SENATE.]

Marine Service.

[MARCH 1, 1830. the United States; the Chief Magistrate of his State--the next to the concluding one of the same document, he duties of all which he ably and faithfully discharged; and would have found it repelled. What he omitted to do, I now the first constitutional adviser of the President of the will undertake to perform. The report was made under United States; I must be excused for thinking him enti-a call of the House, and of course did not involve the tled to public confidence, until something be shown to his constitutional question; but, lest there should be a doubt prejudice. on that question, it goes on to state: "In the view which Another high officer has been alluded to in this debate, has been taken, I have thought it improper, under the rein a manner which may be calculated to do injustice to his solution of the House, to discuss the constitutional quessentiments. The Senator from Massachusetts [Mr. WEB-tion, or how far the system of Internal Improvement, STER] read extracts from the speech of the presiding offi- which has been presented, may be carried into effect on cer of this body, delivered on the tariff of 1816, and from the principles of our Government; and, therefore, the his report made to the House of Representatives on Inter- whole of the arguments which are used, and the measures nal Improvements, under a call from that body, with a view proposed, must be considered as depending on the decito justify the system which has since been adopted in re-sion of that question." Nothing can be more guarded; ference to these important subjects. I do not stand here it requires no comment.

to apologize for any one; but justice compels me to say, When I heard the gentleman from Massachusetts introthat I consider such proofs as entirely fallacious. No proof duce the name of the presiding officer of this House, it of sentiment can be more unfair, usually, than partial ex-struck me that there was something of indelicacy in it, as tracts, without reference to subject or circumstances. And he is the only individual on this floor who cannot be heard such, I have no doubt, is the case in this instance. The in his own defence. I know that, were he permitted to be tariff of 1816 was in its nature different from those since heard, none could defend his conduct and political course adopted. It was for revenue, and not protection. It was with more ability and effect. This I know, because I have reported from the Committee of Ways and Means, and seen his strength tested on many great and trying occasions. not from that on Manufactures; and the rates of duties, as Before I conclude, permit me to return my thanks to the fixed by it, were not higher than the wants of the treasury gentleman from Louisiana, [Mr. JOHNSTON] for his politerequired. It was, in fact, a reduction, not an increase of ness and respectful treatment, in yielding me the floor, the then existing duties. It is true that many of its pro- when he understood I had a wish to address the Senate; visions were so modified as to afford protection, so far as and although we cannot agree in all things, in one we will was practicable in a system of revenue, to the manufactures unite-in remembering with pride and pleasure, that it which had sprung up during the restrictive measures and was on the banks of the mighty river of the West, and the war; and which, as they had been forced into existence near his own great city, that the brave Louisianians, the by the policy of the Government, had a just right to its gallant Mississippians, (commanded by their present repreprotection, as far as was consistent with its constitutional sentative, [Gen. HINDS] who took them up to the very powers, and a just regard to other great interests. No lines of the enemy, and there sported and played with one, the most rigid in the construction of the constitution, danger as a harmless thing) the Kentuckians, always strivever doubted but that protection might be afforded in that ing to be foremost where danger is to be met, the overincidental mode; and it would be as little doubted, that, duty-doing Tennesseeans, led on by the greatest captain where a measure which proposed thus to protect them was of the age, met, fought, and conquered, the conquerors before the House, the general benefit of home manufactures of the conqueror of the world. It was then, yes, it was would constitute a legitimate topic of debate, in order to then and there the American eagle took his loftiest flight, ensure the passage of the bill. But it would be doing and uttered notes of highest exultation: thence winged great injustice to infer from general remarks, made under his way to the South, to proclaim to Spanish Americans, circumstances going to show that manufactures at home then struggling for liberty and independence, what deccs would render us more independent and secure in time of of mighty daring and of valor freemen could perform, war, that he who delivered them was in favor of the pro- when fighting in defence of the beauty and booty of their tective system. The most that can be fairly inferred is, country against an invading foe.* that he was in favor of protection as incidental to revenue. The character of the measure under consideration, to which the remarks referred throughout the discussion, shows that it was regarded in that light only.

MARINE SERVICE.

