Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1848-07-29
TIE CONIpHuMiSE.

IhL toNihthlsi-'
We trust that the dark spot upon Our po-
litca horizon is about 10 disappear, and that
the :shadows, clouds and darkness which
threatened destruction TO our country, will
speedily give place to brighter scenes and
happier anicipaiions. We confess that we
looked with dread on the progress which Soc
tona feeling was making in the nation: and
we saw no escape from the ca!anliics Of di-
vision and dissolution but in the compromise
of opinions. In the ppoiutmtni and arrange
mcnt of the committee OF the Senate, Ia take
the subject of the territories into cunsidcra-
ton, we were checred with the hope that
such compromise might be offered to Com
gress and 10 the country, rs would save the
union, if acccp,ed-and onr hope has not
been disappointed. The committee, with a
unanimity which angurs most lavorably for
lis passage, has reported a bill respecting the
territories of Oregon, Upper California and
New Mexico, which VIC trust viii be received
and acted OH by both houses OF Congress, in
the same spirit with which it was agreed
upon by the members of the committee. II
neither takes away nor uterferes with the
rights of any section Of the union. The Uni
on gives the following summary of the pro-
visions of the bill:
'lt establishes Il goyCtHmcnt in Oregon
substantially as provided by the bill lately
before the Senate, which was referred to the
select committee. II is, however, amended,
50 as TO leave the laws of the provisional 90
vernment of Oregon in force until after the
organization by Congress, when the lcgisla-
ture of the Territory are authorized to con-
tinue or repeal them, AS they may see fit.
California is organized by the appointment
secretary, three judges, district attorney,
and marshal. The governor and Judges 10
constitute legislative council, and 10 pass
such laws as they may deem necessary; but
they are prohibited from legislating upon sla-
very, TO establish Il form of religion, 10 incur
debt upon the territorial faith, or to primarily
dispose of the soil Their laws are to be sub
mitted 10 Congress; and if not approved, 10
be void There is 10 be au appeal from the
Territorial courts to the Supreme court Of the
United States, i'll the same cases as from the
circuit courts of the United States.
New Mexico is the same in all respects,
except but Two Judges are to be appointed
for it. The laws and constitution of the Uni
ted States are extended over it,
The same paper says, that ''this important
bill will be taken up at an early day by the
Senate. We understand that it has already
found much favor with that body, and it i,
supposed will pass the Senate by a pretty
strong vote"
The National Intellgencer, after recapitu
lating the provisions of the bill, says:
offence ii is apparent that the rights anc
claims of the North and the South on the sub
iect of slavery are reserved and, without
giving the sanction of the United States to
further extension OF the territory in which
slavery will be recognized, the future char
acter of those States will depend on the char
acter, the habits, and the wishes of the peo
pie who shall hereafter form the State Con
siitutons for those Territories
We sincerely trust that this scheme, pro
ceeding as it undoubtedly does from the mos
patriotic motives, may put an end forever t,
Il question, from the agitation Of which alon,
: the enemies of our great and glorious Uniol
derive any hope of succeeding in their insan,
purposes"
Mr. Clayton, chairman of the committee,
in reporting the bill, made a statement of III,
proceedings of the committee, the severa
propositions discussed and rejected, &c. II
/ reference to the particular propositions adopt
ed by the committee, he remarked
II do not expect, sir, that this or any othe
proposition which the wit of man can posi-
bly, suggest will prevent agitation on thi
subject; which is now. daily spreading thro
the country, and fear dividing il into geo
graphical parties, If the Missouri compro
mise of SO deg. 80 min, should be adopted
/ the agtiators would Immediately raise III,
ti, lard of repeal and aoilate as tiercely a