The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-02-18

If these threats can he made here against
the existence Of the Union, and if they can
have any effect upon the people of this
country, then, indeed, sir we may well ap-
preheud that il cannot last long hope it
will last forever and il nobody threatened
it until | did. il would last forever. Az.
plause in the galleries. Yes, sir, and it will
last much longer than gentlemen here, by
continual repetition and reflection, and med
itaticu believe to be so near at hand and
it would last much longer, perhaps, but for
these meditations. They prize il so highly
that the remotest danger affects them; and
they forthwith begin TO prophecy that il,
end is near at hand or they are provoked
at something which is done which they think
is adverse to the interests OF the Republic
and the Union, and then they threaten but
all this is promoting the very purpose and
the very end against which know, in their
heart, they are opposed, and with their hands
would oppose.
We should do well, think, to throw out
Of all our ordinary course of argument these
threats and these prophecies. | believe the
Union is to live, not because | wish it, or
you wish it, sir, but il is to live for ages
believe it is enshrined in the hearts of the
people, and they will be lis sustainers and
maintainers even if We should be rccreant
TO the part we are to act, and desire its over
throw. 1t Is not in our power--thank God
it is not in the power of the Senate, or of
the Congress of the United States to over
throw this Government aud | rejoice in il.
Applause in the galleries.
Mr.. MASON. l trust tho order Of the
Senate will be preserved. This is not the
first occasion since l have been here, by
many, when the order Of the Senate has been
disregarded by those present | hope the
order Of the Senate will be preserved.
Mr.. CRITTENDEN. Mr.. President,
did not intend to have said this much, and
this, perhaps fortunate, brings me to aspeed.
Ter conclusion than should otherwise have
| done. do not think, in all soberness and
earncstness, that we can, in justice to the
! State of Minnesota, refuse to consider her
claims to admission here. How her men,
bers will vote on this side or that side of
any question, cannot be anticipated. We
have permitted her to make q constitution
for State Government. She has put on
the armor Of State Government in your
presence and by your permission. She is
entitled to oil its privileges, ard she is exer-
csing them. Though not yet within the
limits Of your Constitution, she is by your
authority in a state OF preparation for it,
and has already by your authority, antici.
pated her sovereignty, and performed acts
which sovereign State alone could do
She has made a constitution such as BELTS
a sovereign State. She has elected repre-
sentatives, such rs sovereign State is en-
titled TO have on this floor. She has done
all this, not in the tumultuous, dlsOrderly
manner in which We have frequently allowed
il to be done, but in regular conformity
with, and in obedience to, law. She is here
an unquestionable form, if the report Of the
committee be relied upon, and | will rely
upon it. Why should she be held back p
Shall she be held back to be used by gentle.
men on the one side or the other, as mere
argument, u mere matter Of constraint to
carry or prevent some other measure?
trust not do not think this is Just. | feel
that can do justice now in reference to
Minnesota, and feel that | can do Justice
in the case of Kansas Nothing but reason,
nothing but justice should operate on the
decision in either case. Let us, then, act on
this. 1t is not mere matter of courtesy to
be sure--t is far, far above it. 1t is an act of
justice TO this State; it is an act Of justice to
ourselves, aud to the Union OF these States,
that Minnesota should come in, and that
without unnecessary delay. There has been
weeks delay since the report was made
There is no reason why IT should be post
I poned-no reason at all adequate which has
been alleged by any gentleman who has
spoken against the present consideration Of
the subject.
have heard no objection TO the constitr-
ton; have heard of no irregularity pointed
out in the making Of the constitution. There
was some little controversy among the mem.
bers Of the convention who formed it, who
separated into different bodies but they
came together at last and agreed upon one
Instrument that was submitted TO the PEG.
pie and adopted by the almost unanimous
vote a the people. The sovereign hand Of
the people has ratified and sealed the instru.
ment made 10y their delegates in convention.
What more does any one want? Nothing
more accoriiog To any form Of proceeding
with respect TO any other State that has
ever been admitted
As to the objection ofmy honorable friend
fom Delaware, Mr.. BAyARD that these
Senators perhaps have only very question
able right to their seats, inasmuch AS they
have been elected BY a Legislature before
the admission vi the State INTO the Union,
that, ! think, is settled by the constant
practice oi the Senate Practice and preci-
dent, even il there was q little error IN it,
have esiabi shed that doctrine. We cannot
go behind all the preepients. and say now,
that these gentlemeo are not entitled TO
their SEATS because they were elected before
the admission OF the State into the Culon.
hat might have BIN question once bat
il was never one, think, of much moment
o. dificuiy.
The people OF Minnesota. as said betore,
| lxnrrasaa.x liz. ar.ticlr.afal i-rhfs ofu