Delaware State reporter., 1854-11-21
The Douglas Banquet at Chicago.

The friends Of the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas
gave him banquet i'll Chicago on the 9th inst
In reply to toast he made a long and elaborate
speech, concluding folio VS. -
In conclusion, my friends permit me to say
that there is nothing In the result of the recent
elections which should dampcn our ardor in
Siucc US TO relax our energies. 1t is evident,
from the returns in all tho States where elections
have been recvutty neId, LnaL Lney are the result
of a coalition between homogeneous and irrecon-
cilable elements, which cannot long be held to-
gether in harmonious action, (Cheers.) 1t is an
inyarable law of political action that coalitions,
when once successful cannot hold together in
in the next succeeding campaign Hostile fac
tons, like allied armies, may act in concert in
the face Of the common foe, but they fall to
pieces over the responsibilities and spoils of VIC
tory. (Applause.) Thus it will be in Pennsyl-
vania, Ohio, Indiana, and wherever else the al
lied forces of abolitionism, whigisn and Know
Nothingism have by stratagem obtained a par
tial victory over the democratic party. They
must now act ailrmatively, and by united votes
redeem all the pledges that each faction has
made, or the coalition will be instantly dissolv-
cd. Will they venture in order to retain the
support of the abolitionists, to repeal the fugi-
tive slave law-to abolish slavery in the District
Of Columbia, and to prohibit the slave trade
between the States or, in order to retain the
cooperation of the Know Nothing cabal, will
they abolish the naturalization laws and pro
scribe large portion of the American people,
because of religious faith or their place of birth!
Never They dare not.
Hence my friends, let us be of good cheer
all is well. Though the heavens are partially
overcast, the clouds are passing away. The
prospect of glorious day was never brighter.
(Cheers.) Let us stand firm by our principles
they are the principles of the constitution
of the Union-of that great democratic party
which has so long controlled the destinies of
the nation, which has conducted us to posi-
ton of greatness and power that challenges the
admiration of every enlightened people, and
which cannot be abandoned without destroying
the last hope of the enslaved and downtrodden
masses throughout the world. (Applause.) Let
there be no compromises with the enemy, for
they are the enemies Of the country-no con-
cessions to the pernicious and hateful isms of
the day. (Applause.) Let us unfur our ban
ner to the battle and breeze, having inscribed
upon it's ample folds " the constitution and the
United States rights and the right of the peo-
pile to sell-government, perfect religious tolera-
ton, and no prescription of American citizens,
wherever born" (Chcers and applause.) Let
it float proudly amidst the raging storms, for
they will be as brief as furious. They may beat
against the rock of democracy, on which that
ensign is planted, but it will not be moved. Long
after the agtated waters have subsidized it will
stand yet in its invncibility, and no man need
fear the ship of state while it is anchored to
its everlasting base. loud and long continued
eheering)