The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-02-07
NO. 162.
THE POSITION OF THE PRESIDENT.


He desired the Caifornians TO form a State
Constitution, and apply for admission as State
He is in favor OF granting their application,
though they have Incorporated in their Constitu-
tion clause prohibiting slavery. He does not
hold that they constitute State till recognised
as such by act Of Congress. He insists that on
organizing plan Of State Government, the Peo-
pie of Territory may rightfuly settle the Cues
ton of Slavery, allowing or prohibiting the sys-
tem-thst, in relation to our present Territories,
this is their true policy-tha it is wise for Con-
gress to recognise such settlement ms valid, and
acknowledge the plan Of State Government oon-
stituted, IL not repugnant TO republican princi-
Piles. As TO the porsr Of Congress over the sub
ject of Slavery in the Territories he neither az
firms nor denies. He wishes California admit
ted as State en- her application, and desires ac-
tion in relation to New Mexico and Deseret to be
suspended till they are ready to make application
for admission as States. In this way, be thinks,
the dangerous Question Of Slavery may be peace
fully disposed Of the Question of Boundary De
tween Texas and New Mexico brought to the
Supreme Court for judicial inquiry and decision
In this way, General Taylor will be spared the
necessity Of ever divulgiug his opinions on the
consttutiOnality or expediency of the Wilmot
Proyiso, spared the alternative Of sanctioning
or vetoing the measure, thereby alternating
from his Administration the Southern or North
ern section Of the Wing Party. The position of
General Taylor is that of NOa-BrteTren'iOn. 1t
was by this policy that General Cass attempted
TO harmonic conflicting views and interests in
the Democratic Party, and rise to the Presiden-
tial Chair. BY this same policy, under crcum-
stances somewhat different, General Taylor seeks
to reconcile conflicting views and interests in his
Party. The main difference between him and
General Cass is, that the latter has volunteered
an opinion with divers arguments against the
power of Congress to legislate for Territories,
while the former, without offering an opinion on
this point, rests the policy of Non Intervention
solely on grounds of expediency. The President
is in fair way to off with all the anticipated
fruits of the Policy while the President hat-mGs-
tO-bs is left to delectate himself and edify his
countrymen with the Theory. General Taylor,
to reconcile the North to the policy of Non-In-
PREVENTION, may point to bis views of expediency
as set forth in his message and to satisfy the
stcklers for the resolutions of 'Ssp he can refer
to the constitutional arguments of General Cass
We know of no reason now why this gentleman
may not be considered the Ajax of the Admins
tration, for certainly he is the most conspicuous
and ardent advocate in Congress Of its main poll
cy. The leading Wing papers of the North are
pleased with the Presidents message. They ap-
prove of his policy of NOn-Intervention-are full
of admiration of the wisdom that suggests it
and yet indulge in severe sarcasm on the great
effort of General Cass to vind:cate the policy on
constitutional grounds. We submit that this ar
CUES a singular want of gratitude.