Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-11-15
NEW AiEXICO.

NEW MEXlCO.
Our readers are aware that preliminary meas
ures were taken, last summer, by the people OF
California, for the organization OF State Govern
ment and that Delegates to a Convention, for the
purpose OF forming State Constitution were elect
ed, under proclamation of the Governor of the
Territory, Gen. Riley, who were to assemble on
the lst September. 1t is highly probable that the
Constitution adopted by this body is, at this mo-
meni, on its way 10 Washington, 10 be laid before
Congress- with view to the admission of the
new State into the Union by an act the National
Legislature. Many who hailed this proceeding
with satisfactonas settling BY the action of those
most interested, difficult and exciting ques ton,
looked with apprehension towards New Mexico
II seems that the sister Territory is following in
the footsteps of California, and quietly, but efec-
tually, taking measures for convokng an assem-
bly, of Delegates, with a view to the formation of
State Constitution, in order TO be admitted into
the Union. After the example of Gen. Riley
the Military Commandant of the department, or
district, issued proclamation, designating time
and place for the election Of Delegates. The
elections have been held and we have partial re-
turns. Doubtless Constitution has already been
formed, submitted to, and adopted by, the people,
which will be laid before Congress the approach
ing session. There are no elementary principles
10 be settled. The American people understand
so well the whole subject of elEgovernment that,
on an emergency, week would suffice, any
where, to frame the organic law-especially as
in the event of its being found not adapted to
the wants of the people, amendment could easily
be effected. From nothing that we have seen in
the proceedings OF primary assemblies OF the peo-
pie or in the public documents put forth does it
appear that the question Of slavery has been allu-
dcd to in any shape. The Convention met, or
will meet, untrammelled upon the subject-free to
adopt, guided by public sentiment, such policy
may be thought most eXpedicnt, and we suspect
there exists much stronger pro-slavery feeling
in New Mexico than in California.
SO far then, the two vast PROVINCES, acquired
under the Mexican Treaty, stand upon the same
platform. They will both, without doubt, dispen-
sing with the probationary territorial organization
present themselves, equipped with Constitutions
at the bar of Congress, and demand admission in
to the Union as soverei On States There is no
precedent, we believe, for such course but we
see nothing in it repugnant TO the Constitution of
the United States, and as the acquisition of the
country was anomalous, we think Congress will
not sickle as to forms. But viewed in relation
to what we have ever considered the absurd
claims OF Texas, the admission of New Mexico
is invested with serious difficulty. Texas, it is
well known has always claimed as her Western
boundary the Rio Grande, from its mouth to its
source. II is equally well known that Mr.. Polk
and his party, generally, maintained the Justice
OF this eyiravagant claim. Texas, since the Mexi-
can Treaty has gone through the forms of legisa-
ton to extend her Jurisdiction over the Northern
part OF New Mexico, embracing Santa Fe which
had been, early in the war, captured by General
kearny, and treated as conquered country and
is now governed in a somewhat military manner
She went so far as to appoint Judge, who re-
paired to Santa Fe, but has never been permit
ted to exercise his functions. Considered as a
part of the State of Texas the greater portion of
New Mexico would be, under the act of annexa-
ton, slave holding territory. Lying South of the
Southern boundary of Missouri, slavery would be
admitted also by the compromise act. In this
aspect of the case, it cannot be doubted that Tex
as will resent vehemently what she will style her
ACKNOWLEDGMENT, and that many Southern mem
bers will oppose the admission of New Mexico
into the Union, on the ground that the territory
has already been admitted as part of an existing
State. The question resolves itself into one of
disputed boundary, and, as such, we think, will
be referred to, and decided by, the Supreme
Court, as was the recent controversy between
Missouri and Iowa. Texas may buster but she
has more to hope from the arbltrament of such an
august tribunal than from the action of Congress
| Whatever be the final decision, we NAV safely
premise that the approaching Congress will be one
of deep nterest-that the debates in both Houses
will be acrimonious in high degree-and thai
strange political Developments will take place
going very far to a re- organization of parties. j
shall be our aim to keep the reader apprized Of
every thing that takes place. as far as our limits
allow.