Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-01-12


brings up the whole of what has been called popular
sovereignty" And the amendment of the Senator from
Ohio at once throws open the consideration of that whole
subject We cannot close our eyes the facts as pre-
sented here This question threatens TO subvert the
whole practice of government; to change the whole
relation between the territories and the federal
government; to build up power which is revolutions
Pv in IFS character and if there has ever been intro
duced proposition alarming in its nature while
plausible on its face this is of that kind
There something pleasing to the human mind in the
very term popuar sovereignty but when traced TO its
legitimate consequences shall find that it is fraught
with danger from beginning TO end. What is popular
sovereignty? 1t is that the people of Territory, like
those of State have right TO legislate directly in
directly upon all subjects on which State could legis
late when admitted into the Union. Without consiitu-
ton save the organic act without limitation except far
AS the organic act imposes limitations it makes them
complete sovereignties while sovereignty is denied He
regretted that this subject had ever been introduced
Il could do harm-serous harm-not because there was
any great danger OF its being adopted the settled
policy of the government, but because it presented
bone of contention among brothers and friends There
are dangers OF more serious character staring us in the
face; there is an enemy striking at the Institutions of the
South endsngering the stability of the government and
creating ftrOr Of ianaticism which even those who
stirred up the storm cannot quell.
Under these circumstances il behOoyes all lovers of
their country not to waste their time and strength in
bringing up and discussing abstract questions but this
question having been raised and being of such vital i'm
uortauce they would be derect in their duty to permit
such dangerous doctrines TO pass without correction
This subject first introduced at FreepOr ILL.,, by the
distinguished Senator from that State, (Mr. DouglIs-
Before that time there unity upon this subject No
man since the decision OF the Dred Scott case had
ntimated that there any power in the territories to
prohibit slavery therein. When this theory was first
broached by Mr. Dougasit considered by his friends
as an unguaTded expression growing out OF the ardOr Of
debate in heated controversy.
After the canvass in Illinois, we had hoped it would be
hurled in oblivion bat at the last session was brought
no again and briefly discussed. We even then dis
posed to let it rest forever because far the question
was cOucerncd IL believed that his position had been
successfully met and the public mind might be safely left
10 decide the Since that time, however have
had essay after essay and argument after argument
flooding the Northern and Southern States and designed
TO pr, iudce public sentiment At first Mr. D. ONLY con-
tended that the Territories could exclude slavery by
friendly legislaon but his llarpers Magazine essay
takes the ground that Territory exercise much
power over the subject State. Mr. Green then took
up the arguments in favor OF popular sovereignty, and
examined them in detail reading extracts from the bred
Scott decision support his views.
Mr. Green had not concluded his speech when the Sen
ate add
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr. Gartrel said that no blame could attach to tie
Democrats for the nOnOrganizatou OF the House The
scenes enacted here are but the beginning of the ire
pressble conflict of which they heard much
ict between opposing forces conflict by the North
with the South. Ii is to be waged in the fifteen
OF this Union il they are % be denied the solemn
guarantees of the Constitution il the property of the
South to be taken and its surrender denied if the
principles Of the Republican party still to be main
,lued and their purposes accomplshed if the South
by Congressional other cOntyance Is to be deprived
OF full participation in the common territories belong
ing to the whole people of the United Staes-or one,
he was free confess, that It better the House
should never organize.
If You republicans he said determined to continue
your aggge,siOus you propose to do, on our rights
YOU will not stay your hand OF aggression; it you
determined this conflict shall cOMetben warn YOU and
those whom YOU represent beware Of the dangerous
ground which YOU stand The South must have their
iul measure OF their constitutional rights-nothng else
will do They will enforce and demand to be treated
political equals otherwise the Union will be divided into
many parts there stars on our national banner
He proceeded to show--frst, what rights southern
people eIjOy 10 slavery; second that these rights,
clear and sacred and high not only threatened but
boldly dlTngy and wliully asslilrd by the republican
party. In the third place, he said be would announce
the solemn truth dsagecI5le might be TO his
stuents well those Of others that this aggres
sion continue the people Of the South will be compelled
by every principle Of justice, honor aud sepreseryation
disrupt every tie of the Uuion peaccably if they can,
iorcbly if they must.
