The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-06-27

was adopted in subsequent yars, when
different state Of things had arisen, and II
became necessary to apply an abstract pro
position relating to the States to the Terri
tories. Hence the adoption Of the Language
contained In the second resolution which
have read.
Now, sir, deny the position thus assum-
ed BY the Cincinnati Convention. In the
language Of the Senator from Kentucky,
(Mr. Crittenden,) 30 ably and 80 sppro-
priately used on Tuesday last, I hold that
the eniire and unqualified Sovereignty Of The
Territories is IN Congress. That is my judy
ment; bat this resolution brings the Terri
tories precisely within the same limitations
which are applied TO the States IN the reso-
luton which / first read. The two taken
together deny to Congress any power Of leg
islation in the Territories.
Follow On and let us see what remains
Adopted rs part Of the present platform,
and rs necessary TO q new state Of things,
and to meet an emergency now existing, the
Convention says:
"The American Democracy recognize and
adopt the principles contained in the organ
ic laws establishing the Territories of Kan
sas and Nebraska, as embodying the only
sound and safe solution of the Slavery ques.
ton, upon which the great national idea Of
the people Of this whole country can repose
in is determined conservatism Of the Union
by Congress with Slavery
in States and Territories.
Then follows the last resolution:
"Resoired, That we recognize the right Of
the people Of all the Territories, including
Kansas and Nebraska. acting through the
fairly expressed will Of the majority OF &c
tual residents, and whenever the number Of
their inhabitants justifes il, to form Con-
stitution, with or without domestic Slavery,
and be admitted into the Union on terms of
perfect equality with the other States"
Take all these resolutions together, and
the deduction which we must necessarily
draw from them is denial to Congress Of
any power whatever to legislate upon the
subject OF Slavery. The last resolution do
mics to the people Of the Territory any pow
or over that subject save when they shall
have sufficient number TO form Constitu-
ton and become State, and also denies
that Congress has any power over the sub
Jet and 50 the resolutions hold that this
power is at least in allegiance while the Ter
ritory is in Territorial condition. That is
the only conclusion which you can draw |
rom these resolutions. Alas! for short |
lived Territorial sovereignty IL came to
Is death in the house Of its friends; il was
,uried by the same hands which had given
baptism!
But, Sir, did not rise for the purpose Of
Iiscussing these resolutions, but only to read
hem, and state the action which propose
0 take in view Of them. may, probably
hall. take some subsequent occasion, when |
shall endeavor TO present 10 the Senate and
he country fair account Of what is the
rue issue presented to the people for their
onsideration.
My object now Is TO show only that the
'incinnati Convention has endorsed and APP
royed Of the repeal Of the Missouri Com
romisc, from which 50 many evils have al
eady flowed, from which, fear, more and
Torse evils must yet be anticipated. Ii
Tould, of course, be expected that the Pres
lential nominee Of that Convention would /
ccept, cordially and cheerfully, the plat
Drm prepared for him by his party friends.
20 person can object TO that. As there is
% equivocation on his part about the mat
er, beg leave to read a short extract from
speech OF that gentleman, made at his own
ome within the last few days.
In reply to the Keystone Club, which paid
i'm visit there, Mr.. Buchanan said
"Gentlemen, two weeks since should
AVE made you longer speech, but now
ave been placed on platform Of which
most heartily approve, and that can speak
or me. Being the representative Of the
reat Democratic party, and not simply
ames Buchanan, must square my conduct
ccording 10 the platform of the party, and
nser, no new plank nor take one FROM it,"
These events leave to me only one unplcas-
mt duty, which is to declare here that
an maintain political associations with no
,arty that insists upon such doctrines that
can support no man for President rho
lro,rs and recognises them; aRdthat the little |
II that po,rcr Irih irhieh God has endored
ne shall be employed 10 battle maafuly, firm
v and consistently for has defeat, demanded
IS IL IS by the highest interests Of the country
rhieh Olras all my allegiance.
The President-the question is on the mo-
ion Of the Senator from Maine to be excus-
d from further service on the Committee on
Commerce.
The motion was agreed to.