The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-13
From Me BOSTON Jomnal. J..,.e loM.

When the plan of adjusting the difficulties which
threaten the permanence OF the Union, proposed by
the President, was first made public, the slavery
excitement was at its height. The breach between
the North and the South had widoncd until il
seemed an iinpassable gulf which no bridge could
span Peace and harmony even in party ranks
have given place TO hostility and discord Crmi-
nation ami accumulation among members pro-
Tossing the same political creed were Of daily oc-
currence. The old dividing lines seemed about to
be completely annihilated 10 be succeeded by that
state of things which the wise and patriotic Father
of his country" SO impressiyely warned his coun-
trymcn against--party divisions on sectional line
There were not wanting fanatics and intrigu
upon both sides, who, 10 subserye their pur-
poses famed the flames OF discord. and used every
effort To widen the already ienriul breach Many
members from slave States oinulatcd each other in
dcnouncing the North, and in promulgating the
doctrines OF disunion. In short the whole country
was apparently on the eve Of a'yiolent CONFUSION
and the conviction of impending evil had appalled,
the hearts OF almost every true patriot.
II was during this excitement that the Presidents
California message appeared. The circumstances
which we have detailed had produced conviction
that the existing evil was past remedy and that no
project could be broached which would reconcile
the conflicting views of both sections of the Union
The simple plan proposed by the President for the
settlement OF these difficulties received at first
with distrust, but when its details had been exam
ined, and its merits were more fully understood it
was acknowledged to be a just and truly national
plan, upon which both sections could unite without
the surrender OF any important principle and with
out doing violence to any cherished feeling The
immediate effect Of the recomme ndaton OF the
President was to alay, in some measure the exist
ing excitement IL produced reaction, and from
that period the utraiss of the South began to as
sumo more moderate tone. This revulsion Of feel
ing prepared the way for other schemes of adjust
ment-numbers of which were proposed-some
from sincere desire to settle all differences, and
others ostensibly for the object but really for
purposes OF a more personal character.
The multiplicity Of these schemes served in some
measure TO distract attention from the simple plan
OF the President, and there were not wanting some
among the admirers of those who had proposed
counter projects, who were prepared to resort to
Misrepresentation in order 10 make that plan dis
tasteful to the public. The advocates Of the com
promise now before the Senate. including, we re-
greet to say, many northern Wings, have been par
ticuarly eager to catch up and dstort any fact
which seemed to furnish an argument against the
Presidents plan.
could not be otherwise than expected. But we
would ask those who have aided in the elevation Of
General Taylor to the Presidency those who de-
sire the supremacy of Wing prnciplcs-to pause
and reflect before distortng facts to use them as
arguments against the Administration policy
Whatever may be the final disposition of the
slavery question, to the President is due the credit
OF being the first to pour oil upon the troubled wa
tcrs. He II was who prepared the way for an ami
cable settlement OF the exciting and dangerous
controversy Ills message produced healthful
change in public opinion, and recalled the violent
demagogues, who lived in an atmosphere Of ex-
ents and to the Union. For this important ser
VEGA service which truly accords with his ma
tional posiuon--he Is entitled TO the respect and
honor OF every patriotic citizen