The weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1858-1860, 1859-10-01
Jefferson Davis. of ITississi ppl, after
Douglas,

= Oakland. Nd, Sept. s.
10 the Editor Of tks Waskiagtoa States;
SlR,-In your paper Of the 9th inst, / find an
essay by the Hon. 5. A. Douglas on popular
Sovereignty on the Territories" and observe
that the author quotes from discussion be-
tween him and myself on the bill of 1850, to
establish civil government for the Territory Of
New Mexico, but his extracts are 30 partial as
TO mlsrepresent the position which then and
ever since have held. | will not tax your cour.
tesy by asking fo- the use Of your columns to
reply 70 the arguments Of the essay, or TO vim :
dlcate the Democracy OF the South from the
supposi.ion that we are correctly described in
this classification Of the political opinion of the
country on the subject of Territorial Govern
mens, or to refute his assumption that the ex-
lstence OF local Law in New Mexico which
prohibited "Siavery," was an undisputed fact,
whoever refers to the debate from which be
quotes, will not fail TO observe that il was
shown to have been not q municipal Law, but the
result of decree of Dictator Of the supreme
government Of Mexico Of the republic Of Mexi.
co, and therefore, if Law at al, was of the char.
acter OF public Or political law, which il was
contended was repealed BY the transfer Of iuris-
diction to the United States, and the consequent
sueJection OF the Territory to the provisions Of
our constitution. Hence the comment which
M. Douglas makes upon the extracts which he
selected from the remarks OF Mt. Clay and nv.
sell, perverts the position which he had full
opportunity to know was held BY myself, and
others who participated in the debate.
NY object IN addressing to you this letter, is
20 request that you will give to your readers an
addltlonai extract from tae remarks OF Mr..
Douglas, to copntsraot the impression which he
made hy the extract already published.
ar. douglas lhna nnnfoa frnun hioosalc
with reference to the protection Of property
10 slaves, Mr.. Douglas said
Il have word to say to the honorable SEN
ator from Mississippi, (Mr. DAyisl He insists
that am not in favor Of protecting property,
ana that bis amendment is offered for the pur-
pose o. protecting property under the Constitu
ton. Now, sir, ] ask yon what authority he
has for saying thats Do no. desire to protect
property because wish to allow the people 10
pass such laws as they deem proper respecting
their rights to property without any exemption.
lie might just as well say that am opposed Ia
protecting property in merchandise, in steam
boats, in cattle, in real eatats, as to say that
am opposed 70 protecting property OF any des-
crlpsioni for 4 desire 70 put them all on An
eQuai.tv, and Allow the people to make their
own laws in respect to the whole Of them.n
y, IS thence 10 to be inferred, Mr.. Douglas
wished 70 give 70 all property equal protection
and security-if be was opposed to any excep-
ton. obstruction, or discrimination sgainst pro-
perty Of s.aves, it will naturally be asked, what
then was my position with which he 90 directly
antagonised The injustice OF his extract is
made apparent By quoting further from bis own
remarks on the same point and In the same con-
nectiOn:
Ar. Douglas. But the Senator from Missis-
saippi says that he is contending for principle
mat requires Congress 70 protect property, but
tnat am contcndng against 1t. Not at al, sir.
4 desire 70 give them such : government as
Will enable them to protect property Of every
1snd and description. | wish to make no ex-
ocption. He desires to make an exception,
Mr. Davis. Not 1t all, sir.
Mr. Douglas. The government contended for
authorizes them to protect property Of every
kind and description, real and personal; but the
Senator from Mississippi says that you must ex-
clude African slavery.
Mr.. Davis. No, sir, said no such thing,
Mr. Douglas Hs excepted
NJ. Davis, With the Senator's permission, /
will explain. He il stacking the bill: but had
nothing TO do with the bin except 10 try and
better 1t.
Nc. Douglas. begin to discover my error.
az, holding the Senator responsible for the
work OF the committee Of thirteen.
Mr. Davis (in his seat) II was . very great
error. 65s sF@H
NJ. Douglas. Iwas making war upon him b.
mistake. must pay my respects TO the coms
mittee Of thirteen. -
will mot extend this communicated BY oon-
mens o. feierence 70 OtAsf portions'of tAe -
9te, and the votes BY which vArions preposi-
tions we're decided. Icontsndsd tlen, q nov,
Tor the equality Of the South In the right 70 sn~
10y the conmon uaappfepriAtsd domain; and
for adequate protection % all the constitutional
rights of every citisen Of the United Statsa-
70 this end hope We nay yet attain.
Very respsctfully, your obedisnt servant,
I s4ss. II ssl Jgv1zRsON DAVIS. II
Ths Aeliae Co0misaioaer of Tho General
Land C)f3tan kaa amt IL tha Secrefarv ~ 49, n