Mr. DONIPHAN:—I cannot agree with my colleague. I am opposed to the foreign slave-trade in every form. I would not even make a treaty with a nation or a State that would permit it. If the seceded States are to be regarded out of the Union, I would not treat with them; I would not invest Congress with such a dangerous power. Nothing will suit me but an unqualified prohibition of this trade in the Constitution itself.
Mr. HOUSTON:—The gentleman from Missouri has expressed the views of Delaware. His argument is conclusive.
Mr. HOWARD:—The intervention of Congress will be necessary whether this amendment passes or not. The section as adopted makes no provision for the punishment of any one who violates it. If a vessel should be seized while engaged in the trade, this section does not provide for her forfeiture or condemnation, or the punishment of her officers or owners. The section would be inoperative without the action of Congress. Why not let Congress have all the power?
Mr. DODGE:—Congress will declare the punishment.
Mr. SEDDON:—If you cut off the slave with the seceded States, they will do the same with you. I think the Border States should at all events adopt the amendment.
The Conference refused to agree to the amendment of Mr. Seddon by the following vote:
Ayes.—Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri—5.
Noes.—Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas—16.
Messrs. Johnson and Doniphan, of Missouri, dissented from the vote of that State.
Mr. MOREHEAD:—I move to strike out the whole of this section, and insert a new one of the following tenor: "The foreign slave-trade is hereby forever prohibited; and it shall be the duty of Congress to pass laws to prevent the importation of slaves into the United States and their Territories, from places beyond the limits thereof."