The southern press., 1851-12-09
The Messa &c In New York.

Whatever differences Of opinion may prevail
as to the respective or relative merits of the two
papers, no one can deny that the Herald and
Tribune are two of the best refectors of popular
sentiment in their section.
The two brief abstracts of the leading points
in their editorials on the reception of the Presi
dents message, will show how that document
takes in that quarter The Herald is as candid.
and the II ibune as cool as usual. The EN-.
bodiment Of its sectional feeling in the CLOSING
paragraph OF the latter, is worthy Of note.
The Herald has carefully read the message,
and confesses that it has been sorey dsap-
pointed. 1t had looked for document of a
different character as well as regards its style
as its contents:
"Mr. Fillmore refers to the prosperity Of the
country. The nation is undoubtedly in pros.
porous condition, bu his administration il not to
be thanked for it. II is prosperous, and we hope
il will continue so. Bot he certainly might not
be so tame and cold about the subject as he is in
his message Could he not have drawn pic
,ure of the destiny of the United States, and
have told US something of the future that is
awaiting us?
"In regard to our foreign policy-the subject
which is now engaging public attenlion-he j.,
feeble, very feeble. lie glides over il with the
same facility that skifnl skaters pass over ice.
for business or pleasure He was afraid to
dwell upon it, and dropped it as soon as he
could"
The Tribune reviews the Presidents message
and considers that il is not characterized by sig.
nal originality of thought nor vigor Of state.
mcnt. It's best point is the abundance of ils
facts, coupled with the general breyily of its
recommendations.
And. while the best character tics Of this
message is the abundance of its facts, its pre-.
vailing defect is non ass, rliOn, almost non
recognition, Of principles. All is secondhand,
superficial, male.shift, and much is tempOrizirg q,
timid, irresOlute. Even with regard TO our for.
eirn relations, TO which 50 large a share Of the
message is very properly devoted, while it,
statements Of facts show cOmmendable alac-
rity and assiduity in tie fulhllment OF our obi
cations TO foreign powers, the render is often
befogged with regard TO the principles which
have guided the Presidential course. The de.
un.iation Of fiibu,tiersm is pretty well ex.
pressed the claim for the United States OF
having led, not followed, other nations in estab
fishing and enforcing the doctrines of neutrality
aud onnterventiUn is Just and happy and foi
once the clear enunciation Of vital principle is
very nearly achieved in the paragraph beginnin .,
Friendly relations with all, but entangling al.
liances with none That II altogether the most
compfctly and forcibly expressed Of any portion
of the document We are not permitted 60
know precisely what the President proposes
to do in case the strong arm Of foreign
power is invoked TO stfe public sentiment and
repress the spirit Of freedom in any country, but
tie drift Of the paragraph good
The Tribune inquiries What does the Presi.
dent mean with respect TO the right Of search !
Does he mean to assert Gen. Cass's ndefensible
doctrine. which Secretary Webster 80 forcibly
combated some years ago! The true and ne.
cessary doctrine is that the nations Of the earth
have common right of police on the high seas
and that duly commissioned national vessel
may stop any vessel Of inferior force, and require
her 10 give an account of herself The language
of the message in relation to the mineral lands
Of California, river and harbor departments
commerce and The tariff, ard a codificalion of the
statutes Of the United States, is CONNER ded by
the Tribune while il dissents from the recon.
mend alton for an increase Of the army--pro.
nounces the Naval Academy gross and costly
humbug-and deeply regrets, with the PreSi
dent, the difficulties experienced in handwriting
fugitive slaves, and forcing them back into
| slavery.
| Every interrupted human soul is naturally
an ally and accomplice Of the fugitive escaping
| from slavery; anxious that he may moi be over
taken, and ready TO speed and cheer him on his
way. Ten thousand prayers ascend daily in be
half of the flying bondman, not one for the sur.
| 4 4. : 4 a.,
of divinity so totally depraved as to be abb,
heartily TO pray that the Pursuer may triumph il
the recapture of the fugitive. Nor Goes H.,
President, though he roundy asserts IL, pr, duct
one particle Of proof that the Constitution re
auires any such enantmentas the Fugitive slave
law, or any such enactment at all on the subject