The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1861-01-30
Letter from Vice President BFeck-
inPidge.
WASHINGTON

ASHtNUTON OlIf, JAIL U, lOOl.
My DEAR SIR:-I think all thoughtful men
will approve your conduct in conyening the
Legislature.
Within a few weeks have received many
letters chiefly from Kentucky, asking my opin-
ion as to the prospect OF a fair adjustment OF
our political troubles, which have not answer
ed for reasons satisfactory to my own mind a.
mong which has been lingering hope that
some acceptable plan Of settlement might be
proposed by Congress, securing the rights and
honor of all do not feel at liberty longer to
remain silent and, without intending TO bur-
den you with an extended letter. will offer a
few thoughts upon the condition of public af-
fairs.
| am convinced that no thorough and salts
factory plan will be proposed to the States by
the Congress. All efforts for this purpose have
disclosed differences too radical to admit OF "a
greement.
At an early day in the Session. on the mo-
ton OF Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Powell
a committee Of thirteen Senators was appointed
to consider tho state of the country and report
a remedy. 1t was composed Of representative
men from different parts OF tho Union. After
long conferences, for many days, the chairman
reported 10 the Senate that they had been Who'll
ly unable to agree, and reference to the jour
nal of the committee will reveal the radical
differences between the Republicans and o.
thers.
Propositions, conceived in spirit Of patriotic
concession, were offered by Senator Crittenden
| refer to them, because they concede much to
the spirit of Cancellation. They embrace the
following as amendments to the Constitution.
That Congress shall have no power to abol-
slavery in the forts, dock yards, and other pla
ces under its jurisdiction in the Southern
States
Nor to prevent the transportation Of slaves
from one saveholding State to another, nor 10
any Territory where slavery may exist, wheth-
er the transportation be coast-wise or inland
Nor to abolish slavery in the district of Co.
lumbia while it exists in Maryland OF Virginia,
nor without tn consent OF the inhabitants and
compensation to the owners.
And in regard to the Territories:
That in The Territory now held or hereafter
to be acquired north of latitude 36 Q 3O', sla-
very or involuntary servitude, except as pun
ishment for crime, shall be prohibited, while in
all territory now held or hereafter to be acqu,
red* south OF said line of latitude, slavery OF the
African race shall be recognized and protected;
IN both cases, the prohibition on one side Of the
line and the protection on the other, covering
the period of territorial existence.
These provisions, the resolutions propose,
shall be made a part OF the Constitution, and
together with the features now in the Consti-
tuition relative 10 the representation of three
fifths of the slaves, and the return of fugitive
slaves, shall not be subject to future alteration.
As Subsequently modified, they contain, among
other things, very proper declaration that cit-
zenshp and suffrage shall not be conferred on
persons in whole or in part of A.rcan descent.
A glance at these resolutions will show the
immense concession they offer tor security and
peace. Leaving out of view for moment the
territorial question, the other proposed amend
ments are but declaratory Of the present Con
stltution. Congress has no power now to abol
ish slavery in the places within its jurisdiction
in the Southern States nor to prevent the trans
portation of slaves from one slaveholding State
or Territory to another. Nor are persons of
African descent citizens Of the United States;
and the basis Of Federal representation and the
return of fugitive SlaAes are stipulated for in
express terms in the present instrument. lfit
be said that Congress may constilutonaly abol.
lsh slavery in this District, will not pause to
argue the question, but only enter protest a.
gainst the assumption.
If agreed to, they should be unamenda-
BILE parts of the Constitution, since the North
would soon have a sufficient number Of States
to change the instrument in manner prescri-
bed by itself
1t must be confessed that it offers but
faint hope OF security and good faith when pow
ers no9 granted to Congress by the Constitution
must again be expressly denied, and the pro-
visions made unalterabe, TO guard against ap.
prehensions Of a sectional and growing MAORI
Ity.
Upon these points, then, as | suppose, their
is concession neither upon the one side nor the
other. The Tree States are only asked to agree
that they will never use their growing power to
deprive the South Of existing rights, which are
essential to its safety.
| come now to the vast concession to the
North. The Southern States assert with great
unanimity, the right Of all the citizens Of all the
States to enter into the common Territories
with their property or whatever kind, including
slaves and TO have it protected by the common
Government. This right is sustained by high
ly respectable class ofopnion in the Northern
States, and has been affirmed by the highest
judicial tribunal known TO the Constitution. 1t
does not fall within the scope ofths letter to
reargue the question treat it as a settled
right, upon which the argument has been ex-
hausted.
Mr. Crttenden's territorial amendment offers
sNoTE-The language of Mr.. Cri ttenden's reso /.
htion on this point may be liable TO miscon struc.
,;on hut | HnoW that IL was iutenuen Ia e,,hrooa