The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-09-11

The SLAVERY AGITATION, AND TIE DocrpNE OF |
issTRU cuoS.-Now that the great question OF the
day ia satisfactorily adjusted and disposed OF,
never, we hops, 10 be renewed, we think this
fitting time TO refer 10 Of the causes which
produced the excitement which was witnessed
throughout the country at the meeting Of Congress,
aud which paraly sed both branches of the general
legislature arIayed one section of the Union
against another, and brought ON the crisis which
the country has happily passed in safety. Passion
and excitement having subsidized, We can now ad-
vert TO the scenes which characterised the coun-
Try for a long period, and calmly contemplate the
causes which brought the republic 10 the brink
of dissolution and rain.
One Of the most potent Of the influences which
brought about the difficulty, was, We are con-
vnced, the power which the legislatures OF several
States, North and South, assumed, to instruct mem
lcrs of Congress how they should vote in relation
the slavery question. This assumption of power
ettaclly recognized by members of both houses.
tthe result was, that those gentlemen could not
'iasfree agents, or vote according to their own
nyictions and coDsciences They mere il
fumenis 10 the hands of the legislatures Of the
several States which they respectively represented,
and frt themselves compelled TO obey ,he instruc-
for their conduct. Free soil resolutions were pass
cd by several of our Northern and Eastern States,
&c which was tackled one insructing the members
Of Congress to vote in accordance with what
the trainers directed. Many Southern States
adopted the same pernicious course; aud the
result was, that when Congress met, the
members found themselves arrayed agains.
each other, on sectional and slavery grounds, by
her Leo, Ipat. pf fla
voice of the people of their respective States they
were made TO represent that of the legislatures, in
contravention of the whole theory of our political
institutions and form of government. The absur-
di'y Of such an assumption of power by State le-
gslaiures is apparent, and to submit TO it did not
reflect very fiverably the independence and
spirit of those who voted as they were instructed
IN the matter. IL would be the height of folly for
q Legislature TO attempt TO pass a law if they did
not possess the power to enforce obedience and
compliance 20 il after they did pass it. 1t is equally
absurd for them to instruct, when they have not
the power 10 enforce their instruction. Apart from
this consideration, it smacks very much of imper-
tIent interference for State legislators 10 dictate
TO members of Congress how they shall vote on
any question. They were not elected for that pur-
pose. Their power does not extend TO the consider
dioh vi any Out lOcei quesuOns, connected Win
their own local or State interests; members of
Congress are elected for o'her and distinct pur-
poses and to reflect the will Of their constituents
on national and general measures having reference
10 the whole confederacy. IL would be just as
understandable for Congress 10 dictate TO a State
Legislature what it shall do, and what il shal no.
do, as for State legislature 10 instruct members
Of Congress in their duties.
Lest this doctrine Of Instruction, as il is called,
might from its frequent application within a year
or two, become precedent or be recognized here
after, We think il should be al once thrown TO the
winds. Oiher important questions may arise in
this coantry, which may cause excitement, and agi-
ta,ion in different parts, but which we hope will
not be Of such dangerous character as that re-
Gently set at rest II is highly desirable that men,
bers Of Congress shall be uniramnelled in regard
10 their votes, and that they should act 10 accord
ance with their own Judgment, rather than with
that Of Others, when important questions again
come before them for legislation. They cannot
vote in this way, If legislative instruction il &C.
knovledged. We therefore s.y. let tn. wAoie
hing be abolished a, once aud forever Let the
S,a,e legislatures mind their own affairs. and
leave Congress TO attend tn theirs.