Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-07-23

Our neighbor Of the Enquirer the most prOdgeOus
blunderer in either hemisphere he exeel in this re-
spect al other editors on earth. For example, witness
the following extract from its Fridays issue; .
On principles 50 far as regards the great test question
OF the day-savery in the Terrories-Bell and Lincoln
occupy identical positions Both pledged 10 the
stgonal power Of Congress to abolish slavery in the
Territories Both pledged to sanction by their Off
CiAl aeon the exercise Of such Congressional power
We have only to say, in reply, that Mr.. Bell is not
pledged to the Constitutional power Of Congress to
abolish slavery in the Territories" aud Hsper And
he is pledged sanction BY bis Official action the
exercise Of such Congressional pOwer"-sndHsysr cas
To Mr. BehS record in proof of what assert and
invoke the attention of the ERg1irsr to il
On the 9th OF June, 500 upon regulating the Terrific
ries acquired from Mexico Mr.. Chase Of Ohio offered to
the Territorial bin the following amendment;
That nothing herein contained shall be construed az
anth lfzng permitting the introduction Of slavery
the holding OF persons as property within said Terrific
~"
Mr. Bel voted against IT, as discriminating against the
rights and property Of the South.
Onths same Cav, Mr. Seward moved the 'Wilmot Pro-
visO = in the following words:
"Neher slavery nor Involuntary seryitude otherwise
than upon conviction for crimes shall be allowed
in either Of said Territories Of Utah andNew Mexico.
Again, Mr.. Bell voted against Mr.. Stewards amend.
discriminating against the rights and property
Of the South.
On the same day an amendment proposed BY
Mr. Berrien lorbddng the Territorial Legislatures to
pass any act either establishing prohibiting AfreaI
slavery" Mr. Hale moved an amendment by add
the words "or allorHg which would clearly have for
bidder any Territorial protection of slavery properly
when carried there.
Mr.. Beh voted against the Hale amendment, thereby
Insisting by his vote upon the right Of the South to Pre-
lection in her slave property.
Ga the next day, the vote taken an amendment
offered by Mr.. waker-"that peOn slavery is forever
abolished and prohibited"
Mr.. Bell voted against the Walker amendment as IL
terferng with slavery.
Ga the same day, Mr. Baldwin moved an amendment,
that the Mexican laws abOshing African slavery in New
Mexico and Utah should be considered as s; in force,
and SHOULD 50 remain until repealed By Congress.
Mr.. Bell also voted against that amendment, endor
log BY his vote the principle Of nOnuterveuOn by Cot
gses upon the subject of slavery and also the principle
cOateHded for by Mr. Calhoun that the common Terrific
ries were the property Of all the S;a'es, ard
that The Mexican laws we're in force in the Terrific
lies since they became Uuited States property Hence
the amendment uncaed for and had Cor its object
W.bal discrimination against satery.
We AK in all eandOr and fairness, does such record
show that Mr. Bell stands where the Enquirer without
proof or the shadow Of proof has TT to place him
Does such record show that BELL and Lincoln occupy
idsatieal positions on the question of slavery in the
Territories"
But see further the evidences from Mr. Bells speeches
" Il is coatended that the South is secured in the full
benefit Of the doctrine held By scme Of the most disn
Naha-r Of rflrhF hat
Constitution FROPRiO yIGOEE that the flag Of the Union
protects the citizen in the enjoyment Of his rights OF
property OF every description recognized such in any
OF the States on every sea and in every Territory Of the
Jnion. The so,s9ness Of he general doctrine held
tbs point IaiRk eaoi cell b Questioned isproved:
and II tAs question related Territory situated Or
sgo Gas when DE United States possession Of
a. property IN Slaves could Be entitled 70 e protection
Of The nas and he Constitution ofths United Staies'-
JOgS BILL
lam in favor of tbs principle of nOn-interventiOn.-
Such noH-iHtsrusBti5H o0d hare given 20 me South
Cja Stare Side should 70 Be dHnsrsd 10 the
Iitod States SNch hONitsrren,iOn az that, fthere had
been compact itb regard to he aissioR Of slave
States to BE- carved ot Of Tras could hare secured 70
those sags States independent of the compact by which
the United States ate bound TO them-JOHS BEIL
But Air. humanity to the slave not less than justice to
the master recommends the policy OF diffusion and sr
feryOR into any neS territory adapted 10 is condition.
and the are obvious 70 be misunderstood by
the dulles inteleet-JOHN Ball.
We inquire again; does any in the South Of any
party 6ceupy higher and mpregnable position on
the CUES ion of slavery than john Bell: Is not his
whole record without spot or blemishs
We suggest to the Enquirer that spshOd assertion Is
one thing, and fact quite different thing. And We
dey il to produce the sembance Of proof in sup
port Of the charge it has brought against Mr. Bell in
the extract we have quoted from its columns.