The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-01-08
New York the Slavery Questicn-The
New Posltlon Of tho Mhig Party

bany, which is overwhelmingly whig, are Import
ant in many respects. This body has only been
a few days in existence, but though OF infant
growth, 1t has already exhibited symptoms of vi
tality and vlgor not I'm worthy of maturer age.
The resolutions just introduced into both houses
of the Legislature, and already passed by large
majority in the Senate, disclosing the future post
ton Of the wing party on the slavery question and
the Wmot proviso, will attract the attention not
only of Congress, but OF the different State Legs-
latures throughout the Union.
For the irst time in quarter of a century the
wing party, now possessing the chief power IN this
State, and which is about to assume the supreme
rule over the Union, begin TO adopt more con-
cllIatIng position, and mere compromising plat
form on the slavery question than they have been
in the habit of dong for many years past party
out of power, and struggling for ascendancy, very
naturally runs into ultraism on general principles
that have local application, so as to attain the
mastery over their opponents. But ultra measures
en- any subject OF public importance, however con-
venient and effectual they may be as a means
to employ so as to reach power, are very
dangerous to carry into practice when power is
attained radical party out OF power very soon
becomes conservative In power. The wing party
of this State begin, therefore, to realize this gene
raj political axiom in their conduct, and to adopt
course of action on the slavery question in accord
ance with their new postlon-and of such cha
racter as may enable them to concilIate the
southern and the northern States, and lay the
foundation Of stability for their party, which, if
successful, may be the means of retaining power
In their hands for quarter of century to come
In fact, the wing party are now beginning to take
he IN odn fha Ollcv
on the slavery question, that characterized the
democratic party during the last few presldencles
These views are more clearly explained by the
resolutions already adopted by the Senate at AL
bany, and now pending in the House, as well as
by a certain resolution which the ultras attempted
to force upon the wing party, but which was mega
tived by large majority In the Senate. The
wing party IN the Legislature have declared their
sentiments to be against the extension Of slavery
to California and New Mexico. They could not
help going far this, because the restriction Of
slavery within Its present limits is the paramount
principle of all parties, and all sections of partles
throughout the northern States Another deca-
ration which they made was with reference to the
slave trade, as now carried in the District of
Columbia. The resolution does not 60 the length
of instuctlng the members Of the Senate or the re-
~
action for the abolition Of slavery in the District of
Columbia. That point is LETT for the future but
they have expressed wish that the slave trade IN
that district shall be modified or abolished alto
gether This declaration is also in consonance
with the public feeling at the North although 1t
will not go far enough to satisfy the barnba ners
abolltionlsts and free soil men throughout New
York and New England.
of fha nOrfa nt dovo aufo hun
ever, which was made, and one Of the most signi-
flcant positions assumed by the wing party on this
occasion IN the Legislature, was the defeat Of
resolution proposed by some of the utras, having
for its object the instrucnng, or appearance of in
structng, the President elect the slavery ques-
ton, and as considering him as being completely
committed In favor of the Wilmot proviso, be-
cause he received many votes in the North. In
defeating this fanacal resolution, aimed at coerc-
ing General Taylor after his Inauguration, the
wing party showed wise and conclliatory policy,
which, If the same spirit continues to prevail, and
to actuate them hereafter, may lead to some united,
friendly, and satisfactory arrangement of all the
differences which have grown out of the slavery
question, and present the wing party as a united
and formidable body in both branches of the ma
tional Legislature.
movement In the Legislature by the whig party
to be conclliatory towards the South, far as Is
consistent with the strong sentiments of the North
on the subject of slavery, we are much afraid that
such policy and such resolutions will NEE, with
strong opposition from the ultras of the South,
particularly those who wish to embarass the new
administration, and who have desire to create
excitement, division, and revolution throughout
he dor Tho lao a
pursued by the ultras of the North but the only
danger TO be apprehended is the want of firmness
sagaciiy, and prudence In the wing party of the
North and the South, and their not adopting some
safe and conciatory line of compromise with
both sections, so as to put an end to this disturb
ing agitation.
In bringing about this new position of the whlg
party with regard to this question, we have no
doubt that Mr.. Fillmore, the Vice President elect,
and his friends in the Legislature, have been all
powerful in their efforts. In former times, these
statesmen and politicians, when in a minority,
vwere more ultra and more incorporating. But
being now in the position Of assuming the govern
ing power in the Union and the State, and having
fair prospect of keeping it for the next twenty
years. under shelter of the mantle of General Tay-
lor, they have considered it advisable to be more
clrcumspec in the course they are to pursue in the
future.
This, we believe, is the beginning of the new po-
sltlon of the wing party. The next movement will
| undoubtedly be the election OF United States Sc
nator If the same prudent policy be carried out
with regard to this movement by both branches OF
the Legislature in Albany, we do not think that
their sufirages will tall on Mr.. w. H. Seward for
! dis important Office Mr.. Seward has been too
ultra, too uncompromlsing, too tanatical, on the
slavery question, in his by-gohe career, to be
safe practical man the settlement of such an ex-
citing question, under the administration of Gen.
Taylor. He may change, however, and become
sensible Of the lmprudence of the course he has
hitherto pursued and assume a similar position
to that taken by the general body of the whlps