The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-01-20
The Missouri Compromise.

We have expressed cordial approval OF the bill in
troduced by Mr.. Douglas, providing territorial govern
ment for Nebraska 1t will be remembered that the bill,
proposed to be amended by Mr. Douglas, and
applies to Nebraska the clause slavery adopted in the
Compromise Of 1850 That clause is silent TO the
question OF slavery during the territorial condition of The
inhabitants, but expressly recognises and asserts their
right TO come into the Union State, either with
without the institution OF slavery, they may determine
In their constitution Two propositions have been luade
in the Senae-one by Senator Dixon, wing, and the
other by Senator Sumner, an aboionist-whch indi
cate that the BILL proposed by Mr. Douglas. is to I've
vigorously assaed Mr. Dixon proposes TO amend it by
clause expressly repeating the act Of 1870. commonly
known the Missouri Compromise. MIR. Sumner pro-
poses to amend it BY expressly declaring that the Mis-
sour Compromise is TO continue in force. Persons pro-
tossing speak the sentiments of Gen. Cass have per-
sisted in declaring that he satisfied with Br.
Douglass bill, and tina, he would offer SO to amend
to declare the Missouri Compromise repealed. We
Casss position 1t would only be necessary to remember
bis the slavery question in 1850 10 know that
bill which the vital principles Of the Compro-
mise of tina, year could not be otherwise than satsfac
tory to him. We that General Cass regards
doctrine Of congressional non.nerven,ion on which the
utmost powers OF his gigantic intellect put forth in
the debates the compromise measures. We are no,
prepared to say tha, he would vote, if required to
vote all. favor of proposition TO declare the Mis-
souri, Compromise null and vodi but are equally well
satisfied that he contemplated making such prop
oson, and that he is satisfied with the bill reported
by Mr., Douglas.
p,t ,hat.n ~
Cass, it is still true that wing senate, and abo-
hon senator have proposed amendments which bring
up the Missouri Compromise. We are free to declare
that should have been conten, to see the ques-
ton thus presented left where the Compromise of
1850 and the bill of Judge Douglas both left il !;
and yet it would be uncandid in US il we did no,
add that clause in the Compromise OF 1850 and in
Mr Douglass Nebraska BILL declaring the nc, OF ls2o
null and void because contravenss the principle OF
congressional non-inerven,ion. would have made both
Of these measures more N consonance with our opin-
and wishes, But accepted the acts OF 1850 as
they were passed ADD approved their passage hnsl
compromise and in the same spirit have been
tent with the perpeualion OF that Compromise as pro-
posed by Mr. Douglass Nebraska BILL We have never
yielded 10 the Missouri Compromise any other obligatory
force than that which attaches to solemn covenant
entered into BY two opposing parties for the preserva-
ton OF amcable relations To such considerations we
have felt bound 10 yield ready acquescsnce il
the Compromise the law OF the land not only In
form, but in substance and reality. Viewed as legal
question, should be constrained pronounce unsus
tanned by constitutional authority viewed as the evi.
dence OF compromise OF conflicting interests and opin.
ions have beea ready to waive the legal question
and 10 abide faithfully by lis terms ii we have studied
the southern sentiment correctly, Ibis has been the view
taken OF the Missouri Compromise in that division OF the
Union.
is scarcely necessary for us to say that whilst we
have yielded to the honorary obligation TO abide by The
Missouri Compromise, we have not doubted that its
original adoption was misfor,une-and for the reason
that in our judgment. IL stood opposed to the consu
ton, and in addition, undertook To prescribe an arbitrary
line OF demarcalon which would have been better left
TO the great laws OF Nature. accordance with the prin-
cp|e of congressional non.n,erventon. We have la
bored under the impression that these considerations
were all fully and nauely weighed ia the discussions
OF 1850, and that the Compromise then adopted was de.
signed as permanent rule for future action. It was
upon this view that we gave to Mr.. DOUGLASS bill our
ready approval and we still think that the peace and
harmony OF the country will be best secured BY is ad op
ton. We are free express strong aversion TO the
reopening OF The slavery question, and we still believe
that true wisdom dictates that this be bes, avoided
by standing firmly upon the Compromise Of 1850 as a
final adjustment
We trust that shall not be considered ofIicious in
noting the fact that the propositions in the Senate for the
amendment OF Mr.. Douglass bill have proceeded from
members Of the two parties which rrecopceably op.
posed TO democratic ascendency Although these propo-
stons emanaie from quarters apparepy 10
each other yet it do harm for democrats TO bear
in mind that their antagonsm does no, prevent thom
from barmobizng in anagonsm to the democratic party
may not be out Of place. ALSO to bear in mind that
our party has 10 making shpwreck OF its
fortunes upon the slavery question than upon all others
II understand democracy the sentiment on which il
pdes itself above all others s. that which claims for the
democratic party principles which alone the federal
Union be perpeiuaied We assert with confidence
the claim that THE Union party, and we claim
tina, BY our action at Balmor. in 1862 we clearly Illus
traed and established this claim. Whilst exulling in