery in the District of CO.
auba ntect the slave trade between the States modify
repeal the fugitiye-slave law. II would be viola
ton of this section If Congress to refuse to admit
Kansas into the Union, she TO apply with pro-
slavery constitution The provso that "none but those
who citizens OF the United States under the constit
ton and laws thereof and who have fixed residence in
any such Territory ought participate in the formation
OF the constitution the enactment OF laws for said Ter
rory State By the bill organizing territorial gov
for Kansas and Nebraska unnaturazed foreign
e who have declared their purpose become citizens
allowed to vote Upon this pretext the application of
Kansas might be rejected. And sir, in my opinion, this
language adopted TO pander to the reeso section Of
the party at the North
Mr. TRAFTON (interruptipg) / desire to ask the gen.
tenan from Mississippi one question. ! understand him
to say that Congress do anything regard slavery
Docs he be understood that Congress egsae
in reference to slavery in the old saveholdng States
Mr.. BARKSDALE, Tie gentleman did not hear my re-
mark or he would have asked that question said
such thing was speaking of the powers yielded, tacty,
at least to Congress under the knownothng platform
deny the OF Congress to eate upon the subject OF
slavery anywhere except protect it. That s my posi-
don
Gentlemen tell u.s. however, that this platform is not
binding upon Them that the grand council had no right
to srike out the 18th section and adopt platform
BY the constitution of the organization the national grand
council wieds its whole political power In the express
language of that constitution it has the power to determine
all questions of national policy and from its decision there
is no appeal And 1t not only has this power but also has
the power to punish for dCobedience of its edic That
the convention which nominated Mr. Fillmore for Pres
q he rand
binding is evidenced by the fact that resolution denying
the powers they assumed voted down by majority
two-thirds. -
The nominating convention assembled on the 22d Feb
ruary. The OF disorder and violence which
characterized the grand council reenaced The del
sgates from Pennsy lyania headed by Mr. JOHN EDIE
member of this House. and who had voted for Mr. BANKS
for Speaker admitted to in the convention The
vote was 8S to two TO for the admission of these
eesoil delegates all Of whom had repudiated the 18th
section At length, however, Willard Fillmore nomi-
mated for President and Andrew Doneson for Vice Pesi
dent Of the United States when many Of the northern dele
The political history Of Mr. Fillmore is well known
10 the country lie first borne into political life by
the antfreemasonry excitement which prevailed in Nav
YORK at that time lie was opposed to all societies
then even such as not connected with politics Now
he stands before the American people the candidate
secret poa'ccl organization for the first Office within their
gift
The following letter addressed to friend in Erie in
1888 will show what his opinions in relation to the powe.
of Congress over slavery were at that time;
Buffalo, October II, 1885,
Sin Your communication Of the 18th instant AZ chairman
Of committee appointed by the Anti slavery Society on Nh
County OF Erie has just come to hand. You solicit NV an
swer TO the following interroga.ores: -
t DO you believe mat petitions to Congress on the sub
ect oil slavery ans the slave trade ought be received and
respectfully Considered by of the nso,
I'd Are you opposed to the annexation of Texas under
any cTcumstances, ms long slaves held thereiny
ID Are you In favor OF Congress exercising the cons
uona power possesses to abolish the internal slave trade
between the Ststes3 '
4th you favor Of immediate legislation for The .h
hton OF slavery In the District Of Columbian
am much engaged and have no time 10 enter into an -
gumen or 70 explain Mt length my ms opinion
sha therefore content myse for the present by
ing AL your nterrogatories in the AFFHAATvE and "a
the subject W