The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-07
From he Baltimore American.
The Public Businesa.

The slow progress that is made In the despatch Of
the public business at Washington IL any thing but
satisfactory 10 the country In view OF the neglect
Of great and important interests--in view OF the
actual prospective prostration Of many interests,
in which much capital is involved and much labor,
n feeling OF uneasiness IL increasing throughout
begins 10 prevail that Congress is ready 20 do any
thing rather than attend TO its proper and most ur
gent duties.
The agitation which has peryaded the public
councils concerning slavery and the territories,
though IL has pretty well exhausted ITSELF still con-
tnues 10 furnish pretext for discussion and delay
81 have felt II my duty" said Mr.. Webster, con a
late occasion 70 make effort 10 bring about some
smelioration Of that excited feeling this subject
which pcrvades the people Of the country every
where-North and South-to make an effort also
restore the 70 ts proper capacity for
discharging the proper business of the country;
For now let me say, IL is unable TO discharge that
business. That II may regain that capacity, there
s necessity for effort both in Congress and out OF
Congress. Neither you nor shall see the legisla-
ton Of the country proceed in the old harmoni-
way, until the discussions in Congress and out
Of Congress upon the subject TO which you have al
luded shall be in some way suppressed. Take that
truth home with you-and take II as truth Until
something can be done 10 allay the feeling now
separating men and different sections, there can be
no useful and satisfactory legislation in the two
Houses Of Congress"
The feeling here referred 10 has been greatly
magnifed beyond its real nature, we believe, and
nss pecn laid nold OF Dy agtatOTs oi ono soiN anu
another for purposes neither patriotic nor wise
When comes 10 look at the point at issue,
Il almost cludes observation; IL is scarcely to be
found. No one wishes TO enact that slavery shall
exist in the new territories; every one acknow-
lodges, more or less that in all reasonable proba
bllity II will not exist there The right OF the pco
pie in the Territories 10 determine for themselves
the character and form OF their local institutions is
not seriously controversial in any quarter. What
is all the disturbance about
There arc some who consider themselves bound
10 insert the Wimot proviso in any and every bill
creating territorial government-if they can.
Yet these very persons maintain that by the NUM-
cipal laws now in force in the new territories sla-
very is already excluded from them. Why urge a
grstuitous prohibition II seems that there Is no
principle involved, but prejudice merely.
Inasmuch as the whole matter must finally come
under the control of people inhsbitng the terrific
ries in question, il does really appear like wanton
waste OF time, a wanton sacrifice Of public inter-
ess for the representatives Of the people at Wash
ington 70 go on from day TO day talking an infinite
deal Of nothing, and assuming the solemn air Of
biters in a business which only needs 10 be let
alone. They cannot make the public believe that
there is any crisis in the affair.
hcd 20 pIatffa "a.