Year: 1859

way the intellectual equals of Judge Douglas,
and his superiors in authority as exponents
of the Constitution, have pronounced against
it. Among the most distinguished l may
name Governors Walker and Wise. The
decision of the Supreme Court of the United
States, the highest Judicial authority recogni-
zed by the Constitution has declared the true
theory upon this subject in advance of this
have already stated what that decision is,
and how widely it differs from the doctrine
be has attempted to sustain. Little indeed
would we have gained for the peace Of the
country and the security of the Union-in
fact all would have been lost, if by the Kan
sas Nebraska Act we had attempted to clothe
the Territorial Legislature with a power
which Congress did not possess. It would
be strange indeed, if the Territory created
by Congress could by non-action or hostile
legislation on the subject of slavery, exercise
greater power than Congress itsef-a pow
er to subvert the Constitution by the destruc-
ton of the co-equalty of the States. It is
an absurd, monstrous ana dangerous theory,
which demands denunciaton from every pa
triot of the land; and profound sense of my
duty to you would not permit me to do less
than to offer this brief statement Of my views
upon question SO vital to the welfare Of our
common country.


1t is not my purpose on the present occa-
sion to enter into defense of the acts of the
Democratic party for the last two years.
may avail myself Of other occasions to 90 in
to details in defense of the most important
questions that have agitated the country dur
ing that time | approve of tie policy of
the President in regard to the acquisition of
Cuba. In our free Republic we have no Sc
cret diplomacy. Always successful in arms in
late years we have rarely made a treaty that
we have not been worsted by the skillful d.
plomacy of the countries with which we have
treated. Therefore that portion of the mess
sage of the President at the last session Of
Congress- in favor of the acquisition of Cuba,
met with my hearty appreciation; and shall
continue to sustain 1t in my place in the Sen
ate whenever it shall again come before that
body. 1t is necessary to our commercial in
terests and national security that Cuba
should be q portion of our territory. Our
vast acquisitions on the Pacific Ocean have
greatly increased the value and Importance
of that Island to us. These acquisitions





action to the commerce of the United States
as well rs added to its vast and accumulative
resources That Island is a key to the secur-
ity and continued prosperity of our CONNER
cial relations with the civilized world. With
ont it we will never be safe. With it we
would have the power Of permanent protec-
tion.


There is another question Of such vital
consequence to the people Of this State, that
if were to fail to refer to it on this occa-
sion, it would be seized upon for the reitera-
ton Of those s'anderous imputations upon
me, Which has been constant theme for the
opposition press for many years past: | allude
to the Pacific Railroad. That important sub
ject was at an early period of the last Con-
gress, brought by me to the considerations
Of the Senate. 1t was referred to select
committee, of which was Chairman, and
as the organ Of the Committee, l reported
bill which was for many weeks under cen
sideraiion during the last session of Congress;
and after various amendments, not material
y affecting the principles of the bill, it was
brought to final vote in the Senate, and
was defeated by the adoption of substitute,
which, as then declared and now believe,
was devised and sprung upon the Senate by
those who professed to be the friends of a
Pacific Railroad, but were determined to de-
feat any action upon it during the last Con-
gress. The fatal blow to the measure came
from its professed friends and for a time it
has been defeated; but still do not despair
of success. AS have so often said in.the
Senate and now repeat, railroad connecting
the Atlantic and Pacific States is an absolute
necessity; it is even necessity. in time Of
peace, and an indispensable necessity in time
of war. Mere political interests have never
bound remote countries permanently togeth-
er, The interests which form the basis of
permanent Union must be of substantive
character. They must be the interests that
can be developed and promoted and protec-
ted, and they must not be all allowed to run
exclusively in provincial channels. They
must be nationalized The Pacific States
must be identified in interest with the At
lantc States OF the Union, by this great rail
way, which in peace will make us wealthy
and prosperous, and in war will make us
impregnable to the hostile attacks of the
combined world. For myself, while hold
position in the councils of the nation
will urge this measure upon the Senate, in
season and out of season, never despairing
of success, for truth is powerful and public
justice certain. We can never have equal
rights under the Constitution until this line
Of railway is established between the Allan
tic and Pacific.


While we have failed to get bill through
Congress which would insure the building Of
the Pacific Railroad, we have reason to con-
gratulate ourselves upon the important meas
ures that have been inauguratsd during the
present Administration, in cementpg the