The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-04-16
NEW YORK HERALD.
The State Convention.

The next important subject which will engage the
attention OF the people OF this city, in the way OF
votrg, 10 the election of members for the conven-
tion about to assemble in few months, in order 10
mend or mar the present constitution OF this State.
This election will even be far more interesting than
the one which has just terminated IN this city. The
municipal election has only reference to taxes and
bad government IN this metropolis. The people,
with decided majority in favor of clean streets and
good government, have, however, elected corpo-
ration, which will probably be sanctioning the past
abuses of higher taxes and direr streets hereafter
The State convention, however, has reference TO
politics, morals, law, religion, and other matters;
ead will lay the foundation of new system for all
future time m this State, or in this country. The
members will be elected for the purpose of re-mo-
delllng the organic law; in reference particularly,
10 every great interest of social life, embracing the
right OF voting the judiciary power, the legislative
power, and every power existing under the govern
ment of free people. According TO all appearances
the food gates of doctrines, and startling theo-
ries, have now been opened wider and wider, even
than the foodgate OF heaven, during Noah's deuge
llisproposed, in various quarters, extend the cleo
tora franchise to every thing in the shape of man
without distinction as TO color. creed, nation, or
birth. This will confer the right of voting on all
colored people, and on all foreigners arriving here.
Another important proposition is, to elect all Judi
cla officers from the highest to the lowest, by vote;
and, also, all executive officers; many OF the sub
ordinates Of that class being now appointed by the
Governor. This will form great organic change,
should II be adopted and confirmed by the people
II is also proposed to deprive the old proprietors of
large grants ofpropery, and confer them on occu-
pants OF farms, according to the wishes of the anti
renters.
In another age, and another state Of society," these
propositions might seem frighliul, leading TO anar-
chy, confusion and social desolaton /; but in the
present age the secret powers OF steam and magnet
ism, applied to the spread Of intelligence among the
masses, are gradually working an entire revolution
In society and government in this country, and
every other country We know what we are, and
what we have been but know not what we may
become, under these terrible and magnificent pow
ers, brought into social action in the present
age. Magnetism may be only the precursor Of the
millennium.
The OREGON QUrsrloN.--We are now assured
that the Oregon question will be 60, through with
IN the Senate on Thursday Of this week, and the
probability seems TO be that the notice will pass
Yet we do not anticipate early settlement Of this
question. According 10 the most judicous opinions
OF well informed men, II is thought that Great
Britain will make no attempt 10 resume negotia- |
tions, or make any new proposition but will stand
still, and allow the American government to take
Its own course. Usuch should turn out to be the |
case. nothing can prevent the Oregon question from
minglng in the elections.
a bill has been introduced into the House of Re-
representatives. to extend the laws OF the United States
over that territory Mr.. Adams, and other leading
wings seem TO be disposed TO extend our laws over
that territory from AZ to 81 49, The effect OF the
passage OF such law will be a. once to bring on
collision and war between the two countries. In
the present state OF this vexed question, and the de-
veoPment OF opinion in the Senate, we do not think
that any law of this nature will pass mat body dur
ing the present Congress. II may probably be pass-
ed In the House, but il will be stopped in the Sc
nate. This will only throw the question into the 4
popular elections, that there is prospect Of the
Oregon question being an element IN the future
elections, and may probably pave the way for Sc
rious war with England in two three, or four years.
II such should be the case, il will be necessary to
have men of the greatest calibre at the head Of the
government. The friends Of Mr.. Clay think that he
would be the best man TO have in the White House
in such an emergency.
birthday of Henry Clay has been celebrated in Phi
ladelpha and other cities, as well as in New York.
There is no doubt. now, that the celebration Of
Mr. Clay's birthday has been a general movement
in various parts Of the country, with the intention
Of bringing that distinguished statesman into the
field again, for the next Presidency
The only opposition TO this movement, in this
city, comes from the Founente squad, OF the whig
Ne
that he has sentiments and principles that don't
At all accord with those OF MIR. Clay We have no
doubt there is great deal OF discrepancy between
the views Of Henry Clay and Horace Greeley, and
1t il good thing that such discrepancy does exist.
This movement is considered a very important
one, and had been arranged in the highest quarters
to take place in Washington, New York, and other
places, SO as to make it a simultaneous movement
in various parts Of the country. We have some.
thing more to say Of this thing, as well as OF the
meeting at Niblo's; and also of Mr. White, the dis
iinguished orator on the occasion, Of whom, by
the-bye, VIC made some slight mistakes in saying he
was in search Of law practice in New York, more
Of politician than he is of a lawyer. The friends
of Mr.. White assure that he dsclams being
politician altogether and that, for the short time he
has been in this city his law practice has increased
TO remarkable extent, az we can readily suppose
from the exhibition Of his genius and talents last
year in this city.
PRESIDENTIAL CANpIDATEs.-The nomination Of
Ms. Clay for the next presidency will make the
friends of the other candidates hustle somewhat
those who have been named as whg candidates.
Judge Mclean and General Scott, must either re-
tire from the field, or be brought forward at once
WHAT course theirfriends in Congress, and through
out the country will take, seems uncertain.
OF the democratic candidates for that high Office
the number is legion. James Polk is one, Sllas
Wright is another, Gen Cass is another, Calhoun
is another, and Commodore Stewart is another
and, we may add, that as counterpose TO Gen.
Scott, il he should be nominated by the wings,
Gen Galues stands In a sfrnnn nnsiilun among The