Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1848-01-14
Letter from washington.
WASHINGTON, D. c., DEc. 25. /
w As n y U
DEAR SHoLEs:

The result Of the election for delegates to
the Convention has been received here by our polit
cal iriends with much satisfaction--for those who
on account Of the election of a federal Delegate
were led to doubt the democracy of Wisconsin, are
now assured of her soundness, and rejoice in the
prospect of soon seeing her star glowing upon the
banner of our Republic. From the indications |
have seen IN the few democratic newspapers which
have reached me from the Territory there seems to
be good feeling existing among our friends, and
determination to proceed tremendously and this
will ensure a speedy termination of the labors of
the Convention. In view of the result of the first
Convention friends will doubtless see the neces-
sity of camness and Cancellation in discussing the
several subjects which may come before them: and
in regard to proposed provisions upon which
marked diversity OF opinion exists among the de-
mocracy, all difficulties may be avoided by leaving
them for the decision of the people, or for future
legislation. 1t is to he hoped however, that the
articles touching state Indebtedness an elective u-
dietary, and paper currency (omtting the provision
relative to foreign bank bilIs) may be embraced
in the Constitution | should be glad TO see the ex-
emption article and that relating TO the rights of
married women, also included-but. wi,h the I'M
founded prejudces created against them would
not now contend but await the sure correction of
the public mind upon these topics.
1t is quite certain that the Convention will pro-
coed SO tremendously and expeditiously that the
new Constitution will be before Congress by the
10th of April next. if not sooner; and Though |
have some misgvngs) it is TO be hoped that the
action of Congress upon it will not be delayed-for
the sooner it is accepted the more time will be given
to prepare for the election of representatives to
Congress, to the State Legislature, &c You must
not be surprised however, should you find some
very profound wing in the present wing house, la
boring TO throw obstacles in the way of a speedy
acceptance of Constitution fresh from the hands
of a convention of democratic badgers There are
wings in the present house who have already shown
a willingness to sacrifice the good name and put at
hazard the best interests of the country for the mere
qualification of the malice of faction--or proof
look at the resolutions introduced during the past
week upon the Mexican war. Such men would
disregard voice from the people OF democratic
Territory.
You will have seen that the Question of harbor
and river Improvements in the house, and that of
additional territory in the Senate have already been
incidentally touched upon-thus showing the avid
ity with which the debates will enter into the con-
test when properly presented after the h6!ydays.
Much will be said on both sides of these questions
and much ingenuity will doubtless be displayed in
constituting our national constitution, and in manu-
featuring political captal-but it may be, think,
safely predicted that the ultimate decision of Con-
gress will be- that Congress may rightfully make
appropriations for the protection of our lake COM
merce and that additional territory may be acquired
by the Republic without endangeling the Union.
In regard TO the Wilmot Previso, or the questions
which it involves, however much it may be argued,
the conclusion cannot be avoided that Congress has
the porcr to make terms, touching the introduction
OF exclusion of slavery into territory which may be
acquired of Mexico either by conquest or purchase
The people of the old North Western Territory, by
the Ordinance of ST, were guaranteed admission
into the Union "on footing with the original
States" but the Constitution does not require of
Congress the admission Of other States people on
like terms. 1t will not be doubted, however that
a State will ever be admitted without being placed
upon an equality with the several States-and this
sentiment generally prevailing among our legisla
tors and people il is quite possible that Missouri
compromise will be effected, the whole matter
be passed off to the people who may hereafter claim
admission into the Union For one am fully
convinced that no part of Mexico, nor California,
will ever be settled by the people of the slavehold-
ing States, or by those who own slaves for where
such emigrant would be furnished by the south.
ern states there would be score from the northern
eastern, and western states who would depend upon
their own labor and be opposed 10 the introduction
of slaves and for this Iregret TO see DIS
cussion introduced at this time which can have no
practical effect upon territory involved in the con-
troversy, and will only tend 10 embarrass the unity
of feeling and action of the northern and southern
democracy
Mr. Calhouns resolutions against the conquest Of
Merioo has two or more objects. Though the ad.
ministration has intimated desire either in
word or deed, to subjugate and dnner the Mexican
nation yet Mr. c. by his resolutions has begged the
question, and built up man of straw, in order to
furnish an opportunity TO condemn the adminstra-
ton, and indirectly aid the position of the Man OF
Ashland, who urgesthe REIMBURSEMENT of all claims
Mexico which would disturb her Integrity. Mr.
Calhoun, and other southern men who are his adj
mirers, have long been alarming themselves about
the preponderance of the free states and they have
brought themselves TO believe that their best policy
is 10 prereut the annexation of any more territory
which may hereafter be made into free states Hav.
ing seen the proceedings Of the people of Oregon
upon the subject of slave-holding Mr.. c. fears sim
liar action by the early settlers of New Mexico and
California; and If he cannot prevent their becoming
part and parcel of domain, be will urge the Mis-
souri, compromise, and thus endeavor 10 secure a
portion of the Territory for the use of the southern
/ planters whenever they can find time TO occupy it
The belief that the country south OF So deg OF at
;ude will be subject 10 slave population wilt pre-
vent its occupation by settlers from the free states
and by all who do not own slaves and it would be
much the best policy on the part of the free state:
10 give the goby 10 the whole subject OF the exten
sion of slavery, and direct their energies 10 the an
I of as -,u.h Of Ealiforn,.x ~