The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1858-06-23

III bHC way UT VIC lVhsN tNHtd XIV
the Legislature the power to make discrimi,
nation between property? never did at
any time. | never maintained the doctrine
that convention can justly give the I.fgis-
lature power to give security TO one species
Of property in preference to another--neser.
Ali this, however, more fully explained be.
fore.
A word now about the eighty millions Of
public lands. The fault which l found with
my colleagues speech was, that he stated
that voted against the necessary provisions
to protect the Government in her right in
the public lands within the confines Of Kan
sas, without noticing the fact that the same
safeguards we're contained in the Crittenden
Montgomery bill that were in the Senate
bill.
understand my colleague now to say that
he was misunderstood that what he meant
was, that inasmuch as the people of Kansas
might vote down Lecompton, and proceed to
form new constitution. and in the formation
Of this new constitution they might claim a
right to these lands. that would be efectual
against the title OF the United States.
| Now, let me show how erroneous this posi-
ton is. All Congress can do is to put pro-
per safeguard into the bill on which the
State is to be admitted. Suppose, for In
stance, that Minnesota, or any other State
having public lands within II. comes into the
\ Union with proper provisions in the act Of
admission as the rights Of tie United States
| in the public domain, aud afterwards the pe0.
pie of that State should change their consti-
tuition and put in clause dec laring that oil
the public lands within its borders should be
the property of the State: how would this
affect the Government tiIles The position
Of my colleague is, if understand him. that
subsequent altera ton OF the State constl-
tuition could take away the title of the Um-
ted States 10 the public lands in that State,
when express provision against it is in the
admitting act-if the admission afterwards
should be by proclamation. But, sir, pre-
sented the views Of the gentleman from Mis-.
sissippi, Senator Davis, and quoted from
his letter. NY colleague must admit that |
quoted properly. II declares, in substance,
that unless you provide in the act Of adms.
sion proper safeguards as TO the title of the
United States 10 the public lands in State,
the General Government loses its control
over those public lands. But my colleague
flies instantly to something else to get out
of that difficulty; aud says the remedy is con-
tanned in the enabling act. | read the views
and position Of the Senator from Mississippi
and showed that they must be provided for.
MR. SHAW, Of North Carolina. Mr.. Chair.
man
Ma. GILMRR. Ny colleague would not eY-
tend this courtesy TO me, aud | cannot YELL
i Mn. SHAW, OF North Carolina. only wish
to interrupt my colleague TO correct him in
his statement. The Senator from Mississippi
I did not say that. lie did not say the con-
dition precedent must be contained in the
act of admission. He is so reported in my
colleagues speech, but he did not say that
\ Nix. GILMER. | cannot yield. My pur.
pose was to try my colleague by his own as
sumed rule, and BY the opinion Of Senator
Davis. understand my colleague now L
. say, that what he meant BY the remark in hi;
|. opening speech, that had not been faithful
! against alien suffrage, consisted in this thai
the inhabitants or citizens Of Kansas might
under the Crittenden. Montgomery bill, fni
, which I voted, in case they voted down th'
I.eeomptOn constitution, make new one, IL
, which they might tolerate alien suffrage
= Now let me examine that position for mo
ment. What more can Congress do 10 pro
4 vide safeguards against the exercise OF ID,
: right Of alien suffrage than TO guard dgains
y II IN tie act If admission: IL the STAT
c afterwards secs proper to call convention
! and amend It's constitution, the difficult!
which my colleague seems TO labor unde
J. would arise in every case.
If mention this to my colleague 10 shpu
. how anxious he is to point out defects, an,
i indulge 10 fault finding.
VI He says that, BY quoting the letter of. III
: honorable Senator from Mississippi, NJ
t DAVIS clineh the argument on his posltlon
1 and in bis favor, on his vote TO admit Mime
sofa without provision protecting the Unlte'
!. States in her rights 10 the public donaii
' within the confines of that new State. Yer
4 different, in truth, if there be anything 4
n his own position assumed against me.
e am free to admit that my great objection
o to the admission of Minnesota was the allie
Il universal suffrage which her constitution ,Ol
h crates, and which is mt denied.
Ny colleague Is dosn upon me about NJ
q former views as 70 the admission ot kansa
1 with the IecOmpton constitution talks enc
9 maticaIly, and charges more than rccol
/. lect. do not rccolleet about the canvas.
e do not deny, however, that previous to N
Il coming to Congress, did entertain and cS
Ii press different views in relation 70 kansa
a and I.eeompton % those formed and aete
i upon after investigating and becoming fam
a liar with the whole facts. The time, ] pre-
Il sumo. Il not material. | am free 70 admi
!. that had not become well satisfied u;
4. serious difficulties would likely, inevitably
Il .nl txtthnut cain Or benefit "a my section
Is arise 10 the peace and quiet u the Union.
i. would have been az ready aud as anxious 4
any other 70 admit Kansas with the LeeOml
II ton constitution. Internationally.
= but came here 10 cunfer. investigate, an
y to lsgislate Cor The best interests u my eour
{. try. ! came here 70 give that vote which
e thought would be best lyr tie North. best {,
,e the South, best Tor the East, best for n
al West; aud abe1 had made fuIl invest
4 CATION of Tie subject 30 far as could, loun