The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-11
THE CRISIS.

Under this head we propose to direct public atten-
ton to the actual state of things as they now exist
and to invoke the aid of the people to remedy the
fate that inevitably awaits us, a people, unless
we act wisely and promptly. All admit, that a
change OF government is loudly called for and ne
cessary for the protection Of the civil liberties that
belong to us, as American citizens. 1t is now set
tied beyond all sort of question or doubt that the
American Congress will do nothing for us towards
the formation of Territorial Government, on &C
count Of the vexed slavery question. The liberal
and enlightened politicians of both great parties in
the States resolved to keep the question out of
the congressional halls They arc resolved TO put
this agitating question to for all future time by
Withholding from all territory, now acquired or
hereafter to be acquired, any thing like Terri
torial Government; but 20 admit all such as shall
present republican constitutions into the great con.
fcderscy of this glorious Union
We have already been too long lying idle; il is
time TO rouse from lethargy. Our brethren all
around us arc acting for themselves California
ere this has adopted and framed State govern
ment, and in a short time her Senator'S and Repre-
sentativcs will present their constitution and Gre
dentials, and demand of Congress a scat in their
councils. Who can doubt the RESULT The Nor
mon settlement upon the Great Salt Lake, north OF
Us, are forming State government; they arc act
ing upon the known determination Of Congress not
to do any thing for them With these facts staring
us in the face, is it not strange that We who are
deeply interested, should sit quietly and fold our
arms in repose' Besides, situation peculiarly
calls upon to act, and that speedily independent
Of these considerations.
The commissioner, Mr. Fremont, appointed TO
run the line between the United States and New
Mexico, has marked out the line between New Mex.
leo and California upon average not exceeding
fifty miles west Of the Rio del Norte thereby Civ
ing to California the best portion Of the Territory OF
New Mexico. Texas claims all east of the Del
Norte, and II is a fact which every New Mexican
should know, that the previous administration ac-
tuay gave instructions TO the supreme authority in
this Territory not to oppose, but rather TO sustain,
Texas if she attempted to exercise Jurisdiction over
all that portion Of New Mexico east of the Rio del
Norte. Now, with Fremont's line running as il
does, and these facts in relation TO the claim of
Texas, who 80 blind az not TO see the fate that
awaits us, We must act, and that speedily This is
the only alternative left us. We must form our
selves into State government, boldly assert our
rights, elect our Senators and Representative, and
demand Of Congress equal participation in
the legislative councils Of the country. We
may be answered that IL is better to wait until
Congress acts; that have already elected a
REPRESENTATIVE and sent him TO Washington,
to ask Of Congress Territorial Government.
This is true that we have already sent a Represent
atiye as we call him. But what right has he TO a
seat there' il is only from the courtesy Of Congress
that they may allow him TO take seat but he will
not be entitled to a uote upon single questions he
can only by courtesy be heard upon questions rela.
tive to this Territory. We do not propose TO take
any thing from him, our Representative; we only
! propose TO clothe him with additional power and
authority, for we feel justified in saying that no