The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-03-16
yvilmot Proviso-a Compromise.

By the settlement cf the Mexican war in the
ratification of the treaty OF peace, us way
from the United States to Mexico, the different
political parties into which the country is divid-
ed, will, in the course Of e few months, assume
a new relationship towards each other. As we
have remarked on former occasion, the issues
which divided the parties of this country before
the commencement of that war, have been either
settled definitely, or abandoned by mutual con-
sent With the ratification of this trea.ry,
new and formidable question is presented, enc
which Mr.. Clay, Mr.. Calhoun, and other great
statesmen, sought 10 avoid in all their speeches
and resolutions on the subject of the war.
This qusstion-we mean the Wilmot proviso,
or the principle whether this new territory ceded
TO us by this treaty shall be free or otherwise
was discussed at the last session of Congress
with much spirit and feeling; and the probability
is, that soon as the treaty shall have been ra-
tilted, 1t will be again brought up. Now, the
Southern States, and large portion of the de.
mocracy of the North, are to man opposed to its
passage and we may look, when the subject
again comes up for discussion, to a scene of ex-
element which will produce perfect row at the
capitol, among all parties 1t will occupy the at
tentlon of Congress for probably the remainder
Of the session, without any conclusion being
arrived at; and the Presidential election
coming on, it will be forced into it, for
the purpose of catching the abolition votes
The sboliuensts. of course, will vote for it,
and for any man who advocates it. This par
ty polled some sixty thousand votes at the
last election, and by accessions, and by the at
tanning of majority by their sons and relatives,
,l<.t~l Tho
next election. For some few years past portion
of the Northern wings, and the whole of the wings
in New England, have been toadying to the abo-
ltionists, and using every argument IN their
power to get their votes and their influences; and
recently the barnburners of New York have
embraced the principle Of this provlso. Hitherto,
the abolltionists have kept ss a separate ard in
dependent party in our Presidential elections;
and IN the coming contest il is not likely that
they will form junction with the Northern and
Eastern wings and the barnburners, even if the
latter select candidate favorable to this me a.
sure. Now, if such q junction as this were
made, the forces OF the two parties would be
numerically powerful enough TO elect their man;
and If they did, we would have. for the first time
in the history OF our country, President elected
On the question OF abolition but union Of this
kind is out of the question, although 1t may be
talked Of when the proper time arrives Again,
In the session OF Congress that will cnsue after
the Presidential election, this question will be
again renewed; and as there will be then no.
thing TO be gained by procrastinatioD, 1t will
probably be decided but in a way, we appre.
bend. not 10 disturb the permanence or strength
Of our institutions. The halls of both houses
will, doubtless, ie-echo the denunciatiops Of
slavery in every pom Of view-the North and
the South will, through their representatives.. be
again arreyed against each olher--dissou,ion
OF the Union, and thousand other ca
lamites, will be talked OF and Threatened
in the most fiery language and after a
sufhciency Of gas shall have been blown
off, and all the members shall have relieved
themselves OF their pent up feelings, al The,