The following resolutions, submitted on the 27th Febru ary, by Mr. BARNARD, were taken up for consideration: Surely the Senator from Massachusetts, when he re"Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be directed flects on his own case, will not insist on a different view. to furnish to this House information on the following subHe opposed the tariff of 1824, and supported the still jects: stronger tariff of 1828, on a ground of change of circum- "1st. Whether it is necessary to the armed equipment stances in the short interval between them, and yet repel- of a vessel of war that marines should compose a part of led the charge of inconsistency when applied to himself. its military force; or whether marines may not usefully be With such a defence in his own case, he cannot but see dispensed with, and a portion of the seamen be instructed how unjust it would be to rely on sentiments delivered on in the use of small arms, and perform all duties which can a tariff for revenue only, as a justification of a system be required of marines, either in battle or in ordinary service. based on the principle of protecting one branch of indus- "2d. Whether seamen are not now instructed and practry at the expense of others, without regard to revenuetised in the use of small arms; and, generally, any informaor any other of the constitutional powers of Congress. tion which may elucidate the inquiry, whether marines But the glaring injustice which may be produced by quot- can or cannot be beneficially dispensed with on board of ing partial extracts is still more strikingly exemplified in our public vessels of war. the case of that which the Senator from Massachusetts "3d. Whether the petty officers and seamen, who have quoted from the report on Internal Improvements. He been in service, but from age or slight disabilities are renread, from the introduction of the report, some introduc-dered unfit for the active duties of their calling, on shiptory observations on Internal Improvements, no doubt board, can be usefully and safely employed as guards at with a view to prove that the author was in favor of the the navy stations, in lieu of the marines now assigned to constitutionality of the system in its broadest sense. ing what the gentleman read separately, the inference which he wished to draw might seem to follow; but if the gentleman had taken the trouble to turn to the paragraph tish army at the battle of New Orleans.

Tak

that duty.

“And further, that the Secretary of the Navy obtain

The words "beauty and booty" was the watchword of the Bri

MARCH 1, 1830.]

Marine Service.

[SENATE.

from the officers composing the Navy Board, and other ing the captain on shore with one of his subalterns, while naval officers of rank now at the seat of government, the other is sent in command of the detachment to serve their opinions, in writing, on the foregoing subject, to be at sea. It must be apparent, I think, that such a state of transmitted with his report to the Senate." things would operate injuriously to the army. But my

Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, said he was opposed to this design is not now to go into an examination of the inconmode of obtaining information. He recollected that the veniences that would result, by making detachments from policy and propriety of obtaining opinions from Heads of the army for marine duty at sea. It is not necessary to the Department was discussed when Congress sat in Philadel- consideration of the resolution before us. I have merely phia. Some gentlemen were in the habit of, at that time, stated one or two as they struck me. My object is to obcalling on the Secretary of the Treasury for his opinion tain from those competent to give it, the information asked on any favorite subject, relating to his Department, in or- for in the resolution: that is, whether marines cannot be der that they might be aided in accomplishing their object entirely dispensed with on ship-board, and a portion of by the weight that gentleman's opinion bore in the legis-seamen trained to the use of small arms, to perform any lative hall. It was then decided, that opinions of Heads of duty that can be required of soldiers. Department were unnecessary, as members themselves The Senator from Maryland objects to the resolution, were as capable of forming as correct an opinion as they; because, he says, it is asking the opinion of the Secretary and that they were improper, as tending to influence the discussion of the Legislature. Mr. S. said it was sufficient to require facts from the Departments and leave members to form their own opinions on those facts. For these reasons, he was opposed to the resolutions.

of the Navy, when we ought to ask for facts, and alleges that the Senate are just as competent to form opinions on this subject, as the Secretary himself. But the resolution asks for information, and from whom? Why, sir, not from the Secretary only, but from naval officers, whose long Mr. BARNARD said, the remarks made by the Senator service and experience will enable them to give it. The from Maryland, [Mr. SMITH] in opposition to the resolu- resolution was purposely framed with a view to accom-. tion now under consideration, made it necessary for him plish this object. But who can the Senate call upon for briefly to state some of the views and reasons which influ- this purpose? Upon the officers themselves? No; but enced him in presenting it. It will be recollected [said upon the Head of the Department, and, through him, upMr. B.] that, at the commencement of the present session, on the officers who are subject to his control. This is the the President of the United States, in his message to Con-only means that I am aware of by which we can officially gress, recommended that the marine corps should be trans- obtain the information sought for.

