The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-04-19
The European News.

The European News.
No intelligence yet of either the British Queen OF
America. The commercial news from Europe is
looked for with some interest.
The Great Question OF the Day-Mr. Ciay's
Compromise Movement and PositiOn-Gen.
Taylor Nowhere.
But for the unfortunate alteration which occur
red on Wednesday hast, between Mr.. Foote and
Colonel Benton, in the United States Senate, at
Washington, there is every reason TO believe that
Mr.. Bells resolutions the territorial question,
would have been referred TO committee of thr-
teen, half wings and half democrats, with Mr..
Clay as chairman When that affair occurred, an
important amendment, moved by Mr.. Clay, had
been carried, in which the Senate declined to ex-
press in advance, any opinion, or to give any
instructions, either general specific, for the
guidance of the committee. The amendment was
soncurred in; and the question referring would,
no doubt, have been taken Immediately afterwards,
if business had not been suspended by the scuffle
between the above named members. We look
upon Col. Bentons conduct in that affair as highly
Teprehe nsible, nor are disposed 10 shield Mr..
Foote from censure. If Mr. Benton cannot con-
troll his feelings, while sitting in legislative body,
Of such dignity as that which ought TO attach to the
Senate, he had better resign and 90 TO California at
once On the other hand, if the upper branch OF the
national legislature cannot transact the business
Of the country without the members being armed,
h is time for all legislation TO cease, and the doors
of the Senate closed, until better state OF things he
brought about.
Mr.. Ciay's position on the great question Of the
day, is a highly honorable and elevated one. lie
has cut clear Of all parties and all factions, and
adopted a policy dictated by patriotism, and,
thus far has carried il out with a degree OF
ability characteristic Of the He never
held such lofty position he now does
nor one which entitled him more 10 the admiration
respect, and confidence of all parties in Congress-
and Of the whole American people. Advanced in
years. and having spent large portion of his time
IN public life and in the halls of legislaon-hayng
reached more than his threescore and ten-hayng
recently witnessed the departure OF one Of his com
peers, the lamented Calhoun-Mr Clay's conduct
during the present session, the slavery question,
n an agreeable contrast 10 that pursued 10y Mr. Ben
con. While the one is highly national and patriotic,
she other il selfish, fictional, and dsorganzing.
While the one naturally leads a rational, friendly,
and Just compromise Of the great question Of the
day-a question which now sgitates and shakes the
republic to it, centre-thc other has tendency
but TO prolong the agitation 10 keep the wounds OF
rbe body polite still bleeding and 10 copardizc the
integrity Of this great confcderacy. Through MIR.
Gays influence, and in consequence Of the lofty
position which he has assumed, the probability now
is that the question OF slavery. in connection with
all the new territories will be settled and disposed
of at one and the time, and the free-soil sgi-
ston receive it, qpicfas
The only opposition which Mr.. Clay has TO con-
nd with in his endeavors to settle this unfortunate
agitation ON the slavery question, rs that OF the cab
net, the free-socrs and Mr.. Benton-ieneral Tay-
Dor nowhere. When the matter comes before the
HOUSE Of Representatives, the same influence will
be elerted there for, singlsry enough, the men,
hers Of the cabinet, who. according to all sc-
counts, are firmly established in their SEATS
seem 10 be ~ much hostile to a general and
ANAL settlement and disposition Of the question,
and 49, much ia favor OF the isolated admission of
California. as the most ultra free sellers them
selves. General Taylor himself is nowhere.
IN fact, since the commencement Of the pre-
rcnt session the cabinet, in the course which they
have pursued on this question, General Taylor be-
ing nowherc) have materially strengthened the free
rollers in their actour opposition to any policy cal
euIated 20 heal the present agitation. and aided and
assisted in alternating the different sections Of the
country.
The friends of the Union and of the country, have,
Therefore, but one 10 pursue in the present
emergency. They must arouse themselves and
unite in supporting Mr.. Clay, land We hope TO in
eludc Mr. Webster slso) in the patriotic stand which
he has assumed. and in opposing tho free soilers
and all Others whether in the cabinet or out oft.
General Taylor nowherc) in Congress OF out oft,
Who, from selfish motives OF reasons Of their own.
are averse to disposins Of this agitation. II they
do &C. tire influence Of the cabine, and Of the free
roileru, General Taylor nowherc) will he Of no
avail peace and quiet viii take the place Of faction
i.m and agitu,cn, the slavery question Will be set
tled on the principles Of compromise and the con-
stitution; and our beloved republic will renew her
career TO that great and glorious destiny reserved
for It. and which even human eyes can perceive IN
the vista of the future Up with the constitution
down with the cslinc, and the fsnstcs-bui homes,
General Taylor nowhere.