The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1850-06-14
FROM WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, June 3, Il

Friend Icins:-lt is known to your
readers that the outlines Of two great plans
have been submitted for the settlement OF
the slavery que>'ion-a question which has
assumed most imposing ard perpleXlng
aspect, md is producing much agitation,
bitterness and suite throughout the coun.
try. One of them Is recognized as the plan
OF the Presidents; the other as the Conn
promise offered by Mr.. Clay, Chairman of
the Committee of Thirteen. Each has it,
advocates and defenders, each is opposed
with bitterness by adverse parties. and it
may with truth be said tina, greater d.
vcrsirv Of opnioh never existed in the
councils OF the Nation on any subject.
It is due to the Executive to say, that
at the time his plan was laid before Cons
gress in what is known as the California
message. twas hailed with appreciation by
almost every section of the Union, and eX.
er'cd the happie>t Influence in ulaylng eX'
element, and il suppressing, if not killing
of, the Wlmo, Proviso in the House, and
defeating the efforts Of those enthusiasts
who were run mad on the subject Of a
Southern Convention, which ! suppose con.
vcnes today npun the consecrn'cd soil Of
Tennessee. Having done thus much, which
was in fact n good deal, the question arose
whether it had not effected OIL that it was
susceptible Of ctiectlng under the cifcum.
stances. and whether something more was
not demanded IN order to produce calm in
the public mind and restore harmony and
peace to all sections. The discussions
growing out Of these questions. and the re-
lection Of wise and patriotic minds IN both
houses Of Congress. as well as ia the States
generally, gave birth 10 the Compromise
Committee Of Thirteen in the Senate. whose
deliberations have produced what is now
called Mr. Clay's Compromise Bill.
The Bill proposed by the Committee is
pre'erabl to the plan Of the Executive, as
it promises more speedy and 'horoug! set.
Element Of all the difficulties growing out Of
and giving rise to the present state Of the
public mind on the question Of slavery as
connected with our newly acquired terrific.
ries. Without attempting to discuss either
this, or the plan Of the President, it NAV
be sufficient for my purpose to remark, tina.
the violen, hostility manifested by the ex,
trcmes on both sides Of Mason and DiXon's
line to the Compromise Bill, cannot be with.
out its influence in satisfying calm minded
and rejecting men that there is something
in It worthy Of their approval. even in its
present shape. In regard to New Mexico
and Utah, its provisions are certainly more
comprehensive ard satisfactory than to
leave them without territorial govern
mcn', exposed as they arc to the incurs ions
of hostile Indians, until they have a snfli.
cient number of inhe bi'an's to come in as
States under the Constitutional which
lime the same battle that is now being
| IuNuHt III TPgiTu W CulllOrDln WOuIu nave
to be fought over again, with all its n,,en
lant evils of bitterness, strife. and discord
| In regard to the motives that may have
| prompted the authors Of these plans, | have
nothing to say; nor do believe any mar
possessed Of all ordinary degree Of patriot
ism will stop to enquire from what quarter
or from what man, or set Of men, pro-
position comes, if he believes that 1t is the
best Compromise thu, can be- effected. nnt
one that will give peace and quiet to dis
rraced country.
am hnppy 10 inform you that the delesa
ton in the House from Tennessee, with
perhaps, one exception. will vote for tn
Compromise. But lis fale at present | re
get 10 say, is doubtful in the Senate
Should it fail there. the House will d.
nothing, and in all probability. after th
loss Of several months, the whole question
will be left open.
Yours, truly, NJ.