ferred to, and merged in, the army; and whatever marines I will acknowledge [said Mr. B.] that my impression might be required for naval service should be obtained by has been, that marines are not indispensable for the sea draughts from the army, as it was stated that no previous service in our public vessels. I may be in error. I do training was necessary for this service. The Military Com-not pretend to any practical knowledge myself on the submittee of the Senate, upon the reference of the several ject, and therefore it is that I want to be informed by those parts of the President's message, considered this subject who alone can give satisfactory information. If, when it as coming in some measure before them: although of a is obtained, in the report of the Secretary, and the offmixed character, relating both to the army and navy, yet cers called on, it shall be found that marines cannot be they conceived it entitled to their consideration. But it dispensed with, it will show that I have been mistaken in occurred to me, sir, that it was proper to settle a prelimi- my impression. I will, however, state a few of the reanary question before we could come to any satisfactory sons on which that impression has been founded: for I do conclusion on the recommended transfer of the marine not mean to go into an argument on the subject. It is corps, and that was, whether either marines or soldiers well known that, in the British service, their seamen ever were necessary as a part of the armed force on board of a have been forcibly impressed, and compelled to serve on vessel of war. If marines are indispensable on ship-board, board their ships of war against their consent; and this, then I am willing to admit that it will be better to retain too, not for a few years only, but for life, or, at least, as the corps as it is, and cure any defect in its organization, long as they are fit for duty. It became necessary, thereif such should exist, by a re-organization, if necessary: fore, to repress that spirit of mutiny which would unquesfor I can readily foresce difficulties that will arise in tak-tionably be found to exist in a crew thus violently torn from ing soldiers from the army to perform marine duty. I wish their friends and family, and forced into the service merely to mention one or two that have occurred to me. against their will. For this purpose marines, it is believed, By the existing laws of Congress, punishment by stripes were originally introduced on board of British ships, as is expressly prohibited in the army of the United States. much, if not more, to overawe and keep the seamen in When a soldier, therefore, enlists in the service, it is un-subjection, than to assist in navigating or fighting the vesder an implied agreement, if not express understanding, sel. This duty, on the part of the marines, has produced that this punishment shall not be inflicted on him for ordi-a feeling on the part of the sailors towards them, if not of nary offences. If he is called on to perform marine duty, actual hate, certainly any thing but cordiality and good on board one of your vessels of war, is he to be subjected will. The dislike of the sailor for the marine is proto the punishment usually inflicted on seamen, or is there verbial.

to be two kinds of punishment, one for the marine, and In our service [continued Mr. B.] marines cannot, it is the other for the sailor, on board of the same vessel? Evc-presumed, be necessary to guard the seamen, and prevent ry naval officer will tell you at once, that this distinction mutiny. Seamen are voluntarily enlisted, and for a shorter in punishments cannot exist. That, for the same offence, period than marines themselves: they are not forced into there must be the same kind of punishment, whether for the service, as in the British navy, but go into it of choice marines or seamen. --it is their free act. Can it be possible, then, that they There is another inconvenience [said Mr. B.] that has must be watched and guarded by soldiers to keep them to struck me will arise in taking soldiers. A company of their duty? Such a belief is derogatory, it appears to me, soldiers consists of about fifty or sixty men, commanded to the character of our gallant tars. On one subject my by a captain and two lieutenants. If a draught is required mind is decided, that there should not be on board of the for one of your smaller vessels, say a sloop of war, about same vessel two jarring and distinct classes of men, who half a company only will be required: for I believe the are in constant collision with each other, unless imperious number of marines usually employed on board one of that necessity demands it. Those who are to act with effect, class of vessels is between twenty and thirty only. If can best do so by a union of feelings, and a similarity of you then take this number, you divide the company, leav-habits. Experience has taught this lesson. Sailors and

SENATE.]

Marine Service.

[MARCH 1, 1830.

