Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-07-06
JAMES T. BRADY VS.. NEBRASKA.

The National hiteuigencer, of yesterday
contains letter from James L. Brady, of New
York, containing his views in opposition to the
Nebraska bill. We had sincerely hoped that
the loud complaints against this patriotic mea-
sure had ceased, or were at least confined to
the ranting and canting howls of the fanatics
Of the Parker and Garrison school. While we
rejoiced with all our hearts at this triumph of
the Constitution, we never sought to crow over
our opponents at their discontinue. We were
and are willing to let the law 60 on silently
to effect the happy results which it was designed
to secure. We deprecate this ceaseless oppo-
sjtion to measure which is now the law of
the land-and we regret more deeply the posi-
ton of one who, from his former associations,
we considered as champion Of the Constitu-
ton, and sterling democrat of the national
stamp.
Mr.. Brady regrets that he was in Europe
when this scheme was set on foot, and that he
did not return until its success was inevitable,
otherwise he argues he could have exerted
an effective influence to prevent that deplora-
bic result The selfcomplacency with which
this is asserted, detracts from the opinion
which we have formed of Mr. Brady's good
sense and propriety. He should beware how
he goes to Europe to interfere with the state of
affairs there, and leaves his poor helpless coun-
try unaided by his exertions, uninfuenced by
his councils. he should remember that no
effective influence could be exerted during his
absence to avert any deplorable result which
might befal his country. If we have any in
fuence over Mr.. Brady's actions, we would use
it to prevent his absence from his home, in
order that he may avert any future calamity
that may threaten our confederacy.
Mr.. Brady almost worships the Missouri COM
promise, which "has an origin akin to the Consti-
tution," and had become canonized in the
hearts Of the American people" Now we have
always been taught and always contended that
so far from this measure being akin to the
Constitution, it was in direct opposition to it
and hence it was that we hailed the passage of
the Nebraska bill, as the restoration of the Con-
stitution to its pristine integrity. We do not
intend to revive this old wound, and to discuss
the constitutionality of a dead measure; but
we would ask Mr. Brady, who claims to be a
strict constitutionalst of the republican school,
where in the whole of that instrument does he
find clause or a word justifying the exclusion
of slavery from all Of the territory of the Union
north OF $50 3O>? If the Missouri measure be
akin to the Constitution, is by some collateral
branch for it is surely not lineally descended
from it.
Mr.. Brady falls into the singular error of
supposing that the Missouri compromise was
designed for the benefit of the south, and that
she has derived peace, tranquility and advan-
tage from the adjustment. But this is not
the case for we would have Mr.. Brady to
understand that Of all the recently acquired
territory of the United States, from which
slavery has, in effect, been excluded, large
portion lies south of that line. More than
one-half Of California. and almost oil OF
New Mexico, by the terms Of this compromise,
were open to the institution of slavery. 1t is
needless to add that in the excitement created
the Union with constitution excluding that in
stitution, and New Mexico was so far affected
by the same policy that the existence Of slavery
is .almost hopeless there.
In the repeal Of this compromise the States
stood in their mutual relations exactly where
they stood when the Constitution was adopted;
and there, without the patchwork of compro-
misses and the tinkering of temporary adjust
ments, it is our sincere hope that they viii for
ever stand.
We leave Mr.. Brady TO mourn over the sad
catastrophe which has befallen his country on
account of his unfortunate absence; and again
appeal to him as a lover Of his native land,
henceforth to postpone his visits to Europe IN.
til after the adjournment Of Congress.