New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1847-01-18
Lieutenant Gener alship-Mr. CsIhoun-Oregon
-Minerel Land Bill.
From our O"D CORES pDnntnt


In the SENATE today. Mr.. DIX advocated the
establishment OF q Lieut.. Generalship but net IN
the forcble argument creditable TO his reputation.
He rather spoke as if he would avoid the subject
though under the moral necessity 70 assume ITS
defence He said nothing new IN It's favor, and
little that was pertinent.
It's said, that Mr.. CALHous will tomorrow or
when occasion tsvors break ground against the
measure expose its uselessness, and controrert It's
princiols l. is also said that he VIII introduce
set Of resolutions 10 regard to the future conduct OF
os, Government TOW ard Mexico. IN which be will
ezoress tae opinion that our armies should be re-
called 70 the Eastern side Of the RIO Ifande' our
Navy from tie Gulf and il, after such determined
proceeding on our part VIC cannot trea. with Mex
co. offer toward her merely defensive hostility
give tbs as a ruIaor fer / have received It On no
certain authority.
Such conduct would 10. be inconsistent in Mr..
CALHous He was most srdently opposed 70 the
present war and has ever denied the necessity Of
its declaration. 1t IS his policy to confirm our title
to the Territory distracted from Mexico IN the &C
QUESTION Of Texas. That asst acquisition, es IN
process q time its infinite resources redcveioPed
viii pro in his judgment a sufficient mart Tor the
sale OF slaves nor does be believe, whatever ac-
eession o. territory might extori from the leces-
sites Of the Mexican that the institution OF slavery
would pass the Rio Grande Beyond the waters
Of thai rver the population IS too spsfse Tor It's
present establishment and he is TOO keen sighted
/ not 10 acknowledge that its future extension be
yond that confne would be problematical at least
impossible in al moral probability 1t is therefore
his policy 70 nourish the institution within IT'S pre-
sent limits to give it a hrmer consistency, and
secure ior it more permanent basis
IfMr CALHous should exert himself to defeat
the creation ofthis new Office none viii be created
His friends uniting with the Wings Of the Senate,
would defeat the measure. But If be pursue con
trary course and allow the bill to 20 through the
Senate. am inclined 10 think it will pass the
House-the adverse vote in the House some days
since % the contrary Notwithstanding Since that
vote members have seen new hght-have listened
70 argument and become convinced OF the lmpro-
prietv OF their former course. There IS hardly
member Of the Cabinet, who is not qualified from
his bowers Of persuasion % be Professor OF Rheto
ric A Democratic Representative told me to
day that since the vote adverse TO the proposition
had been given in the House be had reflected
more carefully upon its character, and had come
to the conclusion that the position OF affairs IN Mex
leo really did require the appointment OF this extra
ordinary officer u shall change my vote, SAID
he, solely from principle An unnecessary dec.
laration What other motive could be suspected
Of influencing his conduct The appointment OF
one friend to a vacant Pursership and the promise
OF position in the new Army TO another no one
will believe could persuade an honest man 10
abandon principle. And who so incredulous as to
doubt the honesty Of all Democratic Represen-
tatives Their honesty is as indisputable as their
Democracy.
Mr. BURT offs c. in the House made speech on
his cunning amendment to the Oregon bill. He pro
posed 10 insert in the bill a clause acknowledging
the right of all citizens Of Oregon to certain prive
legesand among others, the privilege OF not being
slaves because Oregon was north OF the line OF the
Missouri compromise las an abandonment OF an
eternal principle has been called His remarks
were not very profound were not very original
but they answered purpose they called up Mr.
Perm Of Indiana IN reply.
Mr. Perm was one OF the $40 40' regular
Boanerges OF that party He was not so noisy on
the subject OF our clear and incontestible right
as ALLEN in the Senate, because he wanted the
equal capacity OF lungs he was however as
reasonable and As tedious Deep in his breast It is
said has ranked the detection OF Southern DE.
mocracy IN that crisis and he has bided his time
for an opportune revenge He thinks the occasion
tit He therefore like our friends King, HANLIS
aud GROVER, adopted WIiMoT's proviso and de
nounces slavery. 1t is a very pretty quarrel as 1t
stands and not to be regretted if from the collision
of these equally selfish and equally mmoderate lac
tons, truth can be elected and justice to humanity
restored
EBut for this debate in the Senate ON the appoint
ment OF Lieut. General, the Mineral Bill would
have been taken up and with some amendments
probably passed 1t now must be necessarily post
poned learn from sound opinion that two days
at least may be consumed in this debate II SO The
fate of the Mineral Bill will be doubtfulunless 1t
can be passed during one Of the intervals IN which
the regular debate may be suspended. II the bill
authorizing the sale of these lands ON Lake Supe-
rior should net pass, the Government viii suffer
equally with individuals. For other considerations
aside the present sale Of the lands is required to
assist in filing an exhausted Treasury and every
day the sale is postponed, the desire to purchase
will abate Justice and sound policy both dictate
10 Congress the immediate disposition Of the lands
for il is equitable that those who have been encour
ared By the Government TO invest capital there
! should have titles TO the land upon which their
money has been expended and It IS polite for the
Government to dispose OF lands from winch other
{ wise il Will derive little OF no revenue. NJ