The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-05-13
The Four Parties IN Congress-The Conn
promise.

The evcntful debate on the Report of the Com
sittee Of Thirteen, will be the special business of
the Senate of the United States, to-day. The four
parties in Congress interested in the discussion,
viii bring all their power TO bear upon the subject;
and what may be the result, no man knows. One
party including those of the ultra portion of the
South, are disposed TO insist upon the extension of
abe Missouri line to the Pacific, in order that the
Southern States may hold themselves in an even
scale with the Northern States and lose no portion
Of their power in the confederacy. Another party,
she Seward and abolitionist faction, with all the
feesoil agitators will madly maintain the reign of
Wilmo 10 be sine qua all the territories,
and will not yield jot, even if the country to
be ruined by their obstnacy The other two
parties have, however, the only truly practical
schemes, and only one of these is worthy of much
attention, when the results surmised and the
permanent settlement of the great controversy is to
be secured. The third party, in resting upon the
Presidents plan, which they appear now to be will
ing to sacrifice in some measure, will only leave
the whole subject open, and eventually create
much mischief. The fourth party, which embraces
all the leading practical statesmen, all the truly
great minds of the country under the auspices of
Clay, Webster, Cass, Mangum, Foote, &c, have
by far the best plan that has been brought forward
and discussion to which il is to be submitted,
IL will be an added evidence of its sound practical
worth and substance.
The plans Of the ultras of the North will never
attract the sympathes of the country They are
BOO exactng and exgent. They are Eno, in their
nature or character, compromises They are posi-
hve demands, calculated TO excite, promote and
pepetuate sectional ealousies, and to distract the
government OF the country for half century longer,
or perhaps a whole century, if the country should
hold together long. Therefore, the abandon
ment Of these schemes would be emnently patri-
otc, and would have powerful effect in cement
ing the bonds Of our Union stronger than they have
ever been. Individual ambition, however, is too
strong, too aspiring TO yield We cannot expect
4 surrender Of powerful prejudices. They are the
hast things that men give up.
Mr. Clay's compromise, though, stands a fair
chance for success, particularly as, within few
days, the party hitherto sustaining the cabinet
plan have declared for the settlement itself,
irrespective Of the particular means Of its ac-
complainant. This is a good feature. The
cabinet plan is unsatisfactory one. II Cali
fornia were 10 come in by herself, she stands,
the whole troublesome subject would not only be
left open, but we should have the ultra feelings of
abe South renewed and increased. A new free
State would be added to the North. The political
balance would be impinged upon, and aninus
would be given by the course TO the Nashville con-
yention, which might terminate in fatal results 10
the confederacy. The South are rapidly growing
IN agricultural and manufacturing importance.
They beginning 10 feel and appreciate the effect
Of what non-iniercoursc with the North would
bring about, and how far they could absorb the
commerce OF Great Britain--the country most in
brescd in eur dsunion In view Of this, we have
90 be very careful maintain kindly relations with
the section Of country whence we derive our sta
pies for manufacture, and 10 which we send our
goods, in the shape Of clothing, boots, hats, and
household furniture The admission Of California
alone will never do. IL would create a momentary
lul and then a tremendous storm Let ms avoid
Mat.
Mr.. Clay's compromise, however, is one upon
which the patriotic and sensible men Of all parties
may unite. II l. pacific in lis character IL is equi
table to all parties. and, II adopted, will produce
harmony, and permit the country TO have a good
government, ably administered, and ready to pro-
eeed with public afiairs-now fearfully neglected.
Should the plan FAIL il IL useless TO attempt any
thing else. The country must be left as it is. and
exist in excited state till the people, by the great
selections, instruct Congress on the subject. Then
we shall have great battle TO fight; but we can
feh, IT, with a knowledge Of the ground upon
which We stand. The only question now s, shall
Congress settle the whole question, or do nothing,
and let tho whole matter be- settled by the people
This is the simple point.