The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-02-15

lorna and New Mexico into the Union as Staies as soon
they shall form republican constitutions, proposed
by the select committee in the report made by Senator
Douglas its chairman, proposed in the minor
y report of Senator Downs of the Judiciary Commit
tee By this mode, the question of the Wilmot Provso
avoided November of Congress from the North IRON
the South compromts any constitutional other prnc
Pile. Nothing is said about slavery the Wilmot Pro-
vso but in providing for the admission OF the acquired
territories into the Union States, this, well as all
other domestic or municipal regulations, is LETT to the In
habitants who are to govern themselves No southern
justify himself in denying TO them this right
1t is right which belongs to every State in the Union,
with which Congress has right to ntefere and if ii
had, ii could not be justified in exercising it. This is
subject which in its importance rises above all mere
party questions The members of Congress of all parties
owe duty to their constituents and TO their country
which they cannot neglect without mourning public in
dgnation We strong language. but the occasion
demands it, and we confident that will receive a
hearty response from the patriotic of all parties in every
part of the Union; and unless greatly mistake public
sentiment such will be the voice of the constituents of
vast majority of the members of Congress when they
turn TO their homes.
The few who desire to keep the slavery agitation open
buked If there be in the North and in the South
motive than their personal advancement, and who wish
prevent action at the present session of Congress- the
people will not fail to perceive and to rebuke them
and the conductor of free press it will be duty to
expose them, however painful that duty may be.
Why, then, we humbly ask, does Congress hesitate ,
Does the history of the world furnish parallel to the
conduct of our own government upon this remarkable
occasions Let not conceal the fact from ourselves
The nations OF the world will stand in silent amazemen
when they the course which has been pursued TO-
wards our new possessions There is not of them
but would have appropriated at once, and bound to itself
by the strongest ties this distant domain, with all its
treasures and all its commercial resources, if had fall
en- to its lot But we stand idle all the day long, making
scarcely effort to the rich prize which belongs
to u.s. Why this apathy and inaction' Is it because
one portion OF this Union has recognised the institution
OF slavery, while the other does not THAT these two
sections of the United States could agree upon any
government for the territories which have been
quered by their common blood and common treasure,
because the North insists upon positively prohibiting
slavery in California;
Is it 10 be recorded history that this question could
have been adjusted THAT the rights, and interests, and
honor of both sections of country could have been
protected and maintained by becoming spirit OF compro
mise and proper desire to preserve the great principles
OF the constitution land that the opportunity was lost at
the hazard of dstracting and dissolving the Union
The doctrine of intervention will be appreciated here
AFTER if is not appreciated now as the true policy OF the
government. All will perceive that the people of New
Mexico and California should decide the question Of
slavery for themselves, without the ocious aid and COM
pulsory assistance of Congress; that they the most
deeply interested in their domestic institutions; and
that their will and wishes should be alone consulted
These ideas have been fully embodied in Mr. Doug
lass bill and cannot conceive why it has not been
promptly passed. By that bill the North yields nothing
Let California be erected into State at once and the
people of California will be called upon to do what every
man comedies they have right to do, when admitted
into the Union. They have right to frame govern
men for themselves. The South would surrender moth
ing by this courses for the South that the people
of Territory have right TO abolish prohibit slavery
when they come into the Union. Now, the population
of California is principally American. In a few months
it will be of promiscuous character This mon
grel mass will either set up government for itself, or
forward and demand to be admitted into the Union
in accordance with the provisions of the constitution
This demand will probably be made the next session
of Congress and in twelve months two senators from
the Pacific coast will be here in despite OF congressional
delay.
1t TO us, therefore, that the present Congress
should not adourn without passing MIR. Douglass BILL
effective OF adjustment For ourselves,
we are willing to any compromise adopted which
does not violate the constitution We have always stood
upon the strong ground of intervention; but
perfectly willing to adopt any fair system OF compromise
We supported Senator Claytons BILL because it did not
claim for Congress the right to prohibit establish
slavery in the Territories of the United States We would
cheerfuy adopt the Missouri compromise for the same
reason and to preserve the honor of country unsul
ed we now advocate the scheme of Mr.. Douglas
1t erects California into State 1t provides for the adj
mission of New Mexico into the Union, State, as
soon she shall have acquired the necessary popua-
ton 1t would be violation Of good faith if any future
attempt should be made to incorporate the Wilmot Pro-
viso with this arrangement Both parties are deeply
interested in the adjustment of this exciting question
The friends of General Taylor much concerned
in preventing further agitation the democratic party.
But this is question that overrides all party The
peace perhaps the pepeuy of the Union depends upon
its adjustment. Who will refuse TO lend helping hand
to its consummaton
We understand that some OF the southern members
Directing to the bill We have respectfully weighed their
but cannot attach the Importance to
them which they do "Will YOU" say they, give up all
southern claim at to California and not only suen-
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