The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-03-07
THE PRESENT STATE OF THE QUESTION.

One year ago the free States were united in
support of the anti-savery policy of the Ordi-
nance of 1887; every one Of them, excepting
Iowa stood committed by the resolves Of its Legis-
lature An Ex-Presdent of the United States
had thrown the weight Of his name and influence
against the Slavery Extensionists, and was pre-
vented, as a candidate for the Presidency, from
stst sas Ms sssRs psaess s.
tons of unwavering devotion to the Wilmot Pro-
viso, on the part of the Wing and Democratic
parties of those States.
II was during the predominance Of the Free
Soil Sentiment that the present members OF Con-
press were chosen, and in almost every instance,
so far as the North and West were concerned
their election depended upon their avowed or UNI
derstood adhesion to the policy of the Wilmot
Proviso.
It was expected therefore that this Congress
would be under the control of the Free Soil Sen
timent, and promptly adopt vigorous measures to
satisfy its demands But, its action has utterly
disappointed this just expectation. On the anti
slavery question its tone is lower, its purpose less
energetic, its policy less SPACIOUS and decisive,
than the tone and purpose and policy of any Con-
press that has been in session since the Introduction
of the Wilmot Proviso. Through series of bad
movements on the part of Northern members of
adroit movements on the part of Southern men, aid
ed by letter-writers in Washington, and panic max
ers everywhere the Slave Power threatens to OBJ
tain complete ascendency in the Halls Of Legisa-
ton and carry its measures in defiance of the Oft
expressed determination of the twelve millions Of
freemen who have demanded that Free Terrific
ries be kept Free. Not since the commencement
of the Free Soil agitation has the cause Of Free
Soil been exposed to such peril. Let US review
rapidly the series of movements by which this
Congress has been brought to its present condi-
ton.
The Democratic members from the free States
came to Washington without any acknowledged
head without any understanding as to what
ought to be their policy in relation to the organi-
zation of the House. The slavebolding members,
who had made all necessary arrangements, kindly
took charge of their brethren from the North and
West, prevailed on them generally to go into eau
Gus with them, bound them there hand and foot,
and, despite all their antecedent pledges to main.
tain the cause of Free Soil, obliged them to recog-
Mise and sustain as the controlling element in the
organic ition of the House, the Principle of Sla-
very Extension.
The Wings, in caucus assembled, while they
rvfaS,I 30 oaasr=s ~itrs pro-sisrery test sub.
mited to them by few extreme members of the
Party agreed upon candidate, who, rs he has
since himself avowed, was utterly hostile to the
agitation of the Slavery Question, and who was
willing to abandon the policy of the Wilmot Pro
viso for the policy Of Noa- AaiOn.
These false movements on the part of the men,
bers from the free States, revealed their weakness
We felt at once that, as parties, they had not the
sagacity and firmness to conduct TO favorable
issue the formidable struggle against Slvery-
Extension. And their opponents were not slow
to take advantage Of their facle temper. They
pitched their pretensions high they took care
to make the Pro-Slavery Sentiment controlling in
every committee that might be called upon to act
on the subject they pre-occupied the floor with
speeches cooly calculating the value Of the U Mon
and threatening violent resistance to any act they
might deem prejudicial to their interests.
Roots resolution followed The members of
the free States, having yet some remembrance of
their constituents, refused to lay it upon the ia.
Bile, but had not nerve enough to resist a motion
to adjourn, which threw the resolution over for
several weeks
Meantime, blow followed blow in quick success
sion
General Taylor sent in his message, concern.
ing Executive action in relation to California,
strongly deprecating the agitation Of sectional is
sues, advising the admission of California as a
State on its application, but recommending Con-
gress to abstain from all action in relation to the
rest of the Territories, till they should form State
Governments for themselves. And in favor of
this policy, was thrown the whole weight of the
Wing Administration.
Next We have the so-called Compromise Of Mr.