The Missouri Compromise was still held sacred.

Finally, however, it was with Douglas's assistance that the Compromise measures of 1850 were passed, one of which provided for territorial Governments for Utah and New Mexico with the proviso that, when admitted as States, slavery should be permitted or prohibited as the citizens of those States should determine at the time.

Congress refrained from any declaration as to slavery in the Territories.

It was this policy of "non-intervention" which four years later furnished plausible excuse for the repeal of the Missouri Compromise.
It was not strange that there was general ignorance in all parts of the country as to the resources of the newly acquired territory.

The rush to the goldfields precipitated action in respect to California.