The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-11


We make a few comments upon single
extract from the reply of the New York
Courier. and Enquirer to our article of the
9th instant, to show the whole extent of
agreement and of difference between us.
Our New York contemporary says
tbs desirable that the [slaveryl question should
be settled; but it is still more desirable that it
should be settled upon principles recognised by
the whole country as just and sound, and in
manner which will disarm hostility. and preclude
a renetDal Of the discontents and agitations from
which the country has suffered 30 much''
When we speak of settlement of the
question, we mean such an one as will
disarm hostility and preclude renewal
of ths1liscontents and agitations from
whichthe country has suffered SO much. I"
An adjustment which does not promise
this is no settlement at all. Now, we en-
tirely agree with the Courier and Enquirer
that the Presidents plan, if fairly accepted
and honestly carried out, would g disarm
hostility and preclude renewal of dis
contents and agitations !" but we deny
that the recommendations of the California
message are confined to the simple propo-
sition of the 60 immediate and uncondi-
tional admission of California; We re-
gard the message as covering the whole
territory derived from Mexico, and as
requiring for New Mexico the same
freedom of action in the formation of a
constitution as the people of California en-
joyed in framing theirs. New Mexico
has, since the Presidents message was
transmitted to Congress-, petitioned for a
territorial government, silent in respect to
the 'proviso." Why may she not do sol
and why should not her people be heard
as well as those of California; We did not
understand the PRESIDENT to say that
New Mexico should have a State govern
ment whether she desired one or not; or that
she should not have a territorial govern
ment if she petitioned for one
But, interpreting the message to re-
commend the continuance of the present
organization in New Mexico till such time
as the people meet together, form State
government and apply for admission
as State, it is clear that it discounte-
nances agitation of the slavery question in
regard to that territory during the interval
Now, here lies the rub. To construe the
message to mean that California should be
at once admitted, and the remainder of the
territory reserved for f'renewal of agita-
ton and discontent," would be little short
of accusing the PRESIDENT of trifing with
the subject and the people. No such in
ference can be drawn from that document.
Hence it is perfectly compatible with a
profound respect for the PRESIDENT and
his Cabinet, and an honest desire to see
his plan carried out in its spirit and intent,
to inquire into what will be the conse-
quence of leaving New Mexico and Utah
without territorial governments.
We would not exchange the good-fel-
lowship, the mutual trust, the entire and
perfect confidence between the several
sections of this Union which are necessa-
ry to the complete success of the PREsr-
DENTS plan, regarded as a specific ar
rangement, for all the law that could be
enacted for the guaranty of the public
peace. We would not barter one hour of
''good will" between all the parts and
people Of the Confederacy for the whole of
Mexico. Yet we fear the temper of the
times is not adapted to the reception of
the wholsomest measures and most con-
6ding counsels. We predicate this opn-
ion upon the fact that members of Con-
gress avoU and boast of their determine
ton TO " renew agitation and discomfort"
upon whatever part of the territory may
be left without legal government. This is
VIGOROUSLY true nor can we confne this
remark to Free-Soilers per Sc. Moreover,
if any one who has yet urged the admis-
sion Of California as an Administrative
measure has announced his determination
to extend the principle OF the California
/ 'hNoooSN W hit VI lUt ",
and insist upon the admission of New Mex
leo and Utah into the Union when they APP
ply for it, ohotever disposition their consfi-
tutiOns make Of the question in controversy,
we have not been fortunate enough TO hear
it. And this it is which has induced many
who are the fast friends of the PRESIDENT
many who rejoice in his name, and would
go any length short Of abandoning their
country to continuance of the baneful
consequences Of sectional excitement--to
join in an effort to have the whole diff
Guilty settled. In the different views we
take Of the value Of the signs of fu-
ture trouble, we apprehend the whole
difference between ourselves and the
Courier and Enquirer consists for we are
quite satisfied our New York contemporary