The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1861-01-16
The territories of the United States belono

aHo tcffHOIies VI the Onlteu states Oelong
to the general Government, and in those
territories the people of the several States
unques,ionably have equal rights They
were acquired by means of the common
expenditure of blood and treasure. By the
Federal Constitution power is given 10
Congress 'to dispose OF and make all need
fnl rules and regulations respecting the ter
ri'ofy and olher property belonging to The
United States" Whether under this, or
any other power conferred by the Ccnsti-
tntion Congress can prohibit OF project sla-
very in the territories, has been seriously
questioned. But, if the power TO legisla:e
upon this delicate and important subject
were clearly vested in Congress in my
Judgment it ought not TO be exercised. To
declare that slavery shall not exist in the
Territories, is calculated 10 exclude from
their occupancy the citizens OF .he south
ern or slavehodIng States; while, TO make
it legal institution in all the territories of
the United States, by Congressional enact
during their entire Territorial existence,
would be equally injurious TO The people OF
the free States. The principle adopted in
the Compromise measure of 1880, for dis.
posing of the question of slavery in New
Mexico and Utah. and reiterated in the
Kansas and Nebraska bills of 1851, OF non-
intervention by Congress with slavery in
the States and in the Territories, is the true
rule. Ii is the duty of Congress, when
sufficient number of hardy and advenur-
territories, 10 furnish them shield of pro-
lection and form of government; but 10
the people themselves belongs the right 10
regulate their own domestic institutions in
their own way, subject only 10 the Coasti-
tuition of the United States.
While these views have been long enter
tained by me, and while | am sincerely OF
the opinion that their general adoption, and
faithful enforcement, would have preserved,
and may yet restore, peace and harmony
TO all sections of The country, am neverthe
less not so welded TO them as 10 reject uG-
tremendously, all other propositions for
the settlement of the vexed questions which
row threaten to sunder the bonds which for
three quarters OF a century have made US
one people. Forty years ago, our fathers
settled an angry controversy growing out OF
a similar question, by dividing the Terri
tories purchased from France, and provid-
ing that slavery, or involuntary servitude,
should no; exist north of certain line;
aud the whole country acquiesced in that
com promise. In 1884 that restriction upon
slavery WAS removed and the people of all
the territories were left free 10 decide the
question for themselves Now the section
al issue is again presented, by the dominant
party in the north, claiming that slavery
cannot legally 90 into The Territories, even
if sanctioned by Congress, or the Territori-
al Legislature: and that il is the right and
the duty of Congress 10 prohibit its exis-
tence While the doctrine which obtains
with majority OF the people in most OF the
southern States, is, that under the Constitu
iion the territories are all open 10 slavery;
Legislature can lawfully prohibit It's exis
tence. and that it is the duty OF Congress 10
provide for ii all needlul protection May
we not wisely follow the example OF our
fathers, 10y re-enacling the old compromise
line OF 1890, and extending il TO the boun-
Diary OF California? Not by the mears of
legislation of doubtful constitutionaity, but
by an amendment TO the Constitution itself,
and hus permanently fix the condition OF
the Territories, so that those who desire to
occupy them. may find home, al their
discretion, either where slavery is tolerated,
or where il is prohibited. If the adoption
of such an amendment would peacefully
settle the difficulties which now surround
by the people of Pennsylvania. Al all ev
ents, they should have an opportunity 10
accept or reject it, if made as peace offer
ing. would, therefore, recommend the
General Assembly TO instruct and request
our Senators and Representatives in Con-
gress, 10 support proposition for such an
amendment of the Constitution, 10 be SUBJ
milted for ratification or rejection, to con-
yenlion of delegates, elected directly by the
people of the State.
In the event of The failure of Congress
speedily TO propose this or similar amen
dment, 10 the Constitution, the citizens oil
Pennsylvania should have an opportunity,
by the application of some peaceable rem
edy, TO prevent the dismemberment OF this
Union. This can only be done by calling
convention OF delegates, 10 be elected by
the people, with a view solely 10 the con-
sideration of what measures should be tax.
en- to meet the present fearful exigencies.
If Congress should propose no remedy, let
it emanate from The source OF all authority,