New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-04-09
WASHINGTON. Monday. April Z, 1856.

WASHINGTON, Monday, April Z, $780,
The Judges of the Supreme Court are holding
second consultation this evening-the former TOOK
place on Saturday night-upon the case indirectly
involving the constitutiOnality of the Missouri
Compromise, which was argued at the last term
and the decision of which was then postponed ior
want of time. The discussions thus far have iur-
nished no indication of the probable decree, but
there is manifest disposition to avoid the real issue
by the introduction of question affecting the Jurls
diction of the Court If that inclination should be
carried out, it would be difficult, If at all practical
be for the minority of the Court to give expression
to their convictions concerning the Missouri Com
promse-for if there is jurisdiction Of the cause
there can hardly be opinions to offer upon Its mer-
it,, according to the ordinary usage. One OF the
Southern Judges, who upon the hearing oil the ar
cuments expressed decided leaning to the right
of the colored claimant to his freedom, upon the
principles recognized in his own immediate circuit
and those settled BY the uniform practice of laws
for tbirtyfy wears is understood to have retraced
his steps and to look with very different eyes upon
the matter now. Judges Mclean, Curtis and
Crier will probably unite in their action, but Judge
Nelson is vet uncertain. The other I'VE are from
the South aud will hardly divide for It must be
known that the sectional sentiment which untes
the South in Congress is also ielt ana manifested
in the highest judicial tribunal.
No material change has occurred IN the state oil
our relations with England in regard to the two
questions which have been che subject OF such pro-
tracted and serious controversy Now that the
Peace Conference is about concluding its iabOrs-
if they be not already terminated-Lord Claren'
don will doubtless address himself to the answer
to Mr.. Marcy's last dispatch demanding the recall
of Mr. Champion, according to the assurance
which he gave Nr. Buchanan before joining the
nepotiatOrs at Paris. Mr.. Champions explana-
tions were communicated some time ago, and it ID
full time the promised reply was Forthcoming.
The purpose is still firmly fixed here to give MIR.
Champion his passports unless the request OF the
Government is complied with and neither the
arts of diplomacy nOr the expedient OF delay,
which has been practiced with too much impu-
nifty, will serve to shake that intention.
There is very good reason TO suppose that the
British Government is well inclined TO escape
from the embarrassment and complications of the
Central American question by any back door which
will not compromise its honor. And as the Bay
Islands were made 10 great extent the turning
and practical point of the discussion, inasmuch az
tbey were col0nzed since the Clayton Bulwer
Treaty and in cOntraventiOn of its obligations, an
ntimatOn has been made thatthey might be ceded
to the State OF Honduras as SORT OF cOmprO-
mise. This suggestion has not been presented in
an official shape but the design has been to sound
those in authority by Indirect Oyertures. 1t is
very well known to all who have bestowed any
attention uIon this subject, that possession of the
Bay Islands was obtaint by forcble seizure, and
the flag of Honduras was shametully struck down
while floating over its own conceded jurisdiction.
If such proposition as has been named were sub
mitted it is difficult to see how the Administration
could consistently reject it, carrying as it would
do, the construction of the treaty which has been
so strenuOusly asserted on our side. We have no
more right to the Bay Islands than the British
have and if they are prepared to admit by this act
of retrocession, 10 matter in what language itmay
be clothed, that the treaty was violated by the
colonization, then our point will have been en-
trely gained, and we ought to have no hesitation
in saying 60.
The prospect Of peace in Europe has materially
affected the feeling of the British Government
toward the United States. And it is very percep-
tble to all discerning eyes. With the conviction
which must have impressed itself on the mind of
every statesman, OF the probability Of n new aud
large direct trade between Russia and this country
by which England has heretofore almost exclu-
siyely profted our commercial intercourse must
be affected to her disadvantage; that concessions
will now be proposed which, four months ago,
would have been as curly refused as was any fur
Their correspondence on the Central American ques-
ton. Necessity after all, has material influence
upon the temper of nations well az upon that OF
individuals aud the changed course OF British pol
icy furnishes striking illustration OF 1t III the pres
ent case. lDEA.