The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-04-13

holding slaves. The territories are the
common property of the people of the
United States, and the power Congress
possesses over them cannot be perverted for
the benefit of any section, repulsive to the
justice and subversive of the equality of the
states.
Mr.. Hooper, delegate from Utah, said
polygamy was part of the Mormon reli
gious faith.
Mr.. Pryor replied, he had examined the
disgusting and blasphemous farrago, called
the "Momon Bible" and he could not find
therein solitary word recognizing polyga-
my as a matter of religion. He did not,
however, pretend to be acquainted with all
the polemics of the Salt Lake Saints. The
results of polygamy were seen. in the bitter
fruits of sedition and crime This scanda~
lous crime should be extirpated. 1t was
offensive in the eyes of nations and re-
proach to civil liberty.
Mr.. Etheridge, Of Tenn, said that this
question brings up the whole power of
Congress to govern the Territories, by
which Democrats will bo required to stand
when the question of slavery is involved
The Democratic catechism has been often
revised, and so rapidly, that people were
not able to keep up with the changes, and
now he was required to say that Congress
has plenary power all on one side, provided
it is favor of the negro. This was not as
yet published as the last authoritative expos
sition of the Democratic creed, but it would
have endorsers more respectable than the
Helper book, Incest, adultery and poliga-
my are kindred offences. If punishment may
be extended to married persons, it may to
single ones. If the law may be applied to
whites, it may be to the blacks. The con-
stitution recognizes slavery no more than it
does husband and wife.
Mr.. Lamar, of Mississippi, inquired whe-
Their the gentleman maintained and asserted
the power of Congress to punish slavery
as crime in the Territories
MIR. Etheridge replied, that he was show
ing the difficulties gentlemen may have, for
fear they will not see them. Whoever votes
for the bill does so with the distinct under
standing that Congress has power to punish
adultery and may extend the power to the
Introduction of slavery by unfriendly leglsla-
ton but he would vote for the bill because
be believed Congress would always have
too much good sense to do it. Laughter
Mr.. Singleton, of Mississi ppi, asked
whether the gentleman, by voting for this
bill, voted for the principle that Congress
has the right to abolish slavery in the Ter
ritories?
Mr.. Etheridge repeated that he would
vote for the bill in order to scour the nau-
seating offence, and because he thought
Congress could prohibit it in Utah. 1t ex-
tends its provisions to blacks as we'll as
whites AS to the operation on slavery, the
only guarantee he had was the good sense
liberality and fair dealing of Congress.
Mr.. Pryor remarked that the gentleman
from Tennessee said he regarded every one
voting for the bill as voting for the right of
Congress to abolish slavery in the Terrific
ries. That might be and was true as to the
gentleman, but he (Mr. Pryor repudiated
that view of the question. He observed a
distinction between slavery and polygamy
under the constitution.
Mr.. Etheridge. 1 know you do you
have said so. was only speaking for my
sell.
Mr.. Lamar. My question is, whether
Congress has power to declare and punish
slavery as felony in the Territories.
Mr.. Etheridge. I admit the power of
Congress to legislate over black as we'll as
white persons and while this bill does not
embrace black persons, Congress may do so.
The gentleman from North Carolina, by
offering an amendment, sought to dodge the
question.
Mr.. Branch, of N. G., assured the gen.
tleman he did not want to dodge. Polyga-
my might exist before he would vote for the
frstsection of the bill.
Mr.. Etheridge replied, that the gentleman
was willing to face the responsibility by
voting against the bill, but at the same time
afforded by his amendment a narrow plank
by which his friends might escape from the
burning wreck.
Mr.. Taylor opposed the bill. 1t would
be dead letter on the statute book. He
advocated Mr.. Branch's amendment, which
would apply remedy for the evil which all
seem DESTROYS shall be extirpated. He ar
gued that the constitution is one of limited
powers, and gave no authority to pass a
measure like that under consideration.
On Tuesday, the debate was continued
with great deal of warmth, but no vote
was taken.
Tur election nf Tu1ro nrouooD no Nh;of