Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-09-12
Political Discussion.

Recently Mr.. John M. Bolts delivered a very
strong and able speech at Taylor's Springs, in
Rockingham county, Virginia, in favor of Mr. Fill
more. He was replied to by Mr. Harris, the Dem
ocratc eector for that district During his speech
Mr.. Harris several times alluded to Mr. Bottss
opinion on the subject of the power of Congress
to legsate for the Territories and dared and de-
fed" that gentleman to answer whether he and
Martin Van Buren, did not occupy the same posi-
ton upon that question.
Mr.. Bolts rose, and remarked, that as he was
not a candidate for the Presidency, his opinions
were not in issue in this canvass. He would, how
ever, ask the gentleman who had propounded the
inquiry, whether he considered an admission of
the constitutional power of Congress to legislate
on the subject OF slavery in the Territories an in
superable objection to Candidate for the Presi-
dency
Mr.. Harris. certainly do.
Mr.. Bolts. Then you, of course would not vote
for me if were candidate, and held the opinion
Mr.. Harris. No; and, 80 help me heaven, /
would vote for no man for any office who sub
scribed to 30 dangerous and odious doctrine
Mr.. Bolts. Very well, sir; my opinion is not a
matter OF vital importance in this canvass, but
will read for your especial edifcation and instruc-
ton, the following declaration:
Having urged the adoption of the Missouri
Compromise, the inference is inevitable that Con-
gress, in my opinion possesses the power to legs-
late upon the subject of slavery in the Territories
This sovereign power in Congress must, from its
nature, be exclusive"
quote from the "Sandford letter" of James
Buchanan
Such shout of laughter we have never heard
as followed this clincher," and Mr.. Harris stood
covered with confusion, looking for few moments
as lady present expressed it, "as if he had an
attack of lock,jaw." "You are pledged against
Buchanan" came up from all parts of the crowd.
After few minutes, the Democratic orator
stammered out that Mr. Ruchanan's real opinion
was, that Congress had the power to legisIate for
the protection of slavery but no power to legslate
for its prohibition.
{" Indeed I" rejoined Mr. Bolts "then you think
the power exists 10 legisate on one side of the
question, but not on the otherl Mr. Buchanan
will hardly thank you for that compliment to his
intelligence. Will you be go kind as to point out
the particular clause of the constitution from
which you derive this novel and brilliant concep-
ton of yours?n
Mr.. Harris had of course no answer to make
When Mr.. Harris sat down, Mr.. Bolts took the
stand and told Mr.. H. that the difference between
the opinions of Martin Van Buren, and the rest of
Mr. Buchanan's supporters at the North and him
SELF consists in the very important distinction that,
whilst they urge the exercise by Congress of the
right to adopt the Wilmot Proviso, and to prevent
sne iuIthcr extension OF slavery, ne Mr.. Botts)
had always strenuously opposed the exercise Of
any such power Mr.. Harris had urged az a seri-
Gus objection to Mr., Fillmore that he voted against
Mr.. Botts's resolution Of censure upon Giddings.
Are you aware, sir, said Mr.. B., that, in your eff
forts to establish Mr.. Flmore's unsoundness upon
this question, the painful necessity was forced
upon you, of proving my fidelity to the South, as
the author and proposer of that very resolution
you so strangely condemn him for voting against
and that you involved yourself in the unenviable
dilemma OF approving my course at the moment
you were attempting to excite prejudice against
my position on the Southern question: But, |
will inform you, If you will only not tell the people
Of Rockingham about it,--that Governor Wise
voted Just as Mr.. Fillmore didn Amidst the
laughter and applause consequent upon this last
sally, Mr.. Bolts concluded.-Rich. Amer