The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-05
The Compromise Eliminating from New
York.

The Compromise Emnnating from New
York.
We are in favor of Mr.. Crittcnden's plan Of
compromise, or any similar mode by which
settlement Of the dangerous question which
now menaces the peace of the country may be
effected. But it appears to us that the method
proposed by Lucius Robinson-a republican
member Of the New York Legislatures de-
cidedly the best, because the simplest, the most
easily understood, most in accordance with the
constitution, and most certain to prevent re-
currence of the slavery agitation in Congress.
and to get rid forever of all difficulty about
the Territories The proposition of Mr.. Robin
son is to admit Kansas as she is on her present
application, and to divide all the remaining ter
ritory 80 as to form two States, to be ad-
mitted as States of this Union Immediately
upon the adoption by the inhabitants of such
State constitutions as the constitution Of the
United States prescribes. Thus the great "dis-
turbing element in our national councils
would be excluded for all future time, and the
federal republic, instead of Earring to its own
destruction, would work tremendously with its
complicated machinery and its wheels within
wheels.
The adoption of this measure by Congress,
and the placing of the Fugitive Slave law on
The same basis as the law for the retaining Of
criminals, or as the treaty with England for tho
rendition of persons charged with felony,
would be amply sufficient to settle the whole
question at issue between the North and the
South. When England demands a fugitive
from justice, in pursuance of the extradition
treaty, it is not permitted us to try the case
upon the merits by jury. The accused must
be tried in the country whence he has escaped.
All that is needed here is that a prina fdcie
case be made out as to the identity of the par
ty and the nature of the offence, and the fugi-
tive is delivered up. This is the common sense
way of carrying out the provision of the con-
stitution for restoring fugitive slaves to their
masters, and the constitution might be so
amended as to have it inserted a. a supplement
iary provision.
This and the territory are really the only two
questions to be settled; and If the New York
Legislature, now in session, will adopt the
proposition submitted to it by Mr.. Robinson,
the effect will be instantaneous and immense
upon the other Northern States and upon
Congress. Such a proposition coming from
the great Empire State, will be respectfully
received everywhere, and probably adopted
by the Legislatures now sitting or about to be
convened. To make assurance doubly sure.
a convention ought to be called in this State to
endorse it, and public meetings ought to be
held in every city and town to obtain an ex-
preston Of the public opinion. Thus the pa
iriotic ardor of the people would be spread
from State to State in favor Of Union and
peace, instead of civil war to coerce
fifteen States into Union against their will-an
attempt which would result In certain failure,
whatever political Hotspurs or men unac-
quainted with military history and the art Of
war may think to the contrary. BY this simple
measure, which calls for no sacrifice Of prin-
ciple on Of party, the disunion spirit in the
South would be appeased and the secession
NOV cment would be arrested. Nine-tentbs OF
the Southern people are in favor of the Union.
If they could obtain justice in it, and not one
tenth in favor of secession at all hazards.
whether justice be rendered by the North or
not. But II equity is refused, then the proper
ton will be the other way, and nine-tenths will
be for separation, either b. peace or war, aud
not one tenth in favor OF Union in which the
Southern States are denied the rights Of CO.
equal partners
BY the pressure Of State Legislatures AMI
public opinion, developed through public n,rr,.
ings, Congress would be compelled 10 sue.
cumb. and adopt the compromise pro.
posed in the New York Legislature RI
Congress continued to resist "the voice of God"
as expressed through the people. then the peo-
pie, by their State conventions, could soon set
tie the matter. The petitions to Congress. pour
ing in from democrats and republicans alike, N
favor of Crttcndeh's proposition to extend ,he
Missouri line. show that the people want com
promise. and that they would 90 heartily for the
plan proposed by Mr., Robinson. which not only
carries oul tie idea Of tic other compromise,
but settles The question speedily, because by "A