Page:The History of Slavery and the Slave Trade.djvu/599

, or into any of them, is a proposition too uncertain in my judgment, to be nt present positively affirmed; and I am unwilling to make a solemn legislative declaration on the point. Let the future provide the appropriate solution of this interesting question.

"4. Considering, as I have several times heretofore formally declared, the title of Texas to all the territory embraced in her boundaries, as laid down in her law of 1830, full, complete, and undeniable, I am unwilling to say any thing, by resolution or otherwise, which may in the least degree draw that ti tie into question, as I think is done in one of the resolutions of the honorable senator from Kentucky.

"5. I am, upon constitutional and other grounds, wholly opposed to the principle of assuming state debt, which I understand to be embodied in one of the resolutions of the honorable senator from Kentucky. If Texan soil is to be bought, (and with certain appropriate safeguards, I am decidedly in favor of it,) let us pay to the sovereign state of Texas the value thereof in money, to be used by her as she pleases. It will be, as I think, more delicate and respectful to let her provide for the management of this matter, which is strictly domestic in its character, in such manner as she may choose — presuming that she will act wisely, justly, and honorably towards all to whom she may be indebted.

"6. As to the abolition of the slave-trade in the District of Columbia, I see no particular objection to it, provided it is done in a delicate and judicious manner, and is not a concession to the menaces and demands of factionists and fanatics. If other questions can be adjusted, this one will, perhaps, occasion but little difficulty.

"7. The resolutions which provide for the restoration of fugitives from labor or service, and for the establishment of territorial governments, free from all restriction on the subject of slavery, have my hearty approval. The last resolution, which asserts that congress has no power to prohibit the trade in slaves from state to state, I equally approve.

"8. If all other questions connected with the subject of slavery can be satisfactorily adjusted, I can see no objection to admitting all California, above the line of 36° 30', into the Union; provided another new slave state can he laid off within the present limits of Texas, so as to keep the present equiponderance between the slave and free states of the Union; and provided further, all this is done by way of compromise, and in order to save the Union, as dear to me as to any man living."

Mr. Mason, of Va, after expressing his deep anxiety to "go with him who went furthest, but within the limits of strict duty, in adjusting these unhappy differences," added: "Sir, so far as I have read these resolutions, there is but one proposition to which I can give a hearty assent, and that is the resolution which proposes to organize territorial governments at once in these territories, without a declaration one way or the other as to their domestic institutions. But there is another which I deeply regret to see introduced into this senate, by a senator from a slaveholding state; it is that which assumes that slavery