The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-08-04

delayed longer man We anticipate Next "eeh,
however, VIII no doubt give some light on the
subject.
Mn. GAYS VIEWS or The SLAVERY QUESTION
THE BOUNDARY OF New MExCo.-Mr. Clay,
having despaired of all hope with respect to the
slavery question, left, or is about to leave, Wash
ington, upon the defeat of the Compromise bill, to
seek repese and quiet the shore. No
Senator has worked harder, since December
last for the good of his country, and for the settle
ment OF the most agitating question that has af-
hicted and threatened this republic We trust that
he may be invigorated for new efforts, however,
towards allsyiug the party and sectional strife,
when this subject again comes before the legisla-
tors at Washington. No man better understands
the importance of an early adjustment of the diff
cutes, and no one is better fitted to cope with the
passions, prejudces, and folies of those who pro-
tract the senseless yet dangerous struggle.
We can remember, with much pride and salts
faction, Mr.. Clay's whole course with respect to
the topic fslavery, from that prominent period when
his efforts did much credit to him, in the settlement
of the Missouri question, down TO that point when
he introduced his resolutions, accompanied with
brilliant speech, about the twentieth of January
last. The sentiment embodied in those resolutions
is, notwithstanding Congress has the power to
make laws for the territories, that it is inexpedient
and unnecessary to legisae for these territories on
the subject of slavery. This domestic institution
being forbidden by the laws of Mexico, in New
Mexico and California, and by the regulations Of
the annexation in the territory lying north Of thirty
six degrees thirty minutes, no further action on
the topic can reasonably be asked. The RESPONSE
bility of introducing the institution must rest with
the State soveregnties. Mr. Clay's position, how
IL.
elective mediator between the parties interested in
the general question. His long and valuable
vices were calculated 10 command the highest
spec even from his political opponents; and with
confidence in human nature generally, and in those
who are out of nature, and wrapped up in politics,
he addressed himself to the task of conciliang
agonistc minds, with zeal, energy, and patience,
which will form portion Of his glory when he has
departed from the scenes OF public life.
Mr.. Clay proposed that the federal government
should assume a certain portion of the debts of
Texas, in consideration Of the REIMBURSEMENT, by
that State, Of her claims on the territory Of New
Mexico-exhibitiRg a remarkable foresight and
sagacity with respect TO the future movements on
that question, which will be more justly appreca-
ted at some future day. This was one Of Mr..
Clays greatest points for had Texas received this
indemnity, il is reasonable to suppose that very
great difficulty would be avoided and escaped.
Even in January last the distinguished senator had
given his opinion upon the whole Of this subject.
Every thinking and observing politician will re-
member the force of his argument. He contended
that the nation, at expense Of fifteen millions OF
dellars, had purchased the territory of New Mexi-
CO, and that this account, in addition to that OF
the terms Of the conditions Of annexation, Congress
alone possesses the right TO afhx and determine the
boundaries AS jusubing the propriey OF the
United States in assuming the debt Of Texas, Dir.
Clay contended, that, prior to the annexation Of
that State TO the Union, she had pledged her
revenues for their liquidation-revenues of which
the United States stood recipients and partakers.
This is against the terms Of the conditions OF
anne xaton which states that the confederacy shall
not be liable for the debts Of Texas but the argu-
ment adduced to meet this was, that there was
third party, not consulted in the matter, the cred
hors Of Texas, who were entitled to receive the
duties and imposts which were enjoyed by the
United States. The argument Is high, moral
one, and worthy Of great consideration, as connect
ed with the proprety Of our federal government
meeting pledges in which they were parties con-
cemed The annexation could not morally, or in
strict legal justice, shut out the creditor, who had
been instructed to rely upon the faith Of the nation
at large.
This argument naturally brings to a more
close consideration Of that interesting subject, the
boundary question. The parties employed upon the
examination in New Mexico are at work, and
much interest will be excited for several months
to come upon their movements, as well as upon
those Of the political investigators Of the topic.
Mr.. Clay's plan is much more satisfactory one
than that Of the recent Galphin cabinet. lie pro-
posed TO make such arrangements as would sa-
tsfy New Mexico and be acceptable TO Texas.
The people q the territory are opposed to an
smalgamaiion with Texas, and hence the chief
source Of the difficulty. The Gaphin cabinet only
proposed to protect New Mexico from aggression,
and to await their full growth, when the limits Of
their sovereignty should be assigned by the SUI
preme Count. The danger Of this delay is not
slight, to say nothing Of the imProbabity Of the
courts finding any ground upon which to form
satisfactory decision. Mr.. Clsy's plan, it will be
seen, was fsT more sagacious than this. IL pro-
posed to make New Mexico and Texas both salts
he'd, relieving the former from her antipathy to
the latter, and relieving the latter from the vast
weight Of debt which now haRgs about her neck.
When the passions prejudices and interests Of men
color largely the rights which they view before
them, II s necessary TO promote healthy action in
their vision. This cannot be done by mere argu-
mcnt We must change the scene itself Mr..
Clay's plan made to effect this lite failure to
establish a cure, however, on account Of the med
dlesome and querulous spirit Of the political
doctors, will assuredly give for anxiety in
the future
Whatever shape the slavery question may take
hereafter, it is certain that there will be a very
broad necessity for extreme caution on the part Of
Tie government, with respect to New Mexico and
Texas. Mr.. Clay's propositions are the very best
commentary upon the importance Of the topic. and
trust that he will be preserved to his country to
meet. on some future occasion, the subjects EN-
braced in this business The commission appoint-
% 70 settle the matter hse served to defaa, IN.