Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-03-05
The Missouri Compromise, sc.

"The Shepherdstown Register, in the
coulsc of an article upon the extraordlna-
nv policy of the opposition with regard to
Gen. Taylor, says:
cave are, ourselves, inclined strongly to those
views of the powers OF Congress developed late
ly by Gen Cass, and Of the rights Of the citizens
to hold securely any property (slaves included)
any where, where the rights OF citizen under
the Constitution are not limited by State or Mum
icipal law, as promulgated by Mr.. Senator Der
rian But we feel these tundamentalrlews sore
ely invaded by two things, VIZ the Missouri
Compromise, and the Nllmot Proylso included
in the Bill organizing Territorial government
in Oregon, which met the appreciation the late
Executive, Mr. Polk. Can any thing be palmer
than that these two measures have yielded the
whole question, as question OF constitutional
right and law: If Congress has power to enact
these, it would seem that the whole question has
been conclude"
The Register, during its short existence,
its first volume not having been yet COM
pleted, has been sustained with an ability
that gives its opinions title TO respect.
Yet we are compelled to say that we diff
fer with it, in regard 10 the inference
which it draws from the enactment OF the
Missouri Compromise, though we are
aware that it is supported by high author
ity.
If the Register will take into consider
alton the circumstances under which that
Compromise became law, we are dlspo-
sed to think it will somewhat modify its
conclusions. The country was at the
time, it must be remembered, in the ago.
ny of most fearful crisis. Dissolution
was not only openly talked of as posi-
bic event, but it even began to be regarded
with complacency by very large body
of persons on both sides of Mason d
Dixon's line. The Compromise effected
a settlement Of the urgent difficulty but if
we recollect, it was regarded by both par
ties as a settlement for the sake of peace,
and not as strictly constitutional mea-
sure. 1t was in fact based upon neceSSi-
W, which is superior to all laws and con-
situations it seemed to be surrender of
right enjoyment under the constitution,
for the sake of preserving the constitution
itself. We do not regard compromise
made for such an end, as an absolute re-
linquishment of the right at all future
time. 1t was in fact, according TO our
view of it, mere temporary exPedient-
The passage of the Wilmot Proviso
and It's approval by Mr.. Polk, we esteem
matter Of far more importance. That
was in fact, an abandonment of the prin-
ciple, without any compromise whatever.
1t was most deadly blow ever aimed
the institution of the South. lthas put in
10 the hands of the abolitionists, a weap-
on which they have not failed TO use with
tremendous effect. The worst feature in
the whole affair is, that it was blow
dealt by the hand of Southern Presi-
dent-one who we have been to d would
never, when occasion offered, p nit the
rights of the South 10 be inv 80. "
we protest against drawing this case into
precedent, for the decision Of futrIe ca
ses. The passage of law by mere brute
force--by majority strong enough to
pass any thing, whether violatlve of Il
constitution or not, and its approval by
party President, should not, we submit,
bind future legisl alton; because if it dit,
the alien and sedition laws themselves
must be regarded as in the line of safe pre-
cedents.
We agree fully with the Register, in all
it says of Gen. Taylor's honesty and ca
pacity, and we feel that in his hands, the
deslinies of the nation may be trusted,
with the most implicit con6denee."--
Richmond Whig.
In responding to the above friendly men,
ton OF the Register by the Richmond