marines cannot, or, at least, have not, heretofore, assimi- not, as I understand, subject to the orders of the comlated, either in feeling or habit.. mandant of the station, and details for duty are therefore As the materials are then so discordant, can the service made by request, not by command of this officer. Two of the marines be dispensed with without injury to the separate and independent commands, then, exist at the service? Cannot seamen he trained to the use of small same place, with no common superior. This is inconsistarms? I see no difficulty. Instead of marines, take the ent with my ideas of military subordination and regulation. like number of young landsmen from the country, any But why may not seamen, whose age or infirmities, from where, and they can load and fire with as much effect as long and faithful service, have rendered them unqualified the best drilled marine. The Americans, generally, are for active duty on ship-board, serve as guards at these accustomed from infancy to the use of fire arms; very little naval depots, instead of marines? They have been accustraining will therefore be required to make them expert tomed to strict discipline, and it is conceived would be gun-men. Besides, sir, I am informed that, by the present equally vigilant in the discharge of any duty imposed on structure of our vessels of war, marines can render but them; their tried fidelity at sea would furnish a guarantee little service on deck, and that musketry is used with most for their faithful conduct on shore. I wish to know from effect from the tops. If this is the case, is it not better to naval officers if they can be trusted with this duty? If have seamen than marines? They will be ready to throw they can, sir, it will furnish an asylum for these hardy down the musket and spring to the yards and rigging at veterans of the ocean, much better suited to their tastes any moment, when required by the exigencies of the ship. and wishes than any naval asylum. They will be rendering This may sometimes be of great importance. Nor do I service to the Government for their support, and will find conceive the objection urged by the Senator from Mary- a resting place in their more advanced years, after the land as sufficient, that seamen will not keep their arms in dangers and vicissitudes of an active sea life. order. It is well known that, besides muskets, there are It is known that there are now at the seat of Governpistols, pikes, cutlasses, and other arms, on board of every ment many distinguished and experienced officers of the armed ship: how are these kept in order? Not by marines.navy. I have availed myself of the circumstance to make Muskets can be kept in good condition the same way, by the call at this time. The information, when received, the armorer, or whatever name is given to the person in will be valuable; no possible injury can grow out of ohcharge of the arms. The objection raised, too, that the taining it; we shall be possessed of light which we do not pay of sailors is greater than marines, loses part of its now possess, to guide us in any measures that may be weight, when it is recollected that the marines are not deemed necessary, with respect to the marine corps. I only paid, but clothed by the Government, while the trust, therefore, the Senate will adopt the resolution. sailor purchases his own clothing from his pay.

He was

Mr. B. concluded by saying he wished it to be underThere is another consideration which I think ought to stood that he had no unkind or unfriendly feeling to the have influence in determining upon this subject, and corps in making this inquiry; very far from it. therefore it is that I am desirous of the information. It actuated by different motives. I have the pleasure, said cannot be unknown to the Senate, that there is often a he, to be acquainted with several of its officers, who have scarcity of seamen, and difficulty is experienced in prompt- heretofore signalized themselves in the service of their ly manning our vessels of war for sea: any measure calcu- country, and will do so again, whenever their country lated to remove or lessen this inconvenience, without in-needs their services. But if they are necessary to the jury to the service, ought therefore to receive the favor- navy, let them be subject to naval control, whether at sea able regard of this body. One of our larger vessels of or on shore. war, destined for a three years' cruise in the Mediterranean, Mr. JOHNSTON suggested that the resolution was unPacific, or elsewhere, will carry with her about a hundred necessary, as the Committee on Naval Affairs had the marines; they will continue to serve as marines; and as same power to call on the Secretary of the Navy for this marines, and nothing but marines, they will return to this information, through their chairman, that the Senate had. country. Let, however, the same number of landsmen be If every committee were to pursue this course, and come sent instead of marines; let them be taught and exercised to the Senate with resolutions to obtain information which in the use of the musket, if necessary; but let them at the could be as well obtained without any reference to the same time perform all the ordinary duties of sailors, and Senate, it would be constantly engaged in long debates, at the end of a three years' voyage they will return, not and the necessary business of the Senate would be obmere musket-men, but expert and able seamen: you will structed; and a discussion is got up, which shows that thus obtain an annual increase of seamen for your naval gentlemen possess the very information required. The service, and that of the very best materials too--a matter gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. BARNARD] had conof some consequence, I conceive, not only to the interests vinced the Senate that he is already in possession of all of the navy, but of the country. I have been led to these the information required in his resolution. observations, sir, because of the opposition to the inquiry After a few observations from Messrs. WOODBURY, proposed by me, and in justification of my views; whether and SMITH, of Maryland, wrong or right, I must leave for others to judge.

