The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-12-28


We have rscsived. in the Mssoui Republican Of De.
csmbsr 10, letter from Santa Fe. New Mexico, under
date Of October u which gives US the proceedings OF the
convention held in Santa Fe for the purpose Of framing
government for New Mexico We are glad to see that
the people OF New Mexico appreciate properly the rela
ton which they bear to the rest Of the Union and that
they have not undertaken TO force
before Congress, 70 claim the right to be admitted as
State OF our eonfederacy,
The people Of New Mexico have acted with degree
Of foresight which cannot be too highly commended
They seem to have apprecatedhe struggle which is now
being carried between the North and the South and
while they have not taken part with either section OF the
Union they have adhered TO those principles which are
right, just and proper. 5
We publish below that portion of the letter to which
we have alluded which refers TO the convention at San
ia Fe. 1
From the Missouri Republican Dee ls
The issuance of the proclamation Immediately brought
two parties into the field las delegate 10 Congress Was
TO be elected, where is the wonder each striving to
rally around it's banner the greatest number of the ever
q ss he Raf oppsoa
the Angney or Weghtman party-the adherents Of the
former being unanimously in favor Of the election Of
extension over US Of territorial form q government;
the latter seeking the election OF one OF their leaders to
represent them, and advocating the policy OF asking for
our admission into the Union a State Immediately
Both parties active in their operatons their ennis
saries sent to every county the territory and the
Angney party in particular brought everything into play
which their great ingenuity could devise to
orty Of delegates In the convention favorable to their
views but they found it hard to convince the people that
Judge Houghton (who, BY years Of residence among
found at the head of party opposed 10 their true inter-
ess, the advocate of other than those having
for their aim the advancement and welfare OF the country
hn dUaA c0fo in inc
themselves under his banner confident that his great
experience and knowledge Of their social and political
condition better qualified him 10 point out the true policy
to be followed than any other man in the Territory
Sixteen delegates therefore, out OF the twentyone to be
elected were returned to he general convention pledged
to support the election Of Hugh Smith and in favor Of
aterritoral form OF government The convention met in
Santa Fe the oath u in accordance with procama
ton Of Lieut. Col Bea The basis OF plan for terri
toral government was adopted BY majority OF 10 70 g. as
against Angney's project for State government and
Hugh NJ Smith, esq., was elected delegate to Congress by
vote OF IS to against all others-a vote which repre-
L Is but justice to Major Weghtman. for whom three
votes were cast, to state that his name was not even
put in nomination; nor was that OF Judge Houghton,
on whom one vote was thrown away. So Mr.. Smith
goes to Washington. at the instance Of the people OF
New Mexico to demand for us that which. but for the
fell spirit OF faction, we should have obtained at the last
q our and TIE
think very properly left the question OF slavery wholly
untouched intimaton to The North that we seek not
our constitution and the South, well the North,
that we desire no legislative action of Congress upon
matter which can easily settle among ourselves when
the proper moment arrives To agtate it. The election
Just past and the convention recently held have for the
first time since American administration here, aroused
the mass OF the people to the necessity OF their taking an
active part in the political affairs of the Territory, and
guarding, with vgilant eye their rights as citizens Of
our great confederacy
You viii! hnd in Nj. Smith, delegate, gentleman
well qualified to fill the high trust conded to him. and
one who will If admitted to seat the floor of Con-
gress-of which not a doubt can be entertaned-do
honor to himself and the people who have chosen him.
Justice to requires, demands, in voice phic must
be heard that Congress take inmedate steps to place the
people of New Mexico an equal footing with other
parts of the republic; and il remains 10 be seen
whether that justice be accorded to us or another denial
OF our rights be the result OF quarres between the ana
OF the SCUM. fis7Fs ays45s, .ts 5t
Mr. Smith goes stored with large fund of statistical
knowledge in all matters Of interest relative to Ter
ritoy and his opinions anything connected herewith
are fully entitled 10 all the weight OF authority.