The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-07-08
The Missouri Compromssc- New AbolI-
tlOM Party.


by the treaty with Mexico, has compelled the lead
ers of other parties in Congress to bring forward,
for the third time, the old Missouri line of COM
promise, by way of check to the progress of the
new party, in its first movement to dangerous pow
er and influence. This comprehensive old one
of SO deg. 30 min-has been introduced into the
Senate by Mr. Bright, of Indiana, as an amend
ment 10 The territorial bill for Oregon, and per-
spectvely 10 settle the same difficulty with re-
gard to the territory of New Mexico and Calior-
MIA, now ours by the new treaty.
From the discussions which have taken place on
this subject, in the Senate, and the limitations
which have been thrown out in the House, it seems
TO be supposed at Washington that the passage of
this compromise will naturally reduce the difficult
ty which has created the barnburnng movement
in the Northern States, by way of counter-check
10 the ultra movement which originated in South
Carolina. The friends OF General Cass, IN Con-
gress and some of those protesting TO support Ge-
neral Taylor. appear to unite in imagining that
such measure will allay the abolition agitation
in the North. We think differently. From what
we can hear and see taking place around us, we
are much disposed to believe that the movement
commenced by Mr.. Van Buren, in this State, Will
be urged on to the highest point of excitement,
and its broadcast swartlr of extension in spite
of any compromise that may be passed during the
present session of Congress. In fact, the leaders
of this new abolition movement are determined to
press il Onto carry their purposes and effecthem--
at all hazards and against all compromises of
every kind They have taken the position, and
strongly taken it, that no more territory hitherto
free, and received by way of indemnify from Mex
leo. shall be permitted to become slave territory,
with the consent of the free States of the North.
If the proposition of Mr.. Bright should be passed
by Congress- in reference to tae territorial organi
cation of Oregon the barnbumers, here and else
where. will raise the shout of repeal, with even
more vengeance, and more force, and more vindics
tiveness than they do the position which they now
assume on the Wilmot proviso
This. we believe. is the unalterable determine
tlon of these enthusiasts, amounting to almost the
highest species of fanaticism, which is beginning
TO pervade the barnburners, and all those associa
red with them under the mantle of Ex-Presiden
Van Buren,.
With these views and feelings this new party
are determined to urge their purposes onward in
this region of country, and to make Mr.. Van Blu
rem. if possible, the candidate of the Northof the
August convention which is to be held IN Buffalo.
Some of the old abolition leaders-the Tappans
festo against any amalgamation between the origl-
nal an,-slavery party-comprisng sixty thousand
votes at the last Presidential eectionand the new
partv of barnburners, set in motion by Mr.. Van
Buren,. There are differences of opinion among all
those factions but it is highly probable that the
most violent. the most ultra, will carry the day.
Mr.. Van Buren, has assumed his present position,
associated himself with all his friends, disciples,
and supporters. and seems to be determined to re-
vepee himself on the South for their neglect TO
him in former years, by forcing on them nova
movement that may lead to most dangerous and
unheard of consequences to the happiness and
peace of the country What the ultimate views of
Mr. Van Buren, may be- is difficult 10 tell but II
be chooses to carry out the feelings which he has
brought into action to their ultimate consequences,
we may vet see an entire separation between the
North and the South, and union between the
Northern States and Canada, at no very distan,
day. Mr. Van Buren, is cold-blooded, ambitious
revepgeiul, and dishonest man. The new features
of his character are just looming gloomy before
the world He is the modern Burr in political ac-
lion, with more cunning than Burr, and presenting
greater hopes Of success in his projects and par-
poses.
While this dangerous question is beginning to
sgitate the masses of the North and the South
and those feeble attempts to alay them are intro
duced into Congress- we yet see that body, IN both
the houses, idling away their time in miserable
party discussions relative the personal merits of
the various candidates for the Presidency, IN
STYLE and temper that would almost disgrace the
lowest journal the meanest newspaper, IN the
smallest village pothouse in the country. What is
The duty of Congress, as laid down In the Constr
Ia a, I,ec gp
decide on them with candor, manliness and iustlce'
The selection Of President is not yet before
them. Neither the Senate nor the House of Re-
representatives. can decide whether General Taylor
OF General Case, any other man, is 10 be Presl-
dent Of this country, until the people shall have
made their opinions known at tbs polls, next No
yember. Congress is impudenty, demonstrations
ally and dsgracefully anticipating the action of
the people, and endeavorng TO select President
for the next four years, or IN giving cue to the
public at large as TO how the people shall exercise
their rights as voters. We except hardly single
member of that body, who mingles in these de-
bates, from the legitimate censurc which his con-
duct deserves in such discussions. The tables of
both houses groan under the weight OF bills and
reports on the practical afiaire OF the nation. The
new territorial acquisitions require highly mpor-
tant legislation, on which depend the peace, the
happiness, and the union of these States and yet,
in the midst Of .his quantity OF business, hcaped up
before both houses, it is melancholy 10 observe
the most respectable members rushing into de-
bates with the same folly, and haste, and excite
meni, ar we sometimes see the sPouters rush TO
the menagene Of Tammany Hail, or rowdy
meeting on the Canal street plan.
ADJOURNMENT OF Communicating 10 all
appearances, Congress will not adjourn Tor SIX
weeks, or two months, yet. They have been in
session over seven months and what have they
done9 Absolutely nothing. Perhaps there never
was such Congress ns the prcsent-onc which has