SPEECH OF HON. D. S. DICKINSON, ON THE THREE MILLION BILL. That we are engaged in a state of war —a condition of things, under the most favorable circumstances, highly embarrassing and calamitous-is conceded by all. How it originated, is matter of history, well and truly presented by the President in his annual message to Congress. How it can be most successfully and vigorously prosecuted, so long as its continuance is necessary-how its evils can be best averted, and what measures are best calculated to insure an early and honorable termination, are questions which recommend themselves to the profoundest consideration of the philanthropist and statesman. Mr. UPHAM having proposed to amend the came a law by the strong vote of 174 to 14 in the bill by adding there to the "Wilmot proviso," House of Representatives, and of 40 to 2 in the Mr. DICKINSON said: Mr. President, I have Senate. This was the response of Congress to been restrained from taking part in this widely the patriotic impulses of the country before extended debate, principally by reasons of a per- chances had been calculated, or the warm gush sonal and domestic character; but the amend-of American feeling had been chilled by the inment offered by the senator from Vermont [Mr. fluences of mere partizan strife. I need not here UPHAM,] and upon which I am called to vote, in- speak of the alacrity with which our sons rushduces me to offer briefly the reasons for the ed to the standard of their country, nor of the course I intend to pursue concerning it. I shall imperishable laurels they have won. Nor will not extend my remarks further than I deem ne- I pause to commend the valor of those brave cessary to present this single question fully and spirits who led on our victorious host, or to pay fairly. the sacred tribute of a tear to the memory of those who fell in their country's cause. All is written in the hearts of a generous and grateful people, who will alike honor and reward the living, and cherish through all time the venerated memory of the dead. In every conflict our arms have been most signally triumphant against vastly superior force; under circumstances, too, which have not only inspired the most lively enthusiasm at home, but have wrung unwilling admiration from the great rival powers of the world. Nine months have scarcely elapsed, and we have conquered more than one-half of the territory of her republic, including some of her strongest fortresses, and subjected to the rule of The prosecution of this war has been approv- our arms upwards of a million of her people.ed by the popular judgment; and while peace If there is any one thing more strongly indicated is earnestly desired, and would be hailed as a by public opinion than another, touching the public blessing, if justly and honorably obtain- question of this war, it is that, during its existed, there is no disposition among the masses ence, it should be prosecuted with decided vigor; to yield to the dictates of a spurious benevo- and that not only should our physical power lence, or the terrors of unmanly fear. The of- present an unbroken front, but that the moral ficial history of this war, from the day it was energies of this mighty people be thrown, as if recognized by Congress, and the legislation con- by one voice, into the scale. However much concerning it, are both interesting and profit- the existence of war is to be deplored while the able. Whoever will consult the congressional calamity is upon us, it is demanded alike by berecords, will learn that on the 11th day of May nevolence and patriotism that it be pressed forlast the President, in a special message sent to ward to an early termination. Who ever supboth houses of Congress, touching the state of poses that our country is either unable or unour relations with Mexico, declared that "as willing to prosecute this war, is the victim of a war exists, and, notwithstanding all our efforts delusion, from which he will, sooner or later, to avoid it, exists by the act of Mexico herself, find himself relieved by evidence clear and unewe are called upon by every consideration of duty quivocal. The spirit of our people is peace, and patriotism to vindicate with decision the but they will take good care that it is not purhonor, the rights, and the interests of our coun- chased by dishonor nor invoked by a disgraceful try." On the following day a law was enacted retreat. Our country is neither weak, timid nor by Congress, entitled an act to provide for the penurious; and although she maintains no overprosecution of the existing war between the grown forces of men and materiel in commission United States and the republic of Mexico," to eat out her substance in a time of peace, she which act contains a preamble reciting that "by has abundant elements to hold successful conflict the act of Mexico a state of war exists between with the greatest powers of the world; and that government and the United States." This in the present contest, without arousing her enact appropriated ten millions of dollars for the ergies, too, she can plant her standard on the prosecution of the war. It placed at the dispo- halls of the Montezumas with one hand, and sal of the Executive, the naval and military with the other, from the lap of her abundance, forces of the country, and authorized the em-feed and rescue from starvation the dying and ployment of fifty thousand volunteers. It be- abject children of the proudest and hautiest go territory which may be made. The Mexican govern but like This message was referred to the committee on foreign relations, who reported, with others, the following resolution, which, after various unsuccessful efforts to amend it, was passed by a vote of about two to one: vernment of earth. If our offers of peace continue to be spurned by this fractious and supercilious people, there is but one course left, and that is to press forward and make them feel that war is to them