The weekly Mississippian. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1859-1864, 1860-03-07
An Occasion for Congressional
Intervention.

1t was declared by Senator's representing
the Constitutional side of the territorial
question, in the celebrated debate of February
23d, 1859, that in the event the Legislature
of territory should override its delegated
authority, and pass law excluding slavery,
it would become the duty of Congress to alb
rogate by direct Intervention such unconsti-
tutional measure.
Mr.. Green, of Missouri, statesman of un-
questioned ability and of discretion and
moderation, in the course of his speech
said:
The Supreme Court has decided that slaves
are property. They 60 into the territories,
and the question has sprung up here, whether
the territories of Kansas and Nabraska, I'M
der the specific law of 1854, can prohibit and
abolish slavery, by direct or indirect legisla-
ton, or by nomination. answer they can do
neither, and If they aoere to undertake to do
either, and thereby destroy the rights of citizens,
It sooald be the duty Of Congress to intervene. |
hold first, that they can do neither but If
tsey should, IL toouH be obligatory on Congress
to interpose The purpose Of the government
being the protection Of persons and property.
whenever any subordinate power, acting un-
der the United States authority, eontravenes
those great ends of government, it becomes tile
duty Of the superior pOauer to interpose to pro-
tet the rights ofpersons and property.
Further-in response to an iHterrogatory
of Mr.. Douglas-Mr Green said
The moment they (the Kansas Territorial
Legslature) undertake to take away the
slave property now in kansas-if we cannot
protect them without that ioiU bring tn a
bin, and expect the vote Of the Senator
Douglas) on the principles he advocated in
regard to the Utah bill.
This, we repeat was the declared or implied
position of every Senator who represented the
constitutional side of the question. On the
| contrary, Douglas, when driven to the wall by
Senator Davis, after making loud professions
of his willingness to abide by the decision Of
the Supreme Court, at last declared
I ,oiH uote against any las0 by Congress
attempting to interfere ,cih a regulation made
| by the territories NTH respect to any kind q
property whatever, whether horses, mules,
negroes, or anything else"
The issue was therefore distinctly joined.
1t was declared, by the Democratic Senators,
proper, the duty of Congress to intervene
against the unauthorized attempt of a terri
torial legislature to exclude slavery; and
Douglas joined issue with them. Mr. Green
promised in their behalf to bring in bill set
ting aside such legislation. Douglas avowed
his purpose to oppose it.
Now, the occasion has arisen for the exer-
else by Congress ofthis authority. The Legis-
ature of Kansas has passed law excluding
slavery from the territory, and furnishing the
owners of slaves now within its limits by
emancipating their property, if they choose to
continue their residence in the territory. Gov.
Medary, the Presidents appointee, has met
the responsibilities of his station brayely like
true patriot, and vetoed the infamous bill
but the fanatical majority-in the interest o.
the abolition enemies of the South-have pass.
ed it over his head, and it has become law
of the territory, and will be executed as such
unless Congress promptly intervene with its
| protecting shield.
We invoke the guardians Of the peoples
rights at Washington, to come at once to the
rescue. Let the great issue be made, and lei
them know whether the general government
can be made to carry out the objects for which
it was created.