The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-09-16

cowfitdents could have defeated, would have
been defeated With probably but one individ-
ual exception, the whole South, ut no past time
IN our history, has ever been more honestly,
ably and faithfully represented in Congress-
We rejoice that that exeeptionis not to be found
in the delegation from Virginia Could the
vexed slave question have been settled by adopt
ing the Missouri Compromise line 10 the Pacific
Ocean, we might look, not merely with hope,
but almost certainty, that half century, nay,
centuries might roll on, before another such dis
turbing strife could arise This was striven for
and could not be obtained Shall we, however
have any struggle among ourselves OF the South,
and especially in the Democratic party! Has
not much been gained North and South now
unite in abandoning the Wilmot Proviso OF
the newly acquired territory, New Mexico and
Utah are open to the people of the South, to
take thence their slaves No law exists to
forbid this.
The prohibition attempted through the instru-
mentality OF the Wilmot Proviso, has utterly
failed Texas runs up to SO 80, the very limit
Of the Missouri line, and when she wills TO do
so, and possesses sufficient population, may Of
right give the South four slayeholding States
California alone is lost to us. But this loss
comes from the unwise and unjust policy of
General Taylor's Administration BY the ac-
ton Of that Administration, California was has
tened into the formation of the State constitu-
ton, and an application to come in as a nom
slavcholding State. Her people framed their
own constitution under the stimulating influ-
ences of the Government at Wishing on So
far we concede the South has lost But how
much more, yes vastly more, was at one time in
peril Look back to Mr.. Clays first and open
ing speech and scheme of adjustment Had
that scheme been adopted, not only would Cali
fornla have come in as free State--not only
would the limits of Texas have been dwarfed
down to to 32 degrees of north latitude, but
from all of New Mexico and of Utah would the
South have been excluded These wrongs,
these mischefs, have been averted by the bold
and manly stand taken by our representatives in
Congress, sustained by their loyal and grateful
constituency. Let us then have peace, Mt least
among ourselves--ovcrlook the errors Of the
past, and provide for the future. What shall
that future be! Covered with CLIQUE DIS, difficult
ties and darkness; or shall we strive to make it
II bright, prosperous, happy future? Let us for
a moment anticipate it, Texas is made strong
by the settlement of her boundary young
and feeble State, embarrassed by heavy debt
she is at once relieved from the oppressive and
dstracting burthen. New life and vigor, and
power, are impaired to her. She becomes ut
once giant in moral power and influence. Her
territory will soon fill up with hardy and indus
trious population, the owners of slaves. Soon
her condition will justify and demand the divs-
ion of her territory, and with that will come the
influences and advantages of other new slave
States. The power of the Sonth will thus be
sustained and increased fanaticism and disor-
ganization be driven from our land, and the gi-
ant strides of the Republic to power and great
ness, be increased beyond all past example. We
hope for all this ; and are we askinp too much
that we beg our countrymen to unite with us,
by forbearance and mutual kindness, to work
out its accomplishment!