The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-05-29
The Great Question in Comgress-The Mis-
Line.

The Great Question ia Comgress-The Mis-
souri, Line.
According TO the developements made during the
great debates in the Senate, il would seem that the
Southem members in general are gradually con-
cenlraring upon the Missouri Compromise line, as
The platform on which they will alone settle the
press mt difficulty that pervades Congress and the
county. This indication, first developing itself in
the Senate, seems 10 have simultaneously received
the sanction of several important meetings which
have been held in South Carolina and Georgia
These meetings only the first that we have OBJ
served TO take place in the Southern States, but
there be little doubt that others will follow
in that region of the Union and that the whole
South, and all parties, may probably unite in de-
handing the old Missouri Compromise line" as
the only principle on which they will settle the pre-
difficulty in Congress aud throughout the
Union.
Il Jery significant conversation on this point took
place between Mr.. Clay and Mr.. Mason, in the Sc
nate, on Monday. In this conversation, Mr.. Clay
made inquiry whether there was q probability o
The Southern members, in body, being satisfied
with such line that Of the old Missouri Com
pomise line of 80 80, carrying it from the western
Iim's of Missouri TO the Pscilic Ocean. Mr. Clay
himself did not absolutely cay tina; he would agree
TO such pan of settlement; but, from the com
rlexion Of his words, should suppose that he
and lis Northern supporters would, u las, resort,
adopt that amendment. something like It, in
place Of his present bill, provided that the whole
South would be satisfied with such iilal settle
meu Of the troublesome que ton. 10 IA very likely,
too that the tNorthen me nbsrs from the free
States, who have thus far supported the Compro-
mise moyemeHt Of Mr. Clay, would very readily
cerec in order 20 G.: iii Of The whole controversy
and The trouble it causes provided the whole South
would mite and be satisfied with its provisions
afterwards
This ~ the frs, poctvc symptom that we have
fe indicated in Congress. tending to give va
hrres Of final settlement Of the slavery question
during the present session. Some expectations
might be formed Of such a contamination % INC
controversy, provdcd the al .linisraion Of General
T ylor would sdop, policy more practicable, more
raiional, ond better disposed TO reach final settle
mtnt Of the difficulty. II is natural TO expect that
the free soilcrs Of the North would present every
obstacle. and adopt every method, 70 delay or over
turn such a contamination Of the difficulty Of Con-
cress. This opposition from the free soiiers might
be easily overcome, but for the double dealing OF
The cabinet, and the influence which the name Of
General Taylor's administration has given to their
p4n of simply admitting California and leaving The
couvulsion.
After tedious controversy a sx months IN both
houses Of Congress. W. have NJ last. grid1llly
Tes ched that point Of positive conviction. which
tells Ne that, unless the Missouri liuc Of - - be
adopted by Congress there is no probability of any
present settlement OF the controversy between the
North and South. Now, why shosld not the North
agree to such a settlement If The difficulty The
blood ard treasure Of the South were freely cx-
pended in the acquisition Of that territory, 60 an
equal extent with that Of the Northern Statcs Ca
the principles If equity and common justice. the
Southern Stairs have IS mach natural right to
carry their social Institutions 90 n certain poTon,
or ai leas, to oac half Of the acquired territory
the Northern States. AZ any tine or any moment.
The principles e equity on which the constitution
was originally founded. AMI which have character
lied the legislation Of Congress ON al original
questions Of a similar nature ought to govern the
action # Congress az the present day, mach as
az the formation Of the constitution, OF a. the time
Of admitting Missouri into he coafedericy.
There secus. therefore. m the principles Of equi-
~ and justice, 70 be some reason 70 justify the
South, IN planting themselves unchangiugy and
unsliera ly on the Missouri compromise liue and
we believe, also, that the Southern States. judging
from the indications recently thrown out. are sradu-
ally assuming thh Ptluorm, AMI mat they VIII he
opposed 10 all further compromises, except N. one
hat they have now indicated both in the senate
and in the public meetings in South Carolina aad
Georgia 1.-THE present Congress do not concede
this plan Of settlement 20 the South, it IL highly
probable that the South muster strength enough
IN Congress, to defeat not only the territorial gov
emments for New Mexico and Utah, but the adj
mission Of California State, as wei az alllegs-
lation during the present Congress We are per-
fectly satisfied. that the sentiments OF Southern
men in Congress are concentrating themselves INTO
one just movement, which will be carried on with
energy and determination. Unless the Missouri
line Of COMPROMISE be adopted by the rest OF The
representatives, in Congress, the South will present
unchenging and determined opposition to any
Iegisleiion, to the passage Of any appropriation bill.
by every parliamentary delay in their power no
matter what ellmor may be used against such