The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-06-10


The question of slavery, and the non-exten-
sion of that institution to territory now free,
which is, at present, the quesiio rerata between
the North and the South, has recently assumed
new character and greater degree of Importance
than has yet been attached to it, by the able adj
dress which Colonel Benton, of Missouri, has re-
Gently made to his constituents, and by the action
of a large meeting in Kentucky, at which resou-
ton was passed calling upon Mr.. Clay to resign
his seat in the Senate of the United States on the
ground that, in consequence of his emancipation
sentiments, he does not represent the opinions of
the people of that State Mr.. Benton thought pro-
per to disregard some resolutions passed by the
Missouri Legislature, instructing him to vote
against the Wilmot provso, during the last session
OF Congress; and since doing so, an attempt has
been made to prevent his reelection This course,
he charges, has been nstigated by Mr.. Calhoun,
OF South Carolina; and while he appeals from the
judgment of the Legislature to the people, in vindi-
cation of the course which he thought proper to
pursue, in voting for the Wilmot proviso, he re-
views, in searching manner, the career of Mr.
Calhoun, for the purpose of showing the inconss-
tency of his political conduct on the slavery ques-
ton, and tries to establish the principle that Con-
gress has full power to prohibit the introduction of
slavery into the new States. The grand motive
which, no doubt, animates Col. Benton in the
course which he is taking, is to his reelec
ton to the Senate and bait his hook for the presi-
dental nomination, in 1852, as the candidate of
the democratic party, which he expects will proba-
bly, be united before that tlme having adopted the
free soil principle.
What the result of this new position Of things
will be, is hard to tell. Mr. Bentons letter is of
such a character as to render it incumbent on Mr..
Calhoun to reply to the statements which it con-
tains. This will lead to rejcinder, perhaps; and
as the sentiments expressed by the respective gen.
tlemen will be favored by their constituents, an
angry feeling will be produced, which may lead to
unpleasant consequences. The request, by por-
ton of the people of Kentucky, that Mr.. Clay
should resign his seat in the United States Senate
Is another ominous sign in connection with the
slavery question, and proves that the subject is at
tracing more interest than it ever did before.
There will be excitement, probably, in kentucky,
likewise, growing out of Mr.. Clay's emancipation
views, and the proceedings of the meeting in that
State; so that TWO different sections of the Union
the Southwest and the South-will be excited with
this question. Hitherto, the agitation OF it has
been confined to the North and the South; but the
debating ground has been temporarily changed
We shall watch with interest the progress of the
discussion. In the North, all parties seem to be
agreed In the policy of extending the Wilmot pro-
vso to the new territory; but there Is difference
of opinion in regard to abollshng slavery in the
District of Columbia. Some portions of the ultras
of both parties, urge this species of legislation in
regard to that district; while it is opposed by others,
as not exactly IN consonance with the constitution
or the agreement by which Virginia and Maryland
parted with that portion of their territory which
is now called the District of Columbia. The great
contest hereafter, will be in reference to that par
,icular point. The Southern States, through their
delegations in Congress, will oppose, en- n,asse any
alteration in the laws of the District of Columbia.
and point out, with great FEASIBILITY, the implied
constitutional condition under which that territory
was granted to the government, and the absence of
the right in Congress to make any such special
provision The next session of Congress will be
one Of the warmest that has been held in a long
time.