Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-06-15
Senator DOUGLAS in New York.

4 NCAdtO1 OOuS 1co IL NOW 4O1 IL
In New York the Young Mems Democrat
ic Union Club compimented Senator Doug
las with serenade on Saturday night at the
St. Nicholas. A brief address was made by
John Cochrane, on behalf of the Club, to
which Mr. Douglas replied at considerable
length.
Senator Douglas in the course Of his re-
marks spoke as follows =
| hear an abolitionist across the way ask
ing about the Missouri compromise Now, |
have been accustomed to this kind of tactics
before. When was in the senate explaining
the principle Of the Nebraska bill, and when
its enemies found themselves unable to answer
me, they raised the cry Of Missouri compro-
mise which was nothing more than re-
striction upon the right of the people to gov
ern themselves. The Nebraska bill was in
tended TO give them the free and unrestricted
exercise of that right, and any man who is
opposed to it is opposed to the great principle
of self government. Enthusiastic cheering.
Let US then, understand this question distinct
ly. The object of the Nebraska bill was to
remove that restriction, to give equal rights
TO every state and territory in the Union, to
allow the people to exercise all those rights
which are guaranteed by the constitution.
| (cheers) | find that the Nebraska bill is
growing in the popular favor as 1t is becoming
more thoroughly understood. | hear men
now say that although they opposed it at first,
that they are now willing TO acquiesce in it
and if they are, let us take them at their word !;
but let us first understand what they mean by
acquiescence. 1t is not sufficient that they
shall not seek to disturb Nebraska and Kan
sas; but they must acquiesce also in the prin-
ciple, and apply it in all time to come, when
the question of the admission of any new state
arises, whether it be Nebraska, Kansas, Ore
gon, Mexico, Cuba, or the Sandwich Islands,
Enthusiastic cheering, and cries of that's it ,
- 60 it, Douglas.) The principle for which
we contend is right everywhere-if it is right
in one part Of the United States, it is right in
every part; and if right now, it is right in all
time to come. Now, my fellow democrats,
this is cardinal principle in our constitution
I-one that cannot be violated with safety.
The Missouri act of 1920, which was opposed
to this principle, has resulted in a most dan
gerous agitation, and so long as that restrict
ion remains the country will be subject to ag-
tation. Let US now say, here is principle
clearly defined, and call upon the people to
rally as one man in support Of that principle
from the halls of congress. (Cheers.) |
shall not detain you by making speech.
lCries of go on.O l have done my share in
discussing the Nebraska bill, for one season,
and now desire to return my thanks for the
kind manner in which you have received me.
and for the opportunity which you have afford
ed me of defining the principle laid down in
the bill. Let that principle be carried into
your elections, and let each candidate define
his position upon it. | have been threatened
with consequences of terrible character to
myself, but | am ready to meet them, be they
what they may. (Cheers.)
If the abolitionists think that burning me in
efligy is good argument, let them continue
it, and if they consider hanging me in effigy
is amusing, they may indulge as much as they
please in such amusements. / desire TO meet
this question, and argue fairly upon its merits,
and if the wings and abolitionists desire TO
form an amalgamation, trust there is patriot
ism enough in this land to meet and crush
their insidious attempts to destroy this Union.
! (Cheers) We have already been told that
in consequence of the passage of the Nebraska
bill, the fugitive slave law is never more to
be cnforced-they say the law of the land
shall be resisted-that although the constitu-
tOn declares that fugitives shall be returned,
and that every man holding Office shall. carry
1t into effect, the constitution shall be tram
pied upon, and that oaths shall no longer bind
men.
A voice-They dare'nt try it in New York.
The democracy won't let Them
Mr.. Douglas-The democracy are the con-
stitutional party. They believe that the con-
stitution and all its clauses shall be faithfully
executed. We are the law abiding party-the
constitutional party. We stand always in
support Of the constitution, the laws and the
rights of the people, and we invite our enc
mics TO meet us on this issue OF the ballot box.
and before the people, wherever argument and
reason can prevail. (Cheers).
Senator Douglas and his friends then retir-
ed from the balcony amid the cheers of the
crowd.
- The City Grays, 1t J. c. Richardson
commanding, visited Portland on Friday last,
by invitation Of the authorities Of that CITY. to
assist in escort duty on the occasion of the re-