The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-07-11

WAsHIserov, July 8, 1913.
The Washington Pyess-1Be Missouri Compro-
mise-Mr. Polk md his Generals.
As a ludicrous instance of the doItish stupidity
OF the Washington press, | may mention, that
after sundry attempts to print the treaty with
Mexico, neither of the organs here, wing or pre-
sdentiaI, has yet printed 1t correctly, although
publishing it "by authority more than three
months after every other paper IN the land had
taken it from the columns of the Head.
The fate of the Missouri compromise is jeo-
parded IN The Senate by Mr. Underwood's amend
ment. 1t will be recollected that Mr. Bright moved
as an amendment to the Oregon bill to strike out
the twelfth section, prohibiting slavery IN the ter
rory, and insert IN lieu thereof the terms OF the
Missouri COMPROMISE, to wit that north OF thirty
six degrees thirty minutes slavery shall not exist
leaving its existence south Of the line an open
question, to be determined by circumstances and
the will of the inhabitants This amendment of
Mr. Bright Mr.. Underwood moved further TO
amend, by inserting a declaration securing the
existence OF slavery south OF the line, instead OF
leaving the question open as In the missouri com
promise. This amendment, unless Withdrawn,
will kill Mr. Bright's prop ostion, as, although the
declaration it contains not destined to have any
practical force, Uhe subsequent existence OF slavery
south OF the line depending on necessity, on the VIII
of the people OF the territory, and the decisions
OF the courte) yet to vote II down VIII alarm the
South, as furnishing tangible though constructive
gro und for doubt as to the sincerity of the North
In entering into this compact. But it will never
theess be voted down, and justly, it is both
mis- chievous and improper, and If inserted IN the
bill would be reproductive OF any practical good
or even OF the results 1t proposes to secure. Mr..
Underwood has been besought to withdraw this
amendment but peremptorly refuses He takesa
very solemn and very dangerous responsibility IN
being instrumental in defeating the only measure
councils Has he consulted the feeling of his
stltuents in opposing this obstacle to the perma-
nent adjustment of the slavery difficulty? Ken
lucky is assuredly the last State from which dis
sent to the adoption of the Missouri compromise
Is likely to arise. Her gre attest statesman, Henry
Clay, is the author of that compact, and of all the
slave States she entertains perhaps the most mode
rate views in regard to that institution. 1t rs
scarcely. possible Mr.. Underwood will persist In
putting forward his amendment when he shall feel
convinced that on its Wi hdrawal depends the sue
cess Of the patriotic effort to settle the slavery ques-
ton forever
The Scott and Pillow case Is fast assuming
an, aspect that evinces on the part OF the Pre-
sldent degree OF meanness for which even
prepare one. We hear of the nominations OF
General Pillow and General Gushing being sent
In to the Senate for confirmation for the respective
grades conferred on them by the President, and in
the same breath we hear of General Pillows ac-
quitta by Court of which General Cushing was
one of the members. This Is too open disregard
of even, the semblance OF decency to pass I'M
rebuked. For what is General Cushngs name
alone, OF all the brlgadler-generals sent into the
Senate for confirmation Assuming that he IS
pure as snow, will not the question be still asked,
why is he singled out from his compcers and alone
honored, when there are many others who have
participated actively in service, he having seen
service at all This is of piece with the gross
indelicacy which has characterized all Mr.. Folks
conduct in every instance in which any OF his ia
vories have been concerned. Because there was a
doubt of General Pillows confirmation, he has
withheld that of General Qutman and General
Shields, the, brilliancy of whose services sent an
through whole treated
with coldness and neglect, because he did not
choose to lend himself to play out the miserable
game engaged in by the President, for the exalta-
ton of his favorite, General Pillow
am at present investigating this whole affair,
and will be prepared to make, in few days, some
strange exposures. GALvIENsIs.