Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1850-03-01
Correspondence ofthe Daily Free Press
THE ADMISSION OF CALIFORNIA

Washington, Feb. 10.
Will California be admitted is the question
now asked by the people. Judging from the
course of the Southern members, both in House
and Senate, it might be supposed that every ef-
fort will be made to prevent, if possible her
coming nat least with her present Constitution.
Not doubt, however, is apprehended as to her
final admission, and ! am told that the great
majority in both Houses are not opposed to her
coming in bat only want other questions settled
at the same time. In the House, yesterday, early
in the day, the question Of referring the subject
of the admission of California, to the Committee
on Territories came up, and every effort was
made, by motions to adjourn, to excuse mem
Der from voting, and other motions always in
order, to prevent action on the main question,
and with complete success. The House did
not adjourn till IL O'Clock, and only adjourned
then, because the Speaker decided that the time
for the consideration Of the question under dis
cussion had passed, and it could not be taken up
again till the next resolution day.
The contest for California in the House was
exec edingly animated The opponents of the
the measure were Southerners, but do not num-
Der more than 60 or TO- according to the test
votes yesterday. Many, however, in the House
are in favor of the admission OF California with
her present constitution, but did not like the
manner in which this question came up, and
wanted a little time to think before they acted.
Those that supported the measure, who are in
large majority, fought the battle on untena-
bic ground. The other day, they opposed the
reference of the question to the Committee on
Territories, and yesterday as strenuously were
in favor of it, When the question comes up
right, and the Southern men can have an op-
portunity of acting without compromising their
standing with their constituents, many of them
will be found with the North. Foote and Faith
err Richie were in the House, last evening, till
/ or II, urging the Southern men to stick it
out, which advice was but too we'll heedei
Webster iptmated the Other day, that he
intended to express his views npon this question.
And it is the understanding that he will make
great speech, and will take rather moderate
grounds. But we shall see.
Mr.. Downs is continuing his speech on Clays
resoiut!pTs, anu III opposition 10 the ADMISSION
of California. Yesterday, he strongly objected
to the admission of California, because the
State was too large. lie said that he Sea-coast
was 9o7 miles in length, one halt the length of
the Atlantic coast, that it was out Of the 9ues-
ton to allow few squatters to take possession
of this vast extent of Sea-coast. 1t is strange
that this honorable gentleman, and some others,
did not think of this, when they advocated the
admission of Texas with her large extent Of
territory circumstances account for the diffe-
renee. To-day Mr.. Downs is speaking in ia
vor of Slavery, drawing a comparison between
the property OF the South and North the Slaves
he regards as better off than Northern poor peo-
pie.
What is the prospect of the passage Of bill
in the Senate, for the admission of California
| think we can calculate upon clear majority.
All Northern Senators will 20 for it, and Ben
ton, Clay and Underwood from the S1ath.--
Benton and Clay are in favor of the passage of
bill unconnec;ed with other subjects.
There has been some talk here about Mr.
Clayton's resgning, because the Cabinet DIS
agreed from him in the Nicaragua aftaiT out
doubt whether there is any danger OF MS ieaV-
ing the Cabinet just yet Gen. Iaylor would
not like to part with his services; W.