The North-Carolina standard., 1850-02-20


mnistration is in pursuance and development of the
policy Of the last that the Governor Of the de eto
government the same individual under both Ad-
minstrations, being appointed by. the former and
does not suffice. He was, at all times, during the
present Administration, subject to its authority and
instructions, and removable by it. We must look to
the acts of the two Administrations, and the written
authority given to its agents by them.
That of the past Administration in strict con-
formty to all the principles which have carefully
stated as applicable and obligatory My brief hour
will not allow nae to read the able letter Of Mr.. Buch-
anan, conveying the views and giving the instruc-
tions of the late Administration its agent selected
to 60 to California. can only ask attentive consid
Grafton to it. In it, it is distinctly recognized that
California had become territory of the United States;
that the sovereignty over 1t had been ceded to- and
was vested the sovereign States Of this Confedera
United States, as far applicable, extended over it
as the supreme law that such legislative power as,
confomaby to the Constitution and institutions,
could be legtmately exercised. was vested in, and
could be employed only by the Congress OF the Uni
ted States that until the Intervention of such legis
latve power, the de faeto government existed, and
would continue; that the powers of the President
were purely executive, and confined to the mainte
of that government the execution of the laws,
and the preservation Of peace and good order. With
equal address and ability, MI. Buchanan presents to
the people of California the privileges they may ex-
pect to derive from becoming annexed to this great
and free Confederacy, and the brilliant prospects
which may be opened to them by hereafter becoming
States and members of SO glorious Union. He en-
larges on the advantages they may expect to derive
from the Introduction of admirable land system,
| the rapid growth and development which awaited
them under our fostering care and free institutions
He explains to them, too, some of the causes which
had prevented Congress from extending its legisla-
tive action to them expresses the hope that at the
next Session such causes will not longer impede and
engages, the Executive was clearly entitled. to
make to Congress an earnest recommendation OF ear
and efficient Legislation for the Territory. In brief,
he uses many arguments to reconcile the people of
California their relations, to the omission of
Congress to egislate and to satisfy them with the
existing state of things. With no less care does he
avoid any invitation to the people to take Independent
the adoption of other forms of or
other institutions. He neither assumes, nor invites
them to assume. legislative judicial functions but
urges them await the action of Congress- 'as pos
sessng the only legitimate authority to effect those
ends. He gives no opinion as to the operation OF
Mexican laws the relations of persons, further
than to say all existing laws are in subordinaton
to the Constitution as the supreme law; but leaves
all such matters where they rightfuy belonged-to
the existing judicature. In all this, submit there
is much TO commend, nothing TO condemn. Would
that the action of the present Administration had been
the same l should have been the first to approve.
After the example Of the former Administration,
the present likewise sent out special agent (the
Hon. Thomas Butler King) to California. In let
from the Secretary of State Mr.. Clayton, to him,
we have his instructions far given in writing;
and in the special message on your table, we have
the explanation of the President as to his motives
| and purposes, and avowal Of the action and re-
suits which have followed from his suggestions.
From these authentic sources, learn the action and
policy of the President, which condemn. The
gentleman from Texas Mr.. Howard ON yesterday
called attention emphatically the significant int
nation in the letter to Mr. King, that he was familiar
with the views and sentiments Of the President, and
could suggest measures best calculated to give them
effect. He inferred that the most material insruc-
tions might have been given orally, and that We were
look to the action in California subsequent TO the
arrival of Mr.. King, to interpret them The intima-
ton of the letter certainly indscreet, for plac-
ed the President very much at the mercy Of the AGENT
and conded to his mere discretion the representation
Of any views and wishes not inconsistent with his
written instructions as those Of the President. do
not however, consider it either liberal or just TO sup
pose, that instructions variant from, in material
orally to Mr.. King, especially as the President by
omtting to state such in reply to the call ofthe'
House, implicitly repels the presumption. We should
take the letter and the message the only authentic
exposition Of the instruction and action of the resi-
dent. conine myself to them, and indulge no sus-
| picions. #-. r.
1 cannot read these documents in full, though
ask particular attention to them. Yet, to avoid
the possibility of injustice, quote several passages
which intend mainly to refer 70.
j" You have been selected by the President to con-
vey them these assurances; and especially the as
surance Of his firm determination, far as his con-
stitutional power extends, to omit nothing that may
tend to promote and secure their peace and happi-
ness. You are }a.ly possessed Of the Presideafs
uiesvs, and ,oith propriety sHggest to the peo-
pie Of California the adoption measures best caeu-
lated to glue them effect. These measures must, of
course originate solely with themselves. Assure
them of the sincere desire Of the Executive Of the
United Sates protect and defend them in the for
nation of any government, republican in its charac-
ter, hereafter to be submitted to Congress- which
shall be the result of their own deliberate choice !;
but let it be at the same time distinctly understood
BY them that the plan Of such government must
originate with themselves, and without the interfer-
ence of the Executive. ...... ...'
ssThe laws Of California and New Mexico, as they
existed the conclusion Of the treaty of Guadalupe
Hfda1go regulating the relations of the inhabitants
with each other will necessarily remain in force in
the Territories Their relations with the former gov
ernment have been dissolved, and new relations Gre
ated between them and the Government of the Uni
ted States but the existing laws, regulating the re-
ations of the people with each other, will continue
until Others lawfully enacted, shall supersede them
Our naval and military commanders these stations
will be fully instructed to cooperate with the friends
of order and good government 50 far az their coop
Grafton can be useful and proper"
The President in his message in avowing his ac-
| ton, says: v.gi -. s-s,s.s "a ,@~S CAST u 81 =
IL did not hesitate express to the people Of those
Territories my desire that each Territory should II
prepared to comply with thsrequistions Of the Con-
stitution of the United States, form plan Of State
constitution, and submit The same to Congress, with
a prayer for admission into the Union 10 4 State
but did not anticipate, suggest, or anthorise the
! establishment Of any such governmeat without the