The daily union., 1854-02-03
The sober second Thought.

We hardly think we deceive ourselves when we con-
clude, from the indications furnished by the press from
different quarters Of the country, that the principle OF
congressional intervention proposed 10 be applied to
Nebraska is destined to obtain signal triumph The
vehemence of the abolition assault upon the bill when
was Introduced by Judge Douglas seemed for time 10
make an impression unfavoabe TO the success Of the
The exposure however 10 which this assault
has been subjected has already brought into play the
sober second thought and the result already apparent
in the responses which we receiving from every
portion OF the Union Without any exception, far
we have observed the southern press stands united in
maintaining the principle OF leaving the question of sa
very TO the people OF the Territory. II was upon this
distinct understanding that the South united in maintain
ing that the Compromise of 1850 final justment
They bear in mind The fact that in ls45, and again in
1850, they proposed 10 make the Missouri Compromise
the permanent policy of the government. They remem-
bef TOO, that IN both instances the proposition de-
feated by the opposition OF those who now pretend TO
regard that Compromise sacred. They recolec
over, that The less violent in their op-
position TO The Compromise, and that The question
was settled in 1850 in defiance of their bitter and
ceasins efforts TO defeat IT, With these recollecions
fresh in their minds the southern people unable
upon what ground they chargeable with bad faith in
now insisting upon The principle which was adopted az
final settlement OF The slavery question in 1850.
But whilst the southern press stands unit in favor
Of The principles Of the Nebraska BILL ii must be admitted
that there is division amongst our northern cotempors
es who claim TO be adherng The Compromise OF 1880
We regrcl much to see some of them undertaking 10
tain their positions by repeating and relying upon the
very arguments put forth by The abolition leaders These
n ,ck
Judge Douglas has rumphanlly shown 10 be untrue The
exposure was complete and triumphant bat whether all
of those who received their first impressions from the
address OF the aboiuonis,s will have the manlness TO
right themselves the question, are yet 10
That the indications, however, favorable TO the
final triumph Of The principle of congressional non
intervention, we cannot doubt. The principle is so
papably democratic and unques,ionably sound
remedy against further slavery agitation, that it is
working its way in the public mind. The abolition
movement has already spent its force, and the sober
ond thought is steadily and eectuay correcting its
false impressions II is being that the Nebras
ka bill ia designed TO interfere with the anti slavery
feeling OF The Norh-tha il is not attempt TO extend
slavery by congressional action but that il proposes
enforce general principle which all rightminded men,
at the North well the South admi, 10 be correct 1t
is an effort to put end the slavery agitation by ex
cudng The subject wholly from Congress, and leaving
10 the people Immediately concerned in the question.
This principle is now conceded TO be sound even by
aboltionss when applied 10 the States The prn-
epe is equally applicable to the Territories and it is
only when the principle shall be conceded fully 10
gard 10 the Territories 10 the States that the slavery
agitation be finally terminated. The establishment
OF this principle is resisted and will continue 10 be
sisted, by those selfish politicians who desire to make
slavery agitation available for their schemes of promo
on II will be acquesced in by all who sincerely desire
the slavery question finally settled. In the States
the question is settled upon the principle that under the
constitution Congress cannot interfere with the subject
il must be settled in the Territories upon the
ground. When becomes TO be universally conceded
that Congress has power to meddle with slavery
in the Territories than in the States shall have no
agitation. To this point believe the sober
ond thought Of the people is tending steadily and when
the Nebraska bill passes, the country will have 10
rejoice that important step has been taken towards
final congressional non-ineryention.
Our Cuban Position.