The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-12-12
New state OF California.

The California constitution has not settled the slave
agitation, as many iondly hoped it would All parties
had agreed in the opinion that State on coming into the
Union has absolute right to decide for itself whether
will recognise or prohibit the right OF property in slaves
Hence at the last session OF Congress various attempts
were made to get rid OF the disturbing question of the
power OF Congress the Territories by organizing and
admitting them as States. II was thought by many that
by avoiding altogether any territorial organization the
dispute as 10 the power Of Congress would be got rid Of
and the decision OF the vexed question in respect TO slave
~ coded at once 10 the new State.
But il was obvious that any territory remained
ganized the causes Of agitation would not be at all
moved. While any ground is left uncovered by State
constitution, duly recognised there will be field Of con-
royersy in the extension OF the laws OF the United States
and the organization OF government The spontaneous
erection OF State government in California by the late
convention would 60 but little way towards quoting
the excitement The boundaries claimed by the trainers
OF the new State, vast as they are, take in only small
part OF the territory which the United States have pur.
chased and must govern. All New Mexico, and half OF
California, including the Mormon settlements and the
State OF Deseret, where slavery is not prohibited and
WHERE too there are sad 10 be slaves held prop
erty are left to the law Of Congress, and them the
action Of Congress will be pressed strongly though
no part had been taken of for the formation OF the State
IL would be great mistake TO suppose that the anti
slavery party would be satisfied with the exclusion
OF slavery from California, whether by OF Congress
or by the act OF the people, either OF the territory or of
the State. On the contrary, success in that particular
would be heraded certain sign OF triumph, and an
incentive to renewed exertons TO effect the same end in
all other parts OF the territory.
Congress BY creating receiving States covering less
than the whole territory, would necessarily fail The
reception OF California with her present constitution would
leave the whole field OF contention still undetermined
only that the restrchonss would have gained strength
and confidence by signal though partial success
But there Is TO be strong opposition the recognition
OF the new State The process by which was formed
is anomaous the population who formed il are anoma
ous; the powers they assumed without precedent and
without sanctions and the territory which they at
tempt TO supersede the jurisdiction OF the United States
and establish their own, and of too pecula
importance TO be given up without question to number
certain interest in the State Besides the southern men
will argue with great deal Of reason, that the conces
son to so scanty, scattered and fugitive population OF
the power Of liking permanently the fundamental law in
respect 10 slavery immense territory which will
not be sufficiently fitted for the purposes Of State govern
ment for half century, mere dishonest political de-
vice, rreconcabe with fair dealing, and not warranted
BY any public interest
The slave question, therefore, will accompany the Cal
norma constitution into Congress aggravated shape
There will be violent struggle over il as local ques
excited and whenever il shall be decided and in which
ever way, upon its particular meris the general question
will remain for another struggle still more excited in
character and disractng in consequences
In view OF this sad prospect, the only hope of The
country IN the triumph OF moderation over passion and
prejudice the Tvval Of that old spirit OF fraterna de.
voton to the union OF the States, which made this gov
eminent has preserved il thus far and which Is the life
blood OF its future existence Factionsts and utras of
all quarters must be taught and will be taught that there
virtue in the great masses Of the people, which, fully
reused TO knowledge Of danger to our liberties or our
Union, is mighty to calm and to save-N o. Crescent