"_Resolved_, That while we recognize no right on the part of the federal government, or any other law-making power, save that of the States wherein it exists, to interfere with or disturb the institution of domestic slavery where it is established or protected by State legislation, we do hold that Congress has power to prohibit the foreign traffic, and that no legislation can be too thorough in its measures, nor can any penalty known to the catalogue of modern punishment for crime be too severe against a traffic so inhuman and unchristian. "_Resolved_, That the laws in force against said traffic are founded upon the broadest principles of philanthropy, religion, and humanity; that they should remain unchanged, except so far as legislation may be needed to render them more efficient; that they should be faithfully and promptly executed by our government, and respected by all good citizens. "_Resolved_, That the Executive should be sustained and commended for any proper efforts whenever and wherever made to enforce said laws, and to bring to speedy punishment the wicked violators thereof, and all their aiders and abettors." Failed of the two-thirds vote necessary to suspend the rules--the vote being 115 to 84--and was dropped. _House Journal_, 35 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 298-9. ~1859, March 3. United States Statute: Appropriation.~ To carry out the Act of March 3, 1819, and subsequent acts, and to pay expenses already incurred, $75,000. _Statutes at Large_, XI. 404. ~1859, Dec. 19. President Buchanan's Message.~ "All lawful means at my command have been employed, and shall continue to be employed, to execute the laws against the African slave trade. After a most careful and rigorous examination of our coasts, and a thorough investigation of the subject, we have not been able to discover that any slaves have been imported into the United States except the cargo by the Wanderer, numbering between three and four hundred. Those engaged in this unlawful enterprise have been rigorously prosecuted, but not with as much success as their crimes have deserved. A number of them are still under prosecution. [Here follows a history of our slave-trade legislation.] "These acts of Congress, it is believed, have, with very rare and insignificant exceptions, accomplished their purpose. For a period of more than half a century there has been no perceptible addition to the number of our domestic slaves.... Reopen the trade, and it would be difficult to determine whether the effect would be more deleterious on the interests of the master, or on those of the native born slave, ..." _Senate Exec. Doc._, 36 Cong. 1 sess. I. No. 2, pp. 5-8. ~1860, March 20. Congress (Senate): Proposed Resolution.~ "Mr. Wilson submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:--