what it is to all civilized na. tions—a scourge. Could this nation, imbecile, and demented as she is, see that we were united-that we had drawn the sword and thrown away the scabbard, and that she had no further hope from our domestic divisions-she would in some lucid interval consent to honorable negociation; and whatever Congress may do or say, she may as well understand first as last, that this great question will be controlled by the upheavings of the popular will, and that her petty and vagrant power will be humbled and her insolence rebuked and ble that Congress should appropriate a sum of money "Resolved further, That the Senate deem it advisasilenced. And whoever among us shall, under to enable the President to conclude a treaty of place any pretence or for any purpose whatever, how-limits, and boundaries, with the republic of Mexico, ever artfully contrived or specious its covering, array himself against the popular judgment, he should prepare to take his seat upon that stool of repentance, hitherto reserved exclusively for Upon the passage of this resolution, the chairthose who resisted their country in the war of man of the Committee on Finance proposed a 1812. The object of our government, from the resolution appropriating two millions of dollars, beginning, has been pacific, and her conduct in pursuance of the Executive recommendation. conciliatory. She has desired peace and justice, From these proceedings the injunction of secreand not havoc and conquest. On the 27th of cy was subsequently removed, and they became July last, while the echoing sound of our victo. public. On the 8th of August last, the Presirious arms was yet ringing in our ears, the Pre-dent submitted the same recommendation to both sident again extended to this captious and vaunting government the thrice-rejected olive branch. He proposed the renewal of negociations by sending a minister to Mexico, but added: "If the Mexican government should prefer to send a minister to Washington to conduct the negotiation here, he shall be received with kindness and respect; and every effort shall be made to accomplish the object of his mission with the least possible delay. "In the present communication it is deemed useless, and might prove injurious, to discuss the causes of the existing war. This might tend to delay or defeat the restoration of peace. The past is already consigned to history; the future, under Providence, is within our own power. "The occasion may, however, be embraced to state that the President has ever cherished the kindest feel ings for Mexico, and that one of the first wishes of his heart is that she may be a powerful and prosperous republic, in perpetual amity with the United States " This communication, couched in terms of respect and kindness, and breathing a spirit of peace, was treated with neglect, if not contempt, and lent a virus to their blind and barbarian fury-they believing, or affecting to believe, it was dictated in a spirit of timidity. On the 4th of August last-the 10th being the day fixed for the adjournment of Congress-the President, by a confidential message, advised the Senate that he proposed the renewal of negotiations, and recommended that a sum of money be placed under his control for the reasons and purposes stated in the message, as follows: and to be used by him in the event that such treaty should call for the expenditure of the money so appropriated, or any part thereof." This Houses of Congress in a public message, and "The chief difficulty to be anticipated in the nego- session. At the commencement of the present session, the President, in his annual message, repeats the recommendation for this appropriation, which he assures us he deems important for securing a speedy peace," in the following Under these circumstances, and considering the exhausted and distracted condition of the Mexican re-emphatic terms: public, it might become necessary, in order o restore peace, that I should have it in my power to advance a portion of the consideration money for any cession of "The reasons which induced me to recommend the measure at that time still exist; and I again submit the subject for your consideration, and suggest the importance of early action upon it. Should the appropriation be made and be not needed, it will remain in the treasury: should it be deemed proper to apply it, in whole or in part, it will be accounted for as other public expenditures." duly convicted: Provided, always, That every person escaping into such territory from whom labor or service is lawfully claimed in any one of the United States, such fugitive may be lawfully claimed and conveyed out of said territory to the person claiming his or her labor or service." The message was sent to Congress on the 8th As though it were not enough to legislate of December last, and its "early action" is e. for the government of such territory as may vinced by the consideration, on the last day of be procured under and by virtue of this approthe session but two, and past midnight, whether priation, if any shall be--which of course rests we will in the first place, insert another proviso in uncertainty-this amendment, forsooth, profor the government of Mexican territory, if, per- vides for the domestic regulation of "any terrichance, it shall be gained to the United States. tory on the continent of America which shall Upon the propriety of this appropriation, I have hereafter be acquired by or annexed to the Unineither hesitation nor doubt. The exigency re- ted States in any other manner whatever."quiring our action is extraordinary-the respon- And thus this wholesome and pacific measure sibility of the Executive to his country is mighty must again be subjected to delay and the haz-the occasion should be met in a corresponding ards of defeat-the war must be prosecuted spirit of patriotism by Congress, and all reason-afresh with its engines of destruction, or abanable facilities should