The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-02

sable TO the eXlgencles OF the pubic SER
vice. The estimates of Mr.. MEREDITH
and the special message of President TAY-
LoR relieve them from all responsibility
for the inconvenience and injury caused
by the present state of things in the reve-
nue. department.
The Richmond Wing reproduces an i'm
portant resolution, introduced into the
Senate by Mr.. CALHOUN in 1847, and ac-
companies it with remarks which, at the
present moment, commend themselves to
the consideration of every candid mind.
We apprehend that the Democrats of the
south, if they reject the proposition con-
tanned in the letter and spirit Of President
TAYLoR's California message, will have to
repudiate both their ancient and modern
leaders.
Mr. Calhoun and the California Constitution.
In February. Is47, MIR. Calhoun, in the Senate of
the United States, offered n series of resolutions,
among which we find the following:
"Rssolcsd, That il is a fundamental principle
in political creed, that people, in forming
constitution, have the unconditional right 10 form
and adopt the government which they may think
best calculated to secure their liberty, prosperity
and happiness; and in conformity thereto no other
condition Is imposed by the Federal Constitution
State, in order TO be admitted into this Union,
cept that its constitution shall be republican,, and
that the imposition of any other by Congress would
only be in violation Of the Constitution but in
direct conflict with the principle on which po-
litical system rests"
II would be impossible to express, in direct terms.
a stronger approval Of the ground on which Cali
fornia now seeks 10 be admitted State into the
Union. This view Of Mr.. Calhoun IL strictly ac-
cordant with his policy while Secretary of State,
during the agitation of the Texas controversy.
That country was an independent foreign nation.
II had never been territory Of the Union, in
technical Of the term; that IL to say, il had
never received territorial government from Con-
gress. The argument used now, by those who
voted for its admission and who oppose California,
IL, that IL was settled by Americans, men who had
been citizens Of the United States who understood
the workings Of our Constitution, and were there
fore prepared 10 take upon themselves the duties Of
self-government, citizens OF State. The reli-
snce upon such reasoning this amounts 10 total
abandonment OF the pretended constitutional obec-
ton. u IL admission that n state OF territorial
pupiage is not absolutely required by the Consti.
tuition. All that IL necessary, according 10 this
view Of the case, s that the people should be pre-
pared for tho duties Of their condition. and II
they can be 40, without being formed into terri
tory, with territorial government, all has been
accomplished that could be desired. In the opinion
Of General Cas-, the constitution Of California is
quite model Of human wisdom, 90 that this quc.-
ton appears 70 be completely solved.
We learn that Mr.. Wise, in his speech here, first
indicated the point on which General Taylor was
10 be assaIcd with regard TO the admission Of Cali
fornia. He intmated that he had been guilty Of
violation Of the Constitution, in coecing tho for
nation Of State constitution, before California had
been admitted Territory. II turns out, from
official documents, that there was no coercion In
the case, and Locofocoism IL reduced 10 the last
miserable shift, Of endcavoring 10 make out Of a
few plain words a meaning directly the reverse Of
that which the least intelligent can place upon
them.
We should like 70 know In what part Of the Con-
stitution the clause rendering Il necessary that
State should previously be Territory, Gin the
technical sensc,) is TO be found. We have never
been able TO find IT, If II IL there, will the repre-
sentative from this district be kind enough 10 in
form his constituents how he could reconcile II 10
his conscience 10 defend, violently he did ON
many occasions in tho spring Of ls45. manifest
violation OF The Constitution, In the admission of
Tcsss' We should also be glad 10 know, how he
can reconcile his views with those Of Mr.. Calhoun,
ss above expressed with those OF the Democracy Of
this State, as declared by the resolutions Of 1877,
Chat no power has right TO settle the question Of
slavery in Territory but the people themselves, on
forming State constitution and with the avoved
sentiment Of General Case, that Congress has no
right 10 create territorial government Il he still
a follower Of The great South Carolinisni Docs he
s,ill retain his admiration Of General CassS Or
docs he utterly condemn in them the sentiments
which he regards 50 hcinous in General Taylor