The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-20
The Territorial Question.

TIC PRESIDENT Pldn ioI uisPooihB VI TIC
slavery extension question is regarded in
many parts of the country. We never
doubted that it would be generally accept
able when well pondered and thoroughly
comprehended. It is SO conciliatory, so
just to all sections, and SO well adapted to
satisfy all parties who have not foredoomed
to destruction every scheme of compromise
or adjustment, that nothing would seem
to be required to secure for it almost uni
versal appreciation and support but delb-
crate and impartial consideration of the
recommendations of the PRESIDENT in
their whole scope and bearing.
In speaking of the PRESIDENTS plan,
we must not be understood as detracting
from the merits, or disparagng, in the
slightest degree, any one of the several
schemes of compromise proposed in Con-
gress. We have expressed our prefer
ence for that plan, because we deem it the
more practicable, and better calculated to
adjust the whole controversy in such a
manner as to leave no ranking recollec-
tons of the differences that have so long
prevailed on the subject, so far as we have
been able to observe. Although Mr.. Claws
suggestions have many supporters, and
the wisdom. craftsmanship, and patriot
ism displayed in his speech, and the sug-
gestions he offered, have been generally
and warmly commended, the prevalent
opinion is, that the platform laid down by
the PRESIDENT presents the most feasible
mode of settling this vexed question, and
that ultimately the mass of liberal and mod
crate men all over the country will give
it their support. The people are already
becoming impatient at the inaction of
Congress. This Impotence, we are in
clined to think, proceeds from an inaccu-
rate estimate of the real condition of
things in the legislature. In the temper
of the extreme sections, inaction was
the true policy. We have never seen a
period when such beneficial results were
to be anticipated from inactivity. Of all
things, test vote was to be avoided, and
the multiplicity of schemes of compro-
mise offered, necessarily requiring full
discussion, has led to delay, and will aid
in concentrating public sentiment, and ul-
timately secure such course in Congress
as will conform to the wishes and expec-
tations of the people.
At the North there is no opposition to
the PRESIDENTS views, except among the
fanatics. And the plan of Mr.. BELL,
, which resembles that of the PRESIDENT,
embodied in distinct propositions, is re-
garded with very general favor.
We copy from the northern Wing pa
pers several paragraphs on this subject:
From the Boston Atlas.
We can see NO WAY in which this vexed ques-
ton can be settled, but upon the platform laid
down by the President. Mr.. Clay, Mr.. Benton,
Mr. Winthrop, and other distinguished gentlemen,
North and South, including the President and the
Cabinet, assert and believe that the Mexican laws
prohibiting slavery remain in full force, and that
slavery cannot exist there until territorial gov
eminent framed by Congress takes the place Of the
Mexican law and in this connexion we ask the at
tention Of readers to the speech Of Mr. Benton,
which we have placed on the first page, in which
he quotes from Mexican authorities to prove his po-
? stion. Mr.. Webster, in his late speech, does not
express any opinion on this very important point
but we presume that his opinion comedies with the
opinions Of the eminent statesmen whom VIC have
: named.
We have no wish TO irritate our brethren in the
South, and we have attempted so to do. We
respect even the prejudices Of people, IL they
: be honest prejudioes, but cannot refuse 10 Dc
9 what VIC believe TO be demanded by the best inter
ests Of our country and mankind because Of thos,
preudices If the question presents itself for our &C
ton. We cannot why any reasonable man
North or South, should object to the admission oil
California as n State, with the constitution which
her people have adopted. California once admitted
into the Union, the territory of New Mexico could
and probably would, remain as il now is, until the
population thereof is sufficiently numerous to ask tc
be admitted State into the Union. with a consti
tuition. BY doing southern men need not be irri-
tated or excited by havingthe wilmot proviso thrus
upon Them and the northern MEN will not be compro
missed. For, whatever the feeling in the South may
be upon this question, or however intense the feel
ing may be, the North have feelings also upon Thu
subject, which are not TO be disregarded. We d.
. not advocate the Presidents plan az a northern
plan. II is not the northern plan.
n alone they would, without hesitation or debate
A apply 10 every inch Of territory the ordinance o
81. We advocate IL as A coMPRonrss-the best
70 under all the circumstances and difficulties Of tn
: case that has been or be proposed. II settle
the fate of California at and forever II lcave
New Mexico she is for the present, perhaps 70
years. This delay would give time for the presen
i excitement to pass away. The public mind woul'
i become Gained. The public pulse, now at feve
!, heat, would beat less rapidly. II would give tim
and opportunity to rally the good sense, the cain
Judgment and patriotism Of the country, in behal
: Of the highest interests Of the country and man
l. kind. These are some Of The advantages which, II
our judgment, would be gained by adopting tn
= Presidents recommendations.
a From the Troy Whg.
The more the subject is sgitstcd and discussed
9 with view TO arriving at some practicable mod
D. Of arranging the question, the more evident is
made 20 appear to the comprehension Of the peopl
and their rcDrcsentat ives that General TAYLOR