be afforded for the exercise doned by a craven and disgraceful retreat, one of a wise and liberal discretion, in guiding the campaign after another be lost, while the wily destinies of his country in an hour of peril, and and treacherous foe and his natural ally, the in endeavoring to arrest the further loss of treas- vomito, are preying upon the brave hearts of ure and effusion of blood. The constitution has our patriotic soldiery-that we may legislate devolved upon him the duties and the power of not merely for the domestic government of Mex• negotiation, and he may well have, and doubtless ican territory, in the expectation that we may has reasons for his recommendation unknown hereafter obtain it, but that we may erect barto us, and which it would be unwise and unjust riers to prevent the sugar manufacturer and to the public interests to communicate. In cotton planter of the south from extending his short, we are thus advised by the Committee on plantation and his slavery towards the polar re. Foreign Relations, the constitutional organ of gions. If, then, the popular judgment shall comthe Executive upon this floor. While publicity mend that pioneer benevolence which seek to progives health and strength to our institutions, vide for the government of territory which, though diffuses and preserves the spirit of popular free-its acquisition yet" sleeps in the wide abyss of pos dom, and serves to uphold and beautify the fab- sibility," may be acquired by this proposed neric of social order in our domestic policy, in gotiation, if the appropriation shall be made, our intercourse with foreign governments, whose and a negotiation opened, and the President relations are hostile, it proves an element of shall propose to accept for indemnity, and the weakness. Central and executive governments Mexican goverment to cede a portion of territoconfine their foreign policy within the circle of ry, and the terms shall be stipulated, and a treathe cabinet, and strike before the warning is ty be made between the two governments, and given; while ours is publicly debated in Con- ratified by both; and the territory be organized gress, and spread broadcast throughout the by the legislation of Congress; what adequate world. This being an Executive recommenda- encomiums shall she lavish upon that more tion, designed to aid in bringing this war to a comprehensive philanthropy, and profound happy termination, if granted, should be in the statesmanship, which, in a bill designed to terform, and for the purposes recommended, un- minate a bloody and protracted war, raging in less some strong and controlling reasons can be the heart of an enemy's country, casts into the urged against it. If we doubt the propriety of discussion this apple of domestic discord, under making the appropriation, let us so declare, and the pretence of extending the benevolent ægis meet the question frankly and directly by with- of freedom over any territory which may at any holding it. But let it not be so fettered and res- time, or in any manner, or upon any part of the tricted by amendments, as to destroy the objects continent, be acquired by the United States! It it was intended to answer, or be strangled with is no justification for the introduction of this eleprovisos,which can as well, and with more pro- ment of strife and controversy at this time and priety, be passed separately. Upon this ques-upon this occasion, that it is abstractly just and tion there are, in fact but two sides; one is support, and the other in effect, however good in design, is opposition: And it is to be deeply regretted that while we are legislatting for the termination of a a bloody and expensive war, by placing a sum of money at the Executive discretion, for the purpose of negotiating a peace, we are again required in advance to pass upon the domestic regulation of any territory, which may, perchance, be purchased by the money we are about to appropriate. The amendment or "proviso," as now of fered, is as follows: "Provided, further, That there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in any territory on the continent of America which shall hereafter be acquired by or annexed to the United States by virtue of this appropriation, or in any other manner whatever, except for crimes whereof the party shall have been proper, and that the southern States should take no exception to its provisions. All knew the smouldering materials which the introduction of this topic would ignite-the sectional strife and local bitterness which would follow in its train; all had seen and read its fatal history at the last session, and knew too well what controversies, delays and vexations must hang over it-what crimination and recrimination would attend upon its toilsome and precarious progress, and what hazard would wait upon the result:-How it would array man against man, state against state, section against section, the south against the north, and the north against the south:-And what must be not only its direct and positive mischiefs, but how its disorganizing and pernicious influences must be extended to other measures necessary to sustain the arm of govern. ment. This bill not only suffered defeat at the sublime spectacle of legislation will a clause last session, but has been subjected to the de- like this present to the world! It will stand lays, hazards and buffetings of this, by reason upon the pages of the statute as an act of the of this misplaced proviso. Upon it, the very an. American Congress, designed to regulate the tipodes of agitation have met, and mingled their government of Mexican territory, but whose discordant influences. This proviso pretending operation was suspended by the interposition of to circumscribe the limits of slavery, is made the Mexican veto. A chapter in our history, to the occasion for the presentation of declaratory be employed by our enemies as evidence of raresolves in its favor, and the bill becomes, as if pacity-of weakness and depraved morals-a by mutual appointment, the common battle- target for the jeers and scoffs of the kingly govground of abstract antagonisms; each theoretic ernments of the earth, for the derision of Mexi agitation is indebted to the other for existence, co herself, and the general contempt of manand each subsists alone upon the aliment provi- kind! A lapsed legacy to the memory of misded ready to its hand by its hostile purveyor. placed benevolence and abortive legislation.