Mr. IIaskin interrupted Mr. Glrirel, wishing to know
whether if Mr. Douglas doctrine as to slavery in the ter
/
| a sufficient cause for seeding from the | Mon?
Mr. Gartre asked whether he understood Mr. Hlskn
be the champion and eNpouuder ol the doctrines of
the Republican plrty2
Mr.. Haskin said that be was opposed equally to the
doctrine of the Republicans oI Intervention Tor the pre-
yeniion of slavery in the territories, he of the
tangled doctrine of the South for the protection of
that institution.
Mr.. Glrtre said that Judicial question to be de-
termined by the.court9. So far his opinion went he
l.,; g.. ,lo
right of the people of any territory, by unirendy egs
laon otherwise, to deprive the South OF their rght
TO slavery in the territories.
Mr. Ha-kin inquired whether the gentleman from Geor
gia would vote Tor the admission OF hlusas notwth-
standing he restrictions Of the English bill
Mr.. Gartre replied that d. hors tho record. He
would explain his position fully another time In his
further remarks IA maintained that the States have the
right TO secede from the Union at any time.
Mr. Hickman had occasion to explain what he said
a former Occasion-hat there eighteen millions in
the North who would prevent disuuiOn. He added that
these people could manufacture more arms and ammun-
ton in nuty days than the South could buy; and that
larger number of irecmeu could be voluntarily muster
ed under the banner of the Union and Constitution than
the South could raise by CONSUMPTION. The North are
in favor Of the Union and every ha4ard will maintain
it. Applause.
Mr. Gartrel said that those songs to the Union were
appauded in the galleries by those who depended on the
spols The gentleman added insult 10 injury when he
|
milton In ninety ddvs than the South could buy Why
crop OF cotton in Georgia would buy the whole State Of
Pennsylvania. Laughter and applause. Heasked Mr..
Hickman whether, If a republican President should be
elected and the republicans with both houses of Con-
gress should abolish slavery in the District of Columbia
and the slave trade between the States aud prohibit the
introduction of slavery in the Territories and the ad
mission of slave States into the Unon and the South
should in consequence secede from the Mon, would he
(Nr. Hlckhan) be wir to lead reg.nsnt against the
South, or advise coersiong
Mr. Hickman replied that there was proper place for
the settlement Of all grievances whether real or imag
nary They could be adjusted better in the Union than
out of it. and especially would this be better for the
South.
Mr. Gartrel replied that when the gentleman and his
friends came to the South they would meet with warm
reception Even the negroes would scout them as sbo
litiOnists
Mr. Edwards Of New Hampshire, condemned so.much
speaking. Il by action that they to elect
Speaker lie condemned also the resolution OF Mr.
Clarke Of Missouri which declares that no endorser of
the Helper book fit be Speaker Of the House
That resolution abstraction, and the debate upon
it L.sed therefore upon en- abstraction. He said
he had voted for Mr. Sherman and in such he
be sure that the man is only free from crime but
must have a good character, In conclusion, he offered
resolution that after this day. until Speaker shall be
chosen the House will proceed at O'clock vote
for Speaker-that they shall vote at least three times
aud if any member has the floor he shall surrender it
for that purpose.
The resolution was objected to.
Mr. Wright, of Tennessee addressed the House in re-
ply to his colleague ac. Stokes and against the proceed
ingS of the Southern Americans
Mr.Leake maintained the right OF Virginia to secede
defensive not aggressive measure.
Adjourned
ma CorcHs, ColDs, HoARsESEss and ISrlrrszA, IR