Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1850-05-30

~ with the usage which has heretofore pre-.
vailed, should be taken by portion Of the
people Of Texas, themselves, desirous OF
constituting a new State, with the consent OF
Texas. And in the formation Of such new
Stale, it will be for the people composing it
10 decide for themselves whether they will
admit or exclude slavery. And however
they may decide that purely municipal auesl
lion, Congress is bound 10 acquiesce, and
TO fulfil in good faith the s,ipulalions OF the
compact with Texas. The committee are
aware that it has been contended that the
resolution OF Congress annexing Texas was
unconstitutional. At former period our
country's history, there were those (and Mr.,
Jefferson, under whose auspices the treaty
Of Louisiana was concluded, was among
them) who believed that the States formed
out OF Louisiana could not be received into
the Union without an amendment OF the con
stilution. But the States Of Louisiana,
Missouri, Arkansas, and Iowa have been all
nevertheless, admitted, And who would
now think Of opposing The admission OF
Minnesota, Oregon, or other new States
formed out the ancient province OF Louis.
lana, upon the ground OF an alleged original
defect Of Constitutional power? In grave
national transactions, while yet in their ear.
lier or ncipient stages. differences may well
exist; but once they have been decided by a
constitutional mojority, and are consumma,
ted, or are in process OF consummation,
there can be no other safe and prudent alter
native than TO respect The decision already
rendered, and to acquiesce in it. Entertain
ing these views, a majority of the committee
do not think it necessary or proper 10
recommend, at this time, or prospectively,
any new State or States 10 be formed out Of
The territory Of Texas. Should any such
State be hereafter formed. and present itself
for admission into the Unio, whether with or
without the establishment of slavery it can,
not be doubted that Congress will under a
full sense Of honor, Of good faith, and Of all
the high obligations arising out OF the com,
pact with Texas, decide, just as it will de.
eide under the influence OF similar considera
lions in regard 10 new States formed out OF
New Mexico and Utah, with or without the
institution Of slavery, according 10 the con.
sliutions and judgment Of the people who
promote their happiness.
In considering the question Of the admss>
ion Of California as Stale into the Union,
a ma ajoriy Of the committee conceive that any
irreguarity by which the State was organi.
zed without the previous authority Of an act
OF Congress ought 10 be overlooked, in con.
Of tie omission by Congress 10 es-
tablish any Territorial Government for the
people OF California, and the consequent ne>
cessity which they were under to create a
government for themselves best adapted 10
their own wants. There are various insan.
ces, prior 10 the case OF California, OF the
admission OF new States into the Union
without any previous authorization by Con-
gress. The sole condition required by the
Constitution OF the United States, in respect
TO the admission Of new State is, that its
constitution shall be republic in form. Cal
llornia presents such a constitution; and
there is no doubt Of her having a greater
population than that which, according 10 the
practice OF the Government, has been here>
to(ore deemed sufficient to receive new
State into the Union.
In regard 10 the proposed boundaries OF
California, the committee would have been
glad if there existed more full and accurate
geographical knowledge Of the territory
which those boundaries include. There is
reason 10 believe that, large as they are, they
embrace no very disproportona,e quantity OF
land adapted 10 cultivation. And it is
known that they contain extensive ranges OF
mountains, deserts OF sand, and much un>
productive soil. 1t might have been, per.
hsps, better to have assigned TO California q
more limited front on the Pacific, but even
il there had been reserved the shore OF that
ocean portion OF the boundary which it
presents for any other State OF States, it is
not very certain that an accessible interior
OF sufficient extent could have been given to
them 10 render an approach 10 the ocean
though their own limits Of any very great
importance.
A majority Oft the committee agree tina! there
arc many and urgent concurring consid'
erations in favor OF admitting California with
the proposed boundaries, and ofsecuring 10 her
at this time the benefits OF State govern,
ment. If, hereafter. upon an increase Of
her population, more thorough exploration
of her territory, and an ascertai nment Of the
relations which may arise betwe en- the peo'
pie occupying ils various parts, it should be
found conducive 10 their convenience and
heppiness to form new Stale out OF Cal.
(orna, we have every reason to believe,
from past experience, that the question OF its
admission will be fairly considered and justly
decided.
A majority Of the committee. therefore
recommend 10 the Senate the passage of the
bill reported by The Committee on Terrltor.
les for the admission OF California as State
into the Union. To prevent misconception
the committee also recommend that the
amendment reported by the same committee
10 the bill be adopted, SO as 10 leave ineon'
,es.able the right Of the United States TO the
public domain and other public property in
California.
Willis. majority Of the committee be-
H.. Z, 10 ba nacessarv and DIODer. und eT