The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1859-09-28
SneGGh OF linn. Rahart TN0mhS.

We publish the succeeding extract of
speech delivered at Augusta, Georgia, on
the 9Th of September last, more especially
10 show by the extract from MIR. MADISON
and the connection, that formerly and now,
statesmen have felt the conflicting princi.
Piles which enter inio the question of gov.
eminent for our Territories-the principle
tina. Congress is supreme, under the Cen.
stitution, over common territory which has
been purchased or conquered for all the
States, and the general, great principle of
local self-government. AS the Constitution
does not contain any clause of delegated
power for the government for the Territories,
and consequently does not determine the
proportion in which these two principles
shall be observed in drafting a government
for the Territories, it became subject for
the calmest, most patriotic and compromis-
ing spirit of adjustment:
By the laws of nations people who are
conquered or bought are governed by the
! will OF the conquerer or purchaser they
have no road 10 sovereignty except through
revolution or compacts. Until our Terrific
ries acquire sovereignty by one Of these
modes, | shall continue TO hold that the
jurisdiction of Congress over them is exclu.
siye and paramount; ] say exclusive and
paramount do not say unlimited All po-
wer must necessarily be limited by the
terms of the gfspt, and the objects of the
grant. The power of Congress over the
Territories is an implied power, therefore,
limited by the objects Of the grant. In the
language of Mr.. Madison, "the right being
given from the necessity of the case, and in
suspension ofthe great principle Of seJfgove,n.
ment, ought not 10 be extended further nor
continued longer than the occasion might
fairly require" Yet it exists, and is wholly
inconsistent with popular sovereignty.
From the day of the adoption of the present
Constitution to this hour the Federal Gov
eminent have claimed and exercised the
| right TO govern the Territories according 10
their own will and pleasure, subject only TO
the Constitution OF the United States. Ii
has steadily claimed and exercised the po-
wers to control their Legislation in all cases
whatsoever, without question or protest
| therefore, neither principle nor authority
has this new position of Senator Douglas a
single leg TO stand upon, yet do not belong
10 those who denounce him the organiza-
| ton oil the democratic party leaves this as
an open question; he is at full liberty 10
take either sids he may choose, and If he
maintains his ancient ground of neither
making nor accepting new tests of political
soundness, shall still consider him poll
tical friend, and will accept him as the
representative of the party whenever it
may tender him; and in the mean time, if
he should ever wander after strange gods, |
! do not hesitate 10 tell you that, with his
errors, prefer him and would support him
10 morrow against any opposition man in
| America.
have but single point remaining to
present TO you on this occasion. We are
lold that we must put new plank in tn g
democratic platform, and demand the affir-
nance of the duty of Congress TO protect
slavery in the Territories, whenever such
Territories fail TO discharge this unques.
tionabe duty. Some Of the opposition
leaders say il you will do that we will act
with you. Now ] reply, do not think it is
wise 10 do the thing proposed; and, in the
second place, do not think the inducements
proposed helps the proposition. While |
| have already asserted full and com plete po-
wer in Congress TO do this thing, think
with Mr.. Madison, that such a power should
be most prudcntly and carefully exercised
that it ought not 10 be exercised until the
occasion for it is imperative. There has
been no occasion for its exercise from 1888
TO this hour; there is no case to day calling
for it, and am more than willing that the
| Territories shall continue to govern them.
selves in their own way, so long as they
respect the rights of all the people of the
States and their own fellow citizens. | will
not insult them by supposing them capable
OF disregarding the Constitution as expound
ed by the Supreme Court; | will not insult
them by assuming that they are incapable
of honest self.government, and are capable
OF abusing power to the injury of their fellow.
citizens If they should show themselves
incapable Of honestly exercising the powers
| with which we have intrusted them, per-
haps the judiciary may be adequate 10 right
the wrong. 1t may be that the power OIL
the Executive may be adequate TO that
purpose, but if all these safeguards fail,
shall then be prepared 10 protect all the
rights Of all the people in the Territories as
well as elsewhere by all the powers of the
Governments.
But shall prescribe no new tests of par
| ty fealty 10 Northern democrats those who
remain of them have hitherto stood with
fidelity and honor upon their engagements
They have maintained the truth 10 their
own hurt, they have displayed a patriotism,
magnanimity rarely equaled, never
excelled in the worlds history, and shall
endeavor in sunshine and storm-wth your
appreciation if can get it, without it if I
musl-to stand by them with a fidelity
equal 10 their great deserts. IF you will
stand with me and them we shall conquer
faction in the North and in the South we
shall save the country from the curse Of
being ruled by the heterogeneous compound
now calling itself the opposition, and shall
leave this great country four children as we
found it-united, strong, prosperous and
happy.