Mr. BARNARD observed that, when he offered this While I am up, I will say a few words with regard to resolution, he did not apprehend that any circumstances the last branch of the inquiry: whether seamen cannot be would arise which could possibly lead to a discussion; employed in lieu of marines at our naval stations. The and, therefore, the remarks of the gentleman from Louisimarine corps, as at present established, is both a naval ana were not applicable to him. Farther, as the Presiand military body. When at sea, it is subject to the regu- dent of the United States had recommended the reorganilations made for the navy; when on land, it is subject to zation of the marine corps, it being of a mixed character, the rules and articles of war for the government of the we may naturally presume that all the facts on which this army; so that its character depends on whether it performs paragraph was predicated were in his possession, and may duty on land or water. Now, sir, when on shor, at a now be obtained from the Secretary of the Navy. naval depot, it is governed by army discipline; when on Mr. HAYNE suggested that, as the subject had relaship-board, by naval discipline. We know that our navy tion to two Committees those on military and naval affairs, yards are entrusted to the charge of a naval officer of rank, he thought it proper that the gentleman would designate generally, I believe, if not always, a post captain; marines the one to which he would refer the answer, when reare detailed to perform garrison duty, in guarding and ceived. If left between two committees, it might fall protecting the public works and property. But, sir, in through. consequence of marines being soldiers on land, they are Mr. BARNARD said he had no hesitation in naming

[SENATE.

could they have understood this, they would have considered their latter end, and turned from wrath to come. But, sir, if there were any among them, who knew and believed they were entailing slavery on their fellow men, I do not stand here to palliate their offence-let justice fall on them. I will not protect nor shield them from the condemnation of the good and virtuous--they will need more powerful aid than mine, to absolve them from the iniquity of such transgressions--"there is a worm that never dies." I would that all such should turn to Him who alone is able to pardon and to save.

Mr. KNIGHT said it was not his intention to make a speech, but merely to reply to a remark made by the Senator But, sir, Rhode Island is not the only sister of our from South Carolina, and also by the Senator from Ten- Union that has been seduced from the path of rectitude nessee who last addressed the Senate, on the subject and of virtue, and then had to endure the taunts and jeers now pending. It is not my purpose [said Mr. K.] to say of her seducer. Others have experienced similar fate, any thing of the resolution under consideration, but to and (like the daughters of Jephthah) have wailed on the endeavor to sustain my State, and to save her from mountains, pitied by the humane and charitable, but being sacrificed here by the gentlemen, the one on my scorned and condemned by those who betrayed, seduced, right, and the other on my left. I had hoped, sir, that, and participated in their crimes. Such, sir, is the situain this unprofitable business of bringing other's sins be- tion of Rhode Island. And now she is accused here of fore the world, the little State from whence I come entailing perpetual bondage on the poor untutored and would have been overlooked, or rather not seen on the unlearned African. That she has done it as a State, I map of this controversy, and would have remained un-deny. She absolved the bonds of master and slave with scathed and untouched to pursue the noiseless tenor of her her independence. She acted out what she professed. way in the arts of peace, industry, and mechanism. But in Whoever breathes in her atmosphere, breathes the air of this I have been disappointed-"men's virtues we write in liberty. It was there civil and religious freedom was first water, but their vices are engraven on brass." How-given and secured to man, and there it has been mainever unnecessary or uncalled for, such is the fact, that tained and enjoyed to the letter, full, free, and complete, the aberrations of some of the citizens of my State are to the present day. To her sons she can give but little held up here, and emblazoned to the world, not for the patrimonial estate, for she has it not--but she gives them purpose of admonishing others of the fatal rock on which freedom; they are found in every clime, and in every sea; they had been wrecked, but it seemed to me with exul-whether on the lakes or on the ocean-wherever their tation, and as much as to say, stand off, avaunt, for I am country and their duty call, they obey; there you will holier than thou. To me, sir, it seemed unkind, and the find them.

zens for their chivalry, hospitality, and intelligence, and we are disposed, through good report and evil report, in weal or woe, to extend to them the hand of fellowship and of brotherly kindness, and hope it may be brightened and cherished for the benefit of all, now and forever.

