New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-01-12
LETTER FROM vICE-PRESIDENT BRECKIN-
RIDGE.
w,.nISGIos CRY. Jan. 8, Is,'I'

W,sBISGros CRY, Jan. 8, 1861.
MYD,lR SIR: I think all thoughtful men will APP
prove your conduct in converting the Legislature.
Within a few weeks, have received many letters,
chiefly fr N Kentucky, asking my opinion ~ to the
prorI ect Of fair adjustment Of our political troubles
Which have not answered for satisfactory 10
nv oy mil d. among which has been lingering hope
n al .. me acceptable plan Of settlement might be pro-
Josed by Congress, securing the rghts and honor Oh
ALL 30 mol feel at liberty longer 70 remain allen
and, " ithout intending to burden you with an eX-
tended letter will oder few thoughts upon tho con-
ditiOn OF public Affairs.
1 TN convinced that no thorough and satisfactory
plan will lie proposed 70 the States by ths Congress.
All erots for this purpose have disclosed
radical 10 admit Il agreement.
Al an early day in the sesson, on the motion Of
Sci ntor from keptueky lhr. POWELL, committee of
thirteen Senstors appointed 20 consider the State
of the country and report remedy. IL WA cpmposed
Of representative from different parts Of the Union
After long conferences for many days, the Chairman
reported 10 the Senate that they had been wholly una
BILE 10 agree and reference 10 the journal Of the
mtee will reveal the radical differences between the
X. pntheans aud others.
Prorosion cone, iyed in spirit Of patriotic oonces
ion were offered by Senator Crittenden. refer 70
them becauss they conoeds much 10 the spirit Of con-
Citation. They embrace the following az amendments
TO the Constitution:
That Congress shall have no power 10 abolish
Slavery in the forts dock yards and other places
der s iursdic ion in the Southern States.
Nor to prevent the transportation Of slayes from one
Slay eboldng State 10 another nor 70 any Territory
where Slavery may exist whether he transportation
he eoasiw he or inland.
Nor TO abolish Slavery in the District Of Columbin,
while IL exits in Maryland Virginia, without tho
content of the inhabitants and compensation to the
owners.
And in regard to the Territories:
That in all the Territory held or hereafter 20 be-
acquired north Of latitude % ~ Slavery or involunta
~ servtude, except punEhment for crime shall
roiliied, while in all Territory now held or hereafter
to be acquired south of rad line OF Latitude, Slavery
of the African shall DO recognized and proiectedi
10 both cas,s the prohibition on one side Of the line,
d tie protection the other, covering the period OF
Territorial existence.
These provisions the resolutions propose shall be
made part Il tie Consultation, and together with the
features in the Constitution relative TO the repre-
septation If hreehs Of the slaves and the roturn
I'M tive slaves shall not be subject ~ future aeTI
tion. As subsequently modified, they contain, among
other uings very proper declaration that cinenshlp
and suffrage shall not be conferred on persons in whole
or 10 part Of African deseent.
glance nj tbese resolutions will show the immense
concs ssion they offer for security and peace. Leaving
out'of view Tor moment tho territorial question, the
o er propOtsd amendments are but declaaory OF tho
,Ies,nt Constitution Congress has no power now TO
al olish Slavery in the places within its jurisdiction IN
the Southern States, TO prevent the transportation
Of slaves iron slaveboldng State or Territory To
another Norare persons of African descent ritizens Of
the United Staee aId the basis Of Federal representa-
lion The Of fugitive slaves stipulated for
inexpress terms in the present instrument. II it be
raid tint CoIgtss may c0nsttuionay abolish Slavery
in this District, win pause TO argue the ques-
tion but only enter protest against the assumption
IL agreed to- they should be unamendable parts OF
tie Constitution, tnce the North would soon hayea
u,It number Of States to change the Instrument IN
q G manner prescribed by itself
II must DO confessed that IL offers but faint hope OF
security and good faith when powers not granted TO
Congltss by the Constitution must again DO expressly
denied and the provisions made unalterabe, to guard
agautt approximations Of sectional md growing
majority.
Upon these points, then, az 1 suppose there con-
oenion neither upon the Que tide nor the other. The
Free States are only asked TO agree that they will
no, or use their growing power TO deprive the South Of
existing rights, which aro essential 10 its safety.
l cone now TO the vast concession to the North
TIRE Southern States assert with great unauimity, the
right OF All the citizens of all the States TO enter the
common Territories with their property, OF Whatever
Kind including shves, and to have il protected by the
common Government This right 10 sustained by
biQnly respactebo class Of Opinion In the Northern
States and has been affirmed by the highest judicial
t,ibunsl known to the Constitution. 1t does not fall
within tie scope Of this letter TO reargue the question
threat Il ss settled right, upon which the argument
has been exhausted.
Mr. Crittenden territorial amendment offers, 90 far
ss the Southern States and their slave property
ccrned TO yield this right in threefourths Of the exist
ing Territory 10 save it In the remaining fourth. The
citizens Of the Northern States and their property
70 be protected In all the Teritorythe citizens Of the
Southern States with their property in onejoar ofa
sNosshs language Of Mr. Crstendsn's resolution this
point may bo Liable assonsueton, bot hnew ss vss