The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-03-20

The Ultimatum OF the sOutl-Necessity
OF It's Endorsement by the City or New
York.
The most cheering event that has transpired
in the United States, since the last Presidential
election, has been the adoption, by the South
ern confederacy, Of a constitution which every
candid mind must pronounce to be admirably
adapted to the wants of the country, in the
present crisis. 1t affords clear proof of the
skill, energy, and forethought, with which the
government Of the new republic are moulding
its destinies; and the concilatory spirit in
which it has been conceived, stands forth in
most favorable contrast with the vicious, mar
row minded policy of the faction which holds
the reins of power at Washington There is
no point of difference between the constitution
of 1889, and that framed by the Congress at
Montgomery, in which the provisions of the
latter, are not an Improvement upon the former
No change has been made to protect slavery,
beyond such explanations, as were needed to
restore to Shareholders the privileges of which
exceptional, local Legislation had robbed them.
The increase Of the term OF the Presidential
office; the abolition of protective tariffs; the
checks imposed upon appropriations, and re-
movals Of subordinate officers; the postal re-
gulations, and those relating to the Cabinet
are provisions which commend themselves to
the common sense Of thinking citizens and
must meet with universal sanction. The new
constitution, is, in fact, The olive branch which
the South holds out to the North; and, what
ever course may be pursued by the Lincoln ad-
ministration, it is the duty Of the people of
this city to signify, with promptness, their
readiness to accept il
But for the imbecility. Inconsistency, venality,
and suicidal blindness Of the leaders of the re-
publican party, the opening that is now afforded,
for fair and peaceful interchange of senti-
ment, between the rival sections of the Union,
would be seized upon with avidity, and a
speedy pacifcation Of differences might be
looked for. The presence of Messrs Roman,
Forsyth and Crawford in the national capital,
as Commissioners of the Southern republic,
would be greeted as an suspicious omen; their
representations would be respectfully listened
to; the Montgomery constitution would be
taken for basis of negotiation; an extra ses-
sion of Congress would be convened to consider
it, as an amendment Of the federal constitution:
and, before six weeks, 1t might be submitted
TO the popular vote, and would undoubtedly
be accepted by over three fourths Of the States.
1t is not probable, however, that the present
administration will resolve upon initiating a
course which combines disinterestedness. pa
triotism, and sound craftsmanship, with a par
tial abandonment of the fanaticism that has
formed the groundwork Of its elevation TO
power. IL Is TO be feared that il will continue
| TO spread gloom and forcboding over the land.
by persevering in the course of weakness and
folly which has characterized il hitherto. In
der circumstances so deplorable, no Immediate
practical method of expressing popular opinion
exists, excepting through conventions and pub.
lie meetings; and It is especially necessary
that the conservative masses of this metropo-
lis, should take the lead in endorsing the con.
stitution which the Confederate States of the
South have adopted, and Of signifyiDg their
willingness 10 acquiesce in the same.
There has been no moment, when the
clouds which hang over the prosperity
Of the Northern States, were so dark
and menacing as they are now. II
no remedy is applied, the corner stone of the
future greatness Of the Southern confcderacy
viii be laid In the ruins Of the financial, agri