more so from the quarter it came. I had thought that Sir, whatever may have been our mutual transgressions, friendly intercourse and common feeling, as well as other I will henceforth cast them into oblivion; and whether considerations, would have forbid the remark of the gen- slavery is wise, necessary, and just, in South Carolina, is tleman from South Carolina. Had he considered that it not my province to inquire--it is her business alone, not was by the aid of one of the sons of Rhode Island he is mine; she has full power over the subject, and to her I entitled to a seat on this floor, I am sure it would have leave it. I do not arraign her before the Christian world; been spared. There was a time when South Carolina was she will manage her own concerns in her own way. prostrated by internal enemies and a foreign foe: her My friends, my countrymen, are domiciled in South Carosituation was seen and felt thoughout this land. This son lina; they are received with kindness and hospitality; of Rhode Island [General Green] went forth--he stretched our commercial intercourse is extensive; we are great forth his sinewy arm-he met the foe--they fought--he consumers of her productions; we manufacture her raw conquered, and Carolina thenceforth was free. On that material and send it to a market. We esteem her citioccasion she was just to her benefactor. She amply paid him with her generous love. I had hoped that the kind feelings of those days were still cherished in the bosoms of her sons; that they would not upbraid the place of his nativity, his friends, his connexions, nor aid to tarnish their fair fame. If they could not cast the mantle of charrity over them, they would leave their vices and their virtues to repose in the bosom of their Father and their God. Let us look at the accusation. Sir, it was stated that at a certain time, South Carolina opened her ports, and invited all the world to a city of refuge; that a number of ships, purporting to be from Rhode Island, entered the port of Charleston with aliens on board; they were discharged, and the freighters received their passage money, as they had a legal right to do by the laws of South Carolina. It was also legalized by the nations of Europe, and sanction. Sir, why the gentleman, with his gigantic power, should ed by custom. Now, sir, can it be believed that these un- have thrown himself over the Alleghanies, and thrust his learned mariners intended injury in taking these persons war knife into the heart of the smallest, weakest sister of from a state of barbarism to a land of liberty and of law? this Union, is to me inexplicable. It could not be to disTo a land where all are born equal, where all have ina-play his power and bravery in combat, or in unprofitable lienable rights, such as liberty, property, and the pursuit war: for the brave are always generous, and would not of happiness, proclaimed by the sages and patriots of '76? attack the weak and unoffending; to vanquish so inferior They had seen it in the newspapers, read it in their an opponent would entwine no laurels around his brow. spelling books, and believed it true. say, sir, were it Was it to display his gallantry? Surely it could not be possible for such persons, under such circumstances to have for this: for, to push his weapon into the bosom of the imagined that, by their act they were perpetuating misery innocent, the unsuspecting, and the unprotected, would and bondage on the human family for ever? I say, sir, be no confirmation of his well earned fame. Rhode

To the gentleman from Tennessee, I will say as was said! of a Roman Governor, near two thousand years ago, Felix by name: "Had he obtained more exact knowledge of us, he would not have made this accusation, and would not thus have condemned us without a hearing." Although he passed sentence on us, and handed us over, (not to Festus nor Agrippa) but to the people of this nation, to be punished, yet I will speak to him the words of truth and soberness—nothing in malice, but all with temperance, justice, and forbearance.

Island had taken no lot nor part in the debate; she had accused no man nor combination of men, nor had given cause of offence; why should she be accused? Why this attack upon her?

vant,"

[MARCH 3, 4, 1830.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1830.

The Senate was principally occupied this day in the consideration of Executive business.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1830.

MR. FOOT'S RESOLUTION.

Mr. CLAYTON concluded the observations on this sub

follow:

