The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-28

The tone of the debate in both houses
of Congress indicates that the admission
of California is foregone conclusion.
No one seems to doubt that the measure
is to prevail, and by very large majorities.
Many of those who have resisted it here
tofore appear to have been actuated
chiefly by desire to cause it to be en-
braced in plan for the adjustment of all
the questions in dispute. Undoubtedly it is
desirable, in every point of view, that all the
matters in controversy shonld be perma-
nently settled atthe earliest day practicable.
But it is the opinion of many of the wisest
and discreetest men in the country that
the mode suggested by the PRESIDENT is
the safest, and best yet proposed, and that,
it will be recollected, looks TO the admis-
sion of California as distinct and indie
pendent measure, leaving the other chief
points in dispute to be adjusted by the
people Of the Territories themselves. We
have said repeatedly, that while we par
take Of the opinion getting to be so gen.
orally entertained respecting the superior
advantages of this plan, we are ready to
unite in the support of any scheme pro-
posed in Congress that shall promise the
same favorable results.
We have never deemed it necessary to
discuss the question of the admission Of Cal
ifornia. The propriety and justice of the
measure seemed to us so obvious as to pre-
clude the idea Of argument or illustration;
and we are glad to see that the merito-
rious character of the claim of California
is getting to be appreciated all over the
country.
As significant of the sentiments held by
some of the gentlemen regarded as occu-
plying an extreme position, we republish
the following letter from Mr.. TooMBs, Of
Georgia, to the Governor of that State, in
reply to sundry resolutions passed by the
Legislature of Georgia, upon all the ques.
tons involved in the present agitation.
We call attention particularly to the pas
sages relating to California:
wAsHrsoros, ID. c., March IL, 1850.
Sra: have received, under Of your favor
of the 25th ut. the resolutions passed by the late
General Assembly Of the State Of Georgia.
The sth resolution Of the series declares that IL
will become the immediate and imperative duty
Of the people Of this State (Gcorgia) TO meet in
convention 10 take into consideration the mode
and measure Of redress, upon the happening Of
either Of four contingencies"
I. The passage Of the wilmot proviso by Con-
gross.
O. The abolition of slavery in the District of Co
lumbia.
3. The admission of California as a State in it's
present pretended organization.
Z. The continued refusal Of the non slavcholding
States to deliver up fugitive slaves provided by
the Constitution.
The happening Of either the first, second or fourth
Of these contingencies would justify the proposed
measure, but, in my opinion, the happening Of the
thirdcontingcncy would not warrantit. And deep
ly regret that just should be endangered by
the assumption OF such unwise and untensble po-
stion Congress has the express power 10 admit new
States. The admission Of California under that
power is purely and solely question Of Ccngres-
sional discretion, and would present neither just
nor sufficient cause for State incorporation, or
revolutionary resistance. twould neither present
scase usurpstion power not granted, nor the
abuse Of granted power. Icsnnot but believe that
tie insertion was not based upon just regard for
the public welfare, but that II was prompted main
ly by that disposition TO promote local party
schemes and objects which 80 eminently marked
and disgrsced the action Of majority Of the Cen
eral Assembly.
Asa representative Of the people Of Georgia,
shall exercise this constitutional discretion without
reference TO the opinions Of the General Assembly
and shall vote for against the admission Of Cali