Santa Fe gazette. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1859-1864, 1861-01-19

The indications now are that there will beyond
doubt be dissolution Of the Union. The with
drawal Of South Carolina clearly foreshadowS what
will be the course Of other Southern States which
have not been behind her in expressing their dis
satisfaction at the election Of Mr.. Lincoln anil the
notification Of the Fugitive Slave Law by many Of
the Free States. In all probability the next mail
will bring US adyces which will announce the Sc
cession Of Mississippi, Florida, and perhaps Of
Alabama and Texas. In that event, the dssolu-
ton will have been effected beyond remedy, and
the work Of reorganization will be begun without
delay
In the new order Of things, what is to be done
with the Territories belonging to the United
States! This is question easily asked but we
presume will not be answered with equal facility.
What will be their political status is another
proposition that will prove to be diicult 10 solve
unless the members Of the broken up conlederacy
shall, in some legal form agree upon plan for the
disposition Of the public domain and the liquida-
ton Of the national debt. Even in the case Of an
arrangement Of this sort it may well be consider
cd doubtful il, in times Of revolution like this
the destinies Of dependent people, like those OF
Territory can be disposed Of to suit the cOnye'
nence or interest Of States that once acknowledge
ed the supremacy Of the same Constitution that
we acknowledge but that have by their own acts
annulled the Constitution and ceased tJreC1gnize
it as the paramount law. II general breaking
up Of the Government is to be the order Of the
day; il the States exercise their right to resume
their original sovereignty it seems to us that the
oyqaai,ed Territories will be entitled to assume
an Independent position, and decide for themselves
what Is best to be done to secure for them future
tranquility and prosperity.
IT, on the other hand, the withdrawal Of six or
seven States shall not produce an overthrow Of
the Constitution il the remaining twenty-five or
six States shall remain faithful to the original
compact, then it is clear to our mind that the
Territories will be, in duty bound to continue in
their present condition until they shall be formally
admitted as States, the same as th0y would have
been had there been no secession.
Whilst it is incumbent upon every good citizen
ia reflect seriously upon the condition in which he
finds his beloved country now paced and to have
anxiety for the future oihis Territory it is at this
time premature to be deysing schemes for the
regulation of Territorial affairs. "SuIlicent TO the
day is the evil thereof" ard twill be time enough
lorus to put our house in order when the deyel-
opments shall have been made sufficiently clear to
enable us to act with a clear understanding Of all
our rights. Precptate movements may involve
US in difficulties from which it will not be easy to
extricate ourselves A prudent delay can work
no prejudice to our rights or interests, but may
greatly facilitate US in the consummatlon of what
ever policy it may be though advisable to adopt il
The circumstances should be such as to require u.
to enter upon new career.