Opis: Speech of the Hon. V. E Howard, of Texas - Howard Volney Erskine

Excerpt from Speech of the Hon. V. E Howard, of Texas: Against the Admission of California, and the Dismemberment of Texas, Delivered in the House of Representatives, June 11, 1850, in the Committee of the Whole on the California Message

The House being in Committee of the Whole, and having under consideration the President's message in relation to the admission of California -

Mr. Howard said:

Nothing, Mr. Chairman, but the deep interest which my immediate constituents and the State of Texas have in these questions, could induce me to claim the attention of the Committee at this late period of the discussion. The time has at length arrived, when the peace and welfare of this country require, not a compromise, but justice to the South, and an observance of constitutional requirements and official oaths for their support. The South demands her constitutional rights, and a just share in the benefits of this Government; no other compromise is required, or will secure tranquility to the country.

I am not, sir, about to enter into any abstract speculations upon the nature and character of slavery. I am content to treat that institution as it was regarded by the fathers of the country who framed the Constitution under which we here assemble, as an existing relation of society, drawing to itself certain fixed, and, in theory, firmly established civil and political rights. What the greatest and purest men that the world has ever seen - a Washington, a Franklin, a Hamilton, and a Madison - guaranteed as a right, cannot be proved sinful by the latter day saints of abolition and free-soil, however men may differ as to its character in other respects. Neither shall I so far follow the hackneyed examples of bad taste, as to participate in the sectional recriminations which have been so freely indulged in by speakers from all sections during this debate; they are beneath the dignity of the subject, and unworthy of the American Congress.

Sir, when our forefathers, the men of the Revolution, framed the present Constitution - the great charter of American liberty - slavery constituted no objection to the Union. If, in the progress of events and opinions, it has become so odious and sinful in the estimation of any considerable section of this country, that the Government cannot be administered in its original spirit, and the letter of the Constitution complied with, let the fact be proclaimed, and the legitimate consequences follow. But it is not in candor and honesty to appropriate the advantages of the compact, and then refuse to abide by its obligations and express stipulations; the performance, like the benefits, must be mutual by all the contracting parties.

It cannot be disguised, that attachment and loyalty to the Constitution are, in some sections of the Union, greatly weakened, and in danger of being entirely destroyed. During the present session of Congress, petitions have been presented from free States asking for a dissolution of the Union, on the ground that the petitioners could not conscientiously remain in a Union, the Constitution of which guaranteed slavery. A very considerable party openly take the ground, that the Constitution is opposed to the divine law in this respect, and must yield to this new rule of political faith. It is a novel revelation, and above the word of God, for the Scriptures, as well as the Constitution, recognise slavery, and pronounce it legal.

It was satisfactory to hear this disreputable doctrine denounced by the distinguished member from New York, (Mr. Duer,) as well as by the eloquent member from Massachusetts, (Mr. Winthrop,) although the value of their reprobation was very much weakened by certain phrases which they let fall about habeas corpus and jury trial. It cannot be necessary to remind gentlemen, as intelligent as they are, that the difference between one who openly and boldly sets the Constitution at defiance, and one who admits its obligati

Szczegóły: Speech of the Hon. V. E Howard, of Texas - Howard Volney Erskine

Nazwa: Speech of the Hon. V. E Howard, of Texas Against the Admission of California, and the Dismemberment of Texas, Delivered in the House of Representatives, June 11, 1850, in the Committee of the Whole on the California Message (Classic Reprint)
Autor: Howard Volney Erskine
Wydawnictwo: FB &c Ltd
Kod paskowy: 9781331291299
Języki: angielski
Ilość stron: 22
Format: 15.2x22.9cm
Oprawa: Miękka

Recenzje: Speech of the Hon. V. E Howard, of Texas - Howard Volney Erskine