Record Data
Transcription
From Washington.
OPINIONS IN THE DRED SCOTT CASE- THE NEW CABINET, ETC.
WASHINGTON, Saturday, March 7.
Judge MCLEAN delivered his views in the DRED SCOTT case to-day, arguing that Slavery is limited to the range of the State where it is established by municipal law. If Congress deem slaves or free colored persons injurious to a Territory, they have the power to prohibit them from becoming settlers therein. The power to acquire territory carries the power to govern it. The master does not carry with him to the Territory the law of the State from which he removes. Hence, the Missouri Compromise was constitutional, and the presumption is in favor of freedom. DRED SCOTT and his family were free under the decisions for the last 28 years.
Judge CURTIS dissented from the opinion of the majority of the Court as delivered by Chief Justice TANEY, and gave his reasons for the dissent. He maintained that native born colored persons can be citizens of States and of the United State; that DRED SCOTT and his family were free when they returned to Missouri; that the power of Congress to make all needful rules and regulations respecting the Territory belonging to the United States at the time of the adoption of the Constitution, but has been applied to five subsequent acquisitions of land; the Congress has power to exclude Slavery from the Territories, having established eight Territorial Governments without, and recognized Slavery in six, from the days of WASHINGTON to JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
The opinions occupied five hours of delivery.
Judges WAYNE, GRIER, CAMPBELL and DANIEL had papers expressing their views on certain points of opinion of the Court, but did not read them.
Adjourned till the time fixed by law.
Secretary DOBBIN detailed two of the largest United States steamships to assist in the duty of completing the ocean telegraphic communication.
Ex-President PIERCE signified to a deputation of Tennesseans yesterday his intention to make a Southern tour.
The new Cabinet officers took their respective positions at noon to-day. The duties of heads of Departments have been performed since the 4th of March by the chief clerks.
