Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-08-23

The long-proiracted debate on the
Compromise bill in the Senate,now final
ly terminated, will be memorable in our
Legislative annals for the unusual length
of time il occupied, and not less so for
the ability and eloquence which illustra-
ted its various stages. The general sub
iect embraced in the bill has formed the
theme of discussion in Congress almost
exclusively since the beginning OF the
session in December--elght months
since; the compromise measure reported
from the Senate's committee Of thirteen
has been the standing order OF the day
in that body for nearly three months.
II would seem that question possess
ed of interest and importance enough 10
engross the attention of Congress for SO
long period could not pass through the
ordeal of such debate without produ-
cling an alarming excitement throughout
the country. Yet the fact is not less re-
markable than apparent that the public.
mind, with slight exceptions. has remain
ed free from serious disturbance during.
the whole eighth months Of the slavery
agitation in Congress; nor have the peo-.
pie of the United States been able at any
period of this legislative excitement to
realize the apprehension that the unity
of the republic was in any manner en-
dangered There was more anxiety
felt to have the territorial-slavery qucs-
ton settled and done with, than there
was to have il decided this way or that.
We should not be far wrong, perhaps.
in ascribing this comparative indifference
of the public at large upon this subject.
to the belief very generelly prevalent,
that the same result would be finally arr
rived at in the adjustment of the ques-
ton, let the policy Of adjustment take
one form or another. In other words.
the whole, country, from North to-
South, is familiarized with the convic-'
ton that slavery cannot, under any con-
tingencies Of legislation or of circum-
stances, find existence as an institution
in the territories of New Mexico and
Utah. By the most eminent men OF
the country, Of different sections and
parties, this conclusion has been formed
and declared; the bes. authorities relating
to the geography and natural productions
and capabilities Of the Territories go TO
the same point; and with such evidsnce-
in view, so strongly combinated, it is not
at all surprising tina, the common sense
of the country has become pretty, welt
satisfied that this question Of slavery In,
connexion with the Territories, which
legislation has been vainly striving to-
adjust by compromises and compensa-
tons, is already settled in advance by.
Nature herself.
/ The long continuance Of the debate in
the Senate, therefore, instead of minis
tering to excitement and provoking agila-
ZION among the people, has rather tended
to demonstrate more and more clearly
the identity of results which must follow
in the end, so far as the existence or the
non-existence of slavery i'll the Territo-
ries is concerned, whatever line of poll
cy in the premises i, might be the pleas
ure OF Congress 10 adopt.
| The whole subject having been thor
oughly discussed and analysed BY the
ablesi and the most eloquent of our
statesmen, while it retained the form Of
a combined series of measures, we NAV
now hope that definite and prompt &C :
ton will succeed upon each separate
question that may require legislative in
terposi,ion. -Washiagtoa Republic.