Washington sentinel., 1854-05-26
RoCHEsTEn DAILY ADVERTISER.

We cannot call to mind any paper from
either section of this confederacy that has been
a warmer, more Jealous, and more consistent
advocate of the true principles of democracy
than the Rochester Adc1tiser. 1t never halts
between two opinions. 1t never falters, and
it is neither timid nor time serving. From the
first it has been an able, active, and efficient
friend Of the Nebraska bill. When other jour
mails were trying to ride both sides of the sap
ling, it marched manfully up and took its posi-
tion and that position it has consistently main
tanned 1t is Of the hard persuasion, and its
opinions are entitled to weight. 1t thus an
nounces the passage of the Nebraska bill IN Its
issue Of the Esd inst
at will be seen by our telegraphic report,
that the Nebraska bill passed the House last
night at IL o'clock. 1t is a measure that in
wolves the great principle Of selfgovernment
though one of doubtful expediency in the
minds of many. From the beginning, we have
insisted that the very soul of our republican
institutions, was the foundation of this bill,
and that whether the passage of it amounted
to q repeal of the Missouri compromise, or the
abrogation of any other unconstitutional act
the liberties Of the people demanded it. and the
time would shortly come when all would ac-
quiesce in the justice the measure.
We have gone astray from the doctrines
that constituted the democratic creed we
have too much needed political expediency,
and violated the great charter of our freedom,
for the sake of party and political power.
This act is one step towards return to the
proper exercise of the powers delegated to Con-
v,J How ha Ia1 fol-
solution of the question, whether Congress
dare pass law, though in strict accordance
with the provisions Of the Constitution, that
contravenes the prejudices and fanatical will of
northern zealots and freesoil tricksters, and in
the face of the overshadowing doctrine Of ex-
pediency.
"We have often given our reasons, such as
they were, for believing the measure truly
democratic, and right; and have ever be-
ieved that, no matter what the local wishes
and prejudices of any portion of the Union
might be, the main question for Congress was,
whether the Constitution required the objec-
tionable feature of the bill to be incorporated
in it. We have not only, to the best of our
ability, endeavored to show the unreasonable
ness of those, who, by low epithets and de-
nunciatory threats, have constantly abused the
advocates of the BILL but have maintained that
the measure ought to be supported by all true
democrats, even though it should make capital
for politicians at Washington; who have be-
trayed and wronged the best friends of national
democratic principles, and the sternest sup
porters of the democratic cause in the State
and nation. And while we have been thus
decided, we have somewhat regretted to see
the course taken by several of our democratic
as we'll as leading men in the nation
al ranks throwing cold water upon measure
that they were forced to acknowledge, unques-
tionably right.
Gin our belief, nothing is gained in charac-
we have been sorry to see some of our promi-
nent men exhibiting considerable degree Of
coldness towards this measure, and indeed op-
posing it, because it received the favor of the
apprehend thosewho have
thus treated the question will ere long regret
it. especially when they see their names her
aided by freesoil and woolly prints, in the array
of those opposed to the bill. If democrats,
who hold to the doctrine of non-intervention,
or who believe all sections of the Union ought
to have equal protection in the enjoyment of
their constitutional rights, can justify them
selves for opposition to this bill, expediency
must be their shield, or worse excuse-op-
position to the administration. From those
who have uniformly taken the abolition or free
soil ground, advocating the Witmot proviso
restriction, we expected no other course, and
have always supposed many Of them sincere in
their conduct; but for men, confessing the
Justice of the measure, and holding to the
main principle involved in it, to give it the
cold shoulder because certain odious officers
of government approve it, deserves the dis
countenance if not the reprobation of honest
democrats. We have not seen the yeas and
nays upon the final vote, but those who have
opposed to the end, this great measure, from
such motives as are above limited at, will here
after find themselves in an awkward position"