Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-01-23
The state of the Union.

An interesting discussion occurred in the State
Senate, on Thursday, upon the subject of our
Federal relations, occupying nearly the entire day
This time the proposition came from the Republi
can side, and it amounted to merely an aflirma
ton of undated confidence in the Constitution
and the Union, and submission of the political
difficulties of the country to the patriotism and
wisdom of Congress.
This is an affectation of modesty on the part of
the Republican Senators, which would be very be-
coming if sincere; but we think it assumed
difidence to avoid responsibility. Is there Re-
publican Senator who does not believe himself
as fully competent to settle our National diff
fculties as the tribunal to whom they now desire
to refer the whole subject, and who would not re-
gard it as an insult to doubt his ability to do SO?
Is it possible, then, that this species of humbug-
gerry will deceive any body? How much more
manly would it be for them to say eve do not vet
desire to commit ourselves as to the policy to be
pursued, until we see the measure which will
meet with popular favor" That is the plain
English of the proposed action of the Republi-
can Senators. 1t is not that they have any special
confidence in the wisdom and patriotism of Con
gress which induces them to propose its reference
to that body but for the reason that the Republican
party evidently incapable of meeting the issue
The Republicans Indicate desire to beg the
question, and not commit themselves to any plan
of adjusting the difficulties which threaten dis
union. This policy is eminently characteristic OF
that party. Its members are afraid to meet and
determine great issue. Different is the policy
of the Democracy. They are willing to settle
the antagonism between the two sections, upon
any basis honorable, just and generous, that
promises permanency and peace. They propose
to that end to yield differences of opinion, and
accept the proposition of life long political op
ponent. And we know of no policy more just
than the partition OF territory as proposed by Mr.
CRlTTESDEN The Northern dominant party
demand the exclusion of slavery from al
the Territories, while the South claim
that they have the right to carry that
property into all the Territories and have it pro
tected as long as they remain in territorial con
dition. A division is suggested, which demend;
concessions on both sides, as the best means Of
settling the difficulty. And to take the question
out of Congress and politics, it is proposed to
make the settlement final by constitutional
amendments. If the Republicans really desire a
determination of the question, why do they not
have the courage and generosity to accept prop
osition which will be satisfactory to the South. dc
no wrong to the North, and restore peace to the
country? Ifthe Legislature of Indiana would
unanimously indorse the CRIrTESDEs amendment
our word for it, in thirty days the dssensons now
existing would be healed, and the country AGAR
ssume its career of prosperity and progress. The
iorking men Of Indiana demand settlement o.
lis question. and politicians will do well to heet
hat voice ere it be too late.