-The votaries of opposing systems seem to have We rightfully boast ourselves a great and pow. drawn hither to kindle their respective altar erful people; but we are only so when we move fires, and to vie with each other in their efforts with energies united. Our great element of to determine who shall cause the smoke of their strength is a corresponding element of weakincense to ascend the highest. Both are assail-ness, when our powers are neutralized by the ing the same edifice from different angles, and resistance of opposing sections, or wasted by for alleged opposing reasons-both declare that the chafing of conflicting fragments. And their support of the bill depends upon the con- while our best faculties are directed against tingency of the amendment; and the efforts of each other and wasted in domestic conflict, both unite in a common result, and that is, pro- Mexico, our treacherous and wily antagonist, crastination and the hazard of defeat. The whose hope is vibrating between our intestine common enemy is overlooked and almost forgot. divisions, and her ability to lay her sacrilegious ten, that we may glare upon each other over a hand upon her consecrated images, is waiting sidebar issue, and revive the slumbering ele- for us to withdraw our troops, or fall back upon ments of controversy, in proposing to prescribe a defensive line, or declare the war unjust and domestic regulation for the government of terri- unconstitutional, or to see our government go tory which we have some expectation we may into bankruptcy, or the Union dissolved, agreeaat some time, in some manner, upon some part bly to the propositions which have been offered, of the continent, from some government or peo- and the speeches which have been made. And ple, and upon some terms, procure. This what is more humiliating, is that the enemies of exciting and troublesome question has no ne. popular freedom throughout the world, are cessary connexion with this bill, and if, in scowling with malignant gratification, to see deed, it can ever have any practical operation this great nation unable to prosecute a war awhatever, it would certainly be equally op.gainst a crippled and comparatively feeble ene. erative if passed separately. It cannot normy, without placing in the foreground of its ought it to be concealed that there exists in some quarters a strong desire to embarrass the administration in the prosecution of this war. Some, to that end, have taken open and decided ground, denouncing it as wicked, unjust, and unconstitutional-the offspring of rapine and rapacity-and sympathizing with what they are pleased to term, a sister republic. Others have proposed and insisted upon amendments and provisos to measures obviously just, which, all must have seen, could produce nothing but embarrassment and confusion, if not defeat. And, in the other house, it was proposed to append this very amendinent to a bill designed to raise money to feed and clothe our brave army in Mexico. Why, I ask-and why, will the country repeat-this pertinacity to engraft this "proviso" upon some measure relating to this war? It is made general in its application, is to operate through all time, and throughout the continent, and is not confined to territory to be acquired by this negotiation. And yet not one among its numerous and zealous friends have proposed it, except as a rider to some measure connected with the war. And, were I not assured that the senator from Vermont, [Mr. UPHAM,] who now insists upon connecting this disturbing question with this bill, does so from what he regards a duty, being, as he is understood to be, its opponent under any circumstances, I should be ready to exclaim, an enemy hath done this!" But suppose we do not, after all, as we well may not, obtain by negotiation any portion of Mexican territory, what a measures this pregnant element of domestic controversy, which the world sees and knows is the canker which gnaws at the root of our domestic peace; and when it is known that, from this cause especially, we have practically proved our inability to unite in the prosecution of a war, or to provide measures to establish peace, we shall be regarded as a fit object for insult and contumely, and be laughed to scorn by the despicable government with which we are at strife, and which we have hesitated to strike, because of her imbecility and weakness. If we obtain any portion of the Mexican territory, it must be done by conquest or by conventional arrangement. Although we have already conquered more than half of the area of that republic, and now hold it by military possession, we hold it thus as well for our own defence and indemnity as to compel her to negotiate for peace, and have no jurisdiction over it, except that of mili tary rule. Should California, or any other portion, be ceded to us in a treaty of peace, it would still require the legislation of Congress to provide for its territorial government; and upon that occasion, should the contingency happen, we can legislate for fruition, and not for hope. I have not partaken of the excitement which has prevailed here, and shall not. I have no gloomy foreboding over the dissolution of the Union. Politicians could not dissolve it if they would, and would not if they could. It will live on, long after we are all laid in the dust, and pillar after pillar shall strengthen and adorn the edifice, while others-the venerable and gray |