Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-01-03
SLAVERY.

The slavery question is the only subject Of gen
eral and exciting interest which likely to be
brought before Congress during the present session.
IL has been up already in various FORMS but nothing
conclusive or definite has yet been done. First, Nh
DOUGLASS, of Illinois, introduced in the Senate
proposition to admit the newly acquired territories
into the Union as States at once As each State
has the right to decide upon It's own domestic in
siitutons, the national councils would thus be de-
livered from the embarrassment which these terri
tories have occasioned in conncxion with the sub
iect of Slavery. What favor the proposition will
receive when it comes 10 be acted upon finally re-
mains to be seen. Some of the papers, however,
of the Southern and Western Siveholding States
approve Of the suggestion and seem disposed to give
ii their cordial support
Next, on motion OF Mr. Corr, Of New York,
the House adopted resolution insiructing the com
mittee on the District of Columbia to bring in bill
for the suppression Of the slave trade in the District
We know not the precise character of the propos-
ed DILL or how far it is intended TO affect the inst
tuition Of Slavery, but the proceeding was regarded
by the Southern members as dangerous, and some
of the ultra-men behaved not little rdiculousIy
on the occasion. meeting Of the Southern mem
bers called, at which Senator METcALF, of
Kentucky, presided, and Mr.. CALHOUN made one
of his ablest ehorts--decided but temperate in it's
tone. Final action was deferred until the 9TH inst
and must wait till then for the result of their
deliberations.
On the same day that Mr.. Gorr kindled the
flame, MI FLoURNoY, of Va, proposed an extin-
guisher in the form of resolution that the Com
nittee on the District Of Columbia enquire into the
eXPedlency Of reroceding to Maryland all that
part OF the District not occupied by the public
! buildings and grounds. The next day Mr. DOUG
LASS introduced the same resolution in the Senate
There may be constitutions! impcdiments in the way
Of the retrocesslon, but otherwise we believe the
interest OF the country at large would be promoted
if the District, which has been so long mere bone
Of contention, was placed beyond the control Of
Congress.
In connection with this subject. we cannot forbear
expressing our regret that so influential journal
as the Richmond Republican should seem TO URGE
upon our Legislature the Proprety Of preparing for
war. In abiding to the proposition to establish a
Military School at Richmond in place Of the pre-
sent Public Guard, "the troubled aspect of public
affairs" is used by that paper as an argument in IA
vor Of the schepe. We think it time enough TO
begin TO prepare for the contest when is clearly
inevitable. There undoubtedly are many individuals
at the North crazy enough for any tbjnU but i'm the
great body Of the Northern people we still repose
confidence We do not yet believe ihat they will
disregard all the guarantees Of the Constitution and
involve the country nruin, and we are unwilling To-
rrliate them and ALLEVIATE their feelings from MS bv
threats and bTaggadocio and thus provoke the very
measures which we profess TO dcprecatc