The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1861-01-04
CnMGHES SIONAL.

A message from the House, informing
the Senate of the passage of the Indian
appropriation bill, was received.
Mr. Bigler presented memorials hume
rously signed by citizens of Philadelphia
asking the Senate TO pass the Crittendeu
resolutions. If Congress would only give
the people the opportunity they would en-
brace it, aud their friends at the South
would discover that the people were prepar-
ed 10 meet their complaints in a spirit o.
Cancellation and kindness.
Mr. Crittenden offered the following:
WHEREAS, The Union is in danger, and il
is difficult if not impossible for Congress
to concur by the requisite majority so as
TO enable it TO take such measures as to
recommend to the States for such amend
ments to the Constitution. And where
as in such an emergency the opinion and
Judgment Of the people ought to be heard;
therefore
ReS0lrsd, That provision be made by law
without delay for taking the sense of the
people and submitting to them the follow
ing resolutions:
The Clerk then read the Crittenden reso-
buttons already published.
Mr.. Crittenden said something must be
done 1t would be an open shame to the
government if ruin be allowed to come up
on the country. The sacrifice made was
comparatively worthless. The peace and
safety OF a great country were never pur-
chased so cheaply. He would appeal with
confidence to the people. They have the
greatest interest in the government. He
had confidence that the people would give
good advice
The resolutions were laid over and the
unfinished business of yesterday taken I'D.
Mr. Baker resumed his remarks. He pro-
ceeded in a noble strain to vindicate frec-
dom He boldly avowed his determination
not to extend slavery further by the power
of the government. He would be willing
to make all the territories States now and
let the people decide on slavery, but would
never agree to protect slavery in the name
of freedom. He favored giving the South
all her rights the personal liberty bills
should be repealed if unconstitutional. He
would also have the North assist the South
if the slaves should revolt. He would not
see free speech and fee press controlled;
he would not see thee restricted to avert
civil war or maint-in slavery. He wouldn't
Weld an inch to secession. lie thought the
trouble was, the Solfh rebelled because
they had lost the officers. lie still had
hope of the loyalty of the South. He would
not acknowledge South Cardinals independ-
ence, but would enforce the laws. He
would do this as Gen. Jackson did. He
closed by quoting Webster 5 sublime perora-
ton in reply to Hayne.
During his eloquent remarks, Mr.. Baker
was frequently interrupted by Senators
Benjamin and Hunter.
Mr. Douglas asked that the report of the
committee of Is be tlken up. He then
proceeded to address the Senate. When
Congress undertook to act on slavery, dis
cord and agitation was sure to follow.
When Congress let the question alone there
was peace. The fearful agitation of 1920
was settled by the establishment of the
compromise line. So long as that adjust
ment was carried cut there was peace. Tex
as was admitted quietly under this rule; no
one objected because it extended that line.
California and New Mexico were acquired,
and the extension of the line to the Pacific
was demanded 4 bill to do so reported by
him was adopted in the Senate, but reject
ed in the House by Northern votes. That
opened the agitation of 1913, which was
only settled by the compromise of 1850.
When the question is settled in the terrific
ries it will be settled forever.
1t was the rejection Of that line IN l849
which opened the old agitation. Patriots
were alarmed. Mr. Clay foHnd no Difficult
ty with the South, but did with the North.
The Missouri line was abandoned because
its friends could not carry it out in good
faith Il was decided to leave the question
to the people and take it out of Congress.
He supported both compromises and peace
followed. In 1854 it became necessary
to organize Kansas and Nebraska. The
committee in framing the bill determined
to carry out the compromise of 1850.
Before 1920 ali was peace. After this
agitation was settled there was peace till
1850. Since then we have had a continual
controversy. He was sorry that Mr.. Wade
had made partiZan question of it, but he
felt bound to defend the Democracy. He
then asked Senator Wade some questions
about the principles of the Republican
party.
Mr.. Wade told him to refer to his late
speech; he had nothing to add.
Mr.. Douglas then quoted Lincoln's
speeches to show that he maintained ex-
treme notions. He hoped Mr.. Lincoln
would repudiate such sentiments. If he
don't, he won't have power to harm tie
South.
The South are ready to rush into disunion
and meet the consequences. No man would
90 farther than he to enforce the laws, but
we must look facts in the face. Rebellion
often becomes successful revolution, and q
government was often forced to recognize de
facto governments in revolted provinces.
He denied the right of secession, but how
could we help it? Are we going to war on
our brethren? He could not bear the idea
till all hope of adjustment was gone.
He said Louisiana was purchased for the
whole Union. The freedom of the Missis-
sippi was necessary, and the people of the
interior will not have it closed. He said,
if we bought CUBA and paid $500, 600, 600
for her, could she soccde next day, annex
herself to Spain and Spain again sell her ?
He admitted that Texas cost a war with
Mexico and 10000 lives In the name of
1000 Illinois volunteers he argued against
her secession
In reply to a question by Mr.. Hemphill,
Mr.. D. said we paid $10,o00,o0O for some
barren land that Texas did Mt own. He de-
MED the right OF secession under the Consti-
tuition, which was designed to be perpetual
Disunion was inevitable unless compromise
could be made. He preferred compromise
to war, and concession TO disunion. Had
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