Sir, my object only is to repel the imputations cast on that State, which has so long and so often honored me with its confidence, and on the yeomanry of that State, whose immediate Representative I am: for their occupa tion is my occupation; we are tillers of the ground from ject which he commenced on Tuesday. They were as our youth up; with them I meet upon the level; republicans in fact and in deed; not only in profession, but If I need an apology [Mr. C. remarked] for discussing practice; no landlord and tenant, no master nor slave, topics not strictly relevant to the subject of the resolution but all of us independent freemen and freeholders, cul- before us, I shall find it in the example of honorable tivating our own soil with our own hands. We care but gentlemen, who, in going before me, have availed themlittle who administers this Government, if it is done with selves, by general consent, of an opportunity to debate, on wisdom, discretion, and on the principles of the constitu- this motion, the full merits of other questions of momention. We preferred Mr. Adams, but we do not oppose tous interest to our country. While the argument was of General Jackson; we are his friends, but not his parti- a sectional character, and chiefly calculated to excite persans; we will give him our support when he is right, but sonal and local feeling, I desired no participation in it. will not when wrong; and if deserved, will bail him with But, although generally averse to any deviation from the the plaudit of "well done, thou good and faithful ser- ordinary rules of parliamentary proceeding, and unwilling as readily and as willingly as any others. It does to originate any new subject of controversy even in the not follow that, if we are friendly to one, we must there-boundless latitude given to this discussion, I cannot be fore oppose another without reason. These, sir, are the silent while principles are boldly advanced and pressed men in common with all others of my State that I mean upon us, (no matter how inapplicable or inappropriate to defend from all unjust imputations; and these are the they may appear) which, in my judgment, are subversive persons accused here of severing husband and wife, mo- of the interests of this nation, or hostile to the spirit of ther and child, and rending asunder all the tics that bind man to man. Perhaps the gentleman did not intend his accusation as censure, but as praise: for he asserted that ticut has nothing imperative in its character. It lays down slavery was justified by the principles of Christianity. If no new principle, and proposes no new course of legislaso, I have misapprehended the allegation: for I hold what- tion; but simply asks an inquiry into the expediency of ever is commanded and supported by Christianity is for either hastening the sales of the public domain, or of the happiness and well being of man here and hereafter. stopping the surveys for a limited period. The commitIf the forcible separation of husband and wife, mother tee to whom the inquiry is proposed to be entrusted is and child, and keeping them in ignorance and bondage, is composed of five members, all of whom are Representajustified by the divine law, then I confess my error; but tives of States within whose limits are contained large poruntil he shows this, I shall cherish my own opinion, and tions of the public lands. Seeing in this fact a sufficient recall it slavery still. futation of the objection that this inquiry may create unneSir, the gentleman exclaimed, "go to the East, go to cessary alarm in the West; entertaining the same confiRhode Island: she can tell you how slaves came here." dence in the honorable members of that committee which Sir, if slaves are found in the West, I know not how they others have professed; believing that the subject propos came there, nor does Rhode Island know; they must have ed to be referred to them is important to the country, and been carried there by force, and held by force, otherwise that, by the adoption of the resolution, we may be furnishthey would not be slaves. The native Indian roamed the wil-ed with an interesting document in their report, my own derness as he pleased; he was as free as the mountain air he breathed; he acknowledged no master; he had no masIf slavery exists there, it was not found there. Sir, when we are told to go to a State for information, we understand it to mean the State in its sovereign capacity; or at least a majority of that State.

ter.

[Mr. GRUNDY desired to explain. Sir, [said Mr. G.] I did not say that Rhode Island had done it; but that certain individuals of that State, tempted by their cupidity, had brought slaves here. The moral sense of that community is against it.]

the Federal constitution.

The resolution of the honorable Senator from Connec

vote will be given against the motion for indefinite postponement. I agree with my honorable friend from Massachusetts, [Mr. WEBSTER] that the committee may investigate the whole subject without any express instructions. By the rules of the Senate, they already have full jurisdiction over the matter. But, after all the discussion which has been elicited by the mere proposition to instruct trem to inquire, it is not probable that the committee will do so without some further intimation from the Senate that a report on this subject would be acceptable. I cannot agree with the honorable Senator from New Hampshire, Sir, [said Mr. K.] had I so understood the gentleman [Mr. WOODBURY] that the motion to postpone is calculatbefore, I should not have made the remarks I now have; ed or intended to prevent a distinct expression of opinion and will not now say what I intended to have done; and on the subject; on the contrary, the postponement of the only add, that if the gentleman knows any individuals in resolution, after discussion, would announce to the comRhode Island who have aided him in making slaves in the mittee our indisposition to have the inquiry made during West, he may arraign them, try them, and, if found guilty, the present session. The Senator from Connecticut, [Mr. punish three of the ringleaders under the "second sec- Foor] who desires this information, and whose deportment tion," so much alluded to here and elsewhere; not for- here is distinguished for courtesy to others, may be ingetting those who tempted, those who held forth the dulged, without any apprehension of exciting unneces provoking gold, not in a bag, but in the open palm, and set them on. But, sir, it is hoped the gentleman will extend his mercy so far as to let them have the benefit of the

statute of limitation.

I repeat, it was the State I intended to defend; and if the gentlemen does not accuse, I have no defence to make. Mr. CLAYTON then rose, and addressed the Senate until after three o'clock.

sary alarm in the West, while our refusal to adopt any measure to throw light on the subject may, possibly, create suspicion in other parts of our country, that we are that our profligacy may be exposed by this investigation. wasting this portion of the nation's treasure, and are afraid

*Messrs. Barton, of Missouri, chairman, Livingston, of Louisiana Kane, of Illinois, Ellis, of Mississippi, and McKinley, of Alabama.