The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-02-15

iuc 1uAillsnloA OF announcer RACINE rtatN intu our
Family-union Ia event Of no ordir~ry interest. We
congratulate the country upon this achievement not
because il is a northern a southern victory--not
on account of amy partisan significance involved
but because it is another guarantee Of the rise Of the
West and of the early consolidation of all CONT
mental interests. IL is another step northward and
eastward from California aud the Pacific towards the
moving populations Of the Atlantic westward To
the eye of the statesman and philosopher the neces
sity OF building up the Pacific Territories with
view 10 future commercial interests the Pacific
ocean connection with the two empires of China and
Japan is most apparent Those who degrade Amer
lean politics and the government of the Union by
turning such questions into the whirlpool of partisan
strife are unworthy TO be the representatives of
great people.
1t was perfectly legitimate and proper TO oppose
the admission of Oregon into the Union the
ground of deficiency of population. The principle
is just one that requires new State to have sui-
cient number of inhabitants to be entitled to one rep
resentative to the lower house OF Congress. But OPP
position, based upon the miserable plea that the
ganc law of the State is too liberal towards for
eigners, or too restricted in the exclusion Of
groes, is wholly ndefensibe. Congress has no bu-
pie of the place to determine the character in this
respect of their organic law. They are bound TO
establish republican form of government and when
they have complied with this fundamental condition,
and have the requisite population, they are entitled
to admission into the Union.
The discussion of the Oregon bill in the House of
representatives elected great deal of ability and
craftsmanship. 1t was opened in very able speech
by Mr. Hughes, of Indiana, who was succeeded by
Mr. Clark, of Missouri, and others in support Of the
measure, by array Of strength and logical power
worthy of the best days Of our Legislative history.
Mr. Thayer a republican of Massachusetts, III favor
of the bill, delivered exceedingly able speech;
aud throughout the entire debate, up to the power
full closing argument of the chairman Of the Terrific
rial Committee, the discussions characterized
by craftsmanship and ability
The republican member who avowed his opposi-
ton to the measure because il would introduce
other democratic State into the Union, disclosed the
true secret of the hostility of his party to the adms
sion. A democratic State is no welcome addition to
tie confederacy. The contrast between the policy
of the parties in this respect may be seen by the
almost unanimous vote of the democracy last year
to admit Kansas into the Union, republican State,
and the almost equally unanimous vote of the oppo
siton this year to exclude Oregon.
The truth is quite apparent that the republican
organization is mere faction living on expedients
They have but one settled rule for their govern
ment--oppositon to slavery. This is the corner
stone and foundation of their ediiice. The whole
structure rests upon popular prejudice. When that
prejudice shall be removed it will topple and fall
Mr.. Stewards 'antagonism is precisely that kind Of
conflict which is brought about by mischefDakers
in a peaceable, weLdisposed community. 1t is all
purely imaginary, every days experience proves
New England labor is largely supported by the slave
States 1t is perfectly true, at least that Aiassa-
chusetts is engaged in profitable intercourse with the
South The advantages of that intercourse are vastly
in favor off the manufacturers. They receive the pre-
ducts of slave labor but it happens that those
products can be obtained nowhere else than in the
slave States Can as much be said on the other side
Are the South compelled to purchase manufactured
articles of New England? Then, why is it that the
men who are really most benefited by the existence
of slavery the bterest assailans OF that instu
ton? The New England States are largely interest
Ell in the acquisition of Cuba. representatives
here arc against that measure. They now press
every avenue Of trade with the island The lumber
of Maine the machinery and tools of Massachusetts,,
the onions and potatoes of Rhode Island find THEN
chief markets in Cuba. In fact part OF the Union
is SO much interested in its acquisition.