The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-08-16
THE UNION.


The Protest.
spubished yesterday the protest 10 the California
bill. which presented to the Senate Wednesday,
and signed byten southern senators. viz: Messrs Mason
and Hunter, OF Virginia; Messrs Butler and Barnwel.
Of South Carolina; Messn Morton and Yulee. Of Flor.
da; Mr. Davis. Of Mississippi Mr. SouIe. OF Louis-
ana; MIR. Turney, Of Tennessee and Mr.. Aichison, OF
Missouri.
This protest gave rise to animated discussion, which
continued until yesterday, when the Senate determined
by vote vote OF 80 10 49, lay upon the tablehe motion
to receive and order il to be spread upon the Journal We
do not pretend to decide whether the Senate acted properly
in making such disposition Of the paper for we
have not been able to give the question that consid-
Grafton which would enable us to form ade6nte opinion
But we cannot refrain from saying that have always
opposed the admission OF California separate and
distinct proposition. Great irregularities have been
committed on the Paefc--neguarities which we con-
demned in emphatic language when they were first made
known 10 us The last administration intefered with
the people OF California in manner which cannot be
justified. The proclamation Of General Riley cannot
be defended by any sound principles nor can there be
found any satisfactory for turning over the ter
rtory (and with such extensive boundaries, too) to
the authorities appointed under the State organiza-
ton without the previous consent Of Congress-. But
il cannot be denied that the condition OF California ID
without precedent 10 few months, and as if by en-
chan,ment all the elements OF State sprang into exist
ence on the shore Of the Paciic while Congress,
and distracted by sectional agitation, unable to
tend to California territorial organization, give
its inhabitants the benefit OF American laws. AS hold
il to be within the power OF Congress to overlook the
irregularities which have been committed in deciding
upon the question, in the facts have
toned strong to induce it to exercise its power
with great moderation and forberance But still we
do not think that reason would have been strong
enough in itself to justify the admission Of California, il
Congress were in condition to extend to her suit
able territorial organization, and If there not grev
malades which aiict the nation, and must continue
to alic il until the Territories acquired from Mexico
are finally disposed Of Unhappily. Congress-. cannot
give California territorial organization and there
serious dangers which threaten the nation Under these
circumstances, think it the OF wisdom to
look htkrregular manner in which California demands
admtance, and to allow her 10 come into the Union
part Of system which will give peace to the country
The Compromise which was proposed by the Committee
OF Thirteen has been lost; but all its principles have
since separately passed the Senate, and canno
but reg ard them as constituting in effect genei al
scheme Of adjustment We doubt not that they will
be so considered by the House Of Representatives
We are not Of those who can see the wisdom o.
insisting upon Irregularities committed in Calfor
MIA, to such extent as to endanger the Unior
by anaying the two sections against each other Tha
would be purchasing regularity at too dear price, fol-
any proiracted effort to punish California by demanding
her to territorial condition, or by forcing her to remain
in her present anomalous condition, would Dfict perma
nent and lasting injury the States Of the Union, ant
menace the existence of the confederacy itself
I'VE did hear all the argument yesterday but W,
understand that fact oil importance stated
the authority OF letter from Mr. Madison, viz that
made in the federal give thu
Senate the power Of protest. and twas rejected.