The Yazoo Democrat., 1854-02-08
,V,e NebrasIza Question,


THE Nebraska Question.
In extending a territorial government to Ne
bgaska, some difference Of opinion exists, as toI
whether the principles of the compromise of
1890 with regard to slavery should be recognised
The opponents OF the administration very
indignant that an attempt should be made toI
abrogate the Missouri compromise III thus es-
tablishing such territorial government. They
are anxious that the extension of slavery should
be prescribed and for that end they maintain
with great vehemenee the sacredness of the Mis-
souri, Compromise enactment, and declare that
TO disregard is principles IN the present IN
stance is for the avowed purpose OF forcing ne
gro slavery into Territory so long and 50 uni
versally free.
The views expressed hy Gen. Cass some years
ago, respecting squatter sovereignty and the abb
sence of power in Congress to legisiate on the
internal concerns Of a Territory, have been re
spected in the Nebraska BILL and for the peace
of the country, as well as for the common rights
OF man, we hope that such principles may be
adhered to- in making Territorial provisions
however much they may be protested against by
free-soilers and Others,
Great excitement has been manifested by the
opposition upon reading the report and bill pro-
viding for Territorial government for Nebras-
ka lately made by Judge Douglas, as chairman
of the Committee on Territories in the Senate of
the United States. The National Ere, the anti
slavery organ at Washington, has commenced
issuing daily, and it calls loudly upon the
country to sustain it, adding that Daily Era
never was more imperativey called for than
now, when the Slave Power is conspiring to
rob Freedom of Territory enough to make dozen
Free States.
The Washington Union strongly urges faith
full adherence to- the principles OF the Compro-
mise of 1882 which plighted faith. party feaIty,
and love of the Union demand shall be recog-
nized anu affirmed in giving territorial govern
lnent TO Nebraska. The bill reported by Mr.
Douglas, says the Union, challenges the sup
port Of every true democrat upon the ground
that it re enacts and re-afirms the principles of
the Compromise Of 1850. 1t assumes that that
Compromise was designed to be final and per
manent in its operation. 1t assumes, what can
not be controverted, that the great principle of
the Compromise of 1850, so far the question
of slavery in new territories is involved, was the
recognition Of the doctrine of congressional nom
Intervention. This principle necessarily leaves
the question to the decision of those inha biting
the territory, and it as necessarily secures to all
citizens the right to emigrate to such territory
and to enjoy their rights, whether of person or
property, unembarrassed by congressional re-
strctions or prohibitions. This being the effec-
tive and vital principle Of the Compromise OF
1850, it must be apparent that its introduction
Al Il l. L
permanency & perpetuation to that Compromises
We understand this principle to be Incorporated
into Mr.. Douglas bill, and because we have so
understood it we have given to it a ready and
cordial support
The Richmond Enquirer, speaking ia refer
enoe to doubt which is supposed to, or actual
ly does exist in the minds of some as to the pro-
priety OF incorporating the non-intervention
principle of the Compromise of 1850 in the
territorial bill of Mr.. Douglas, says
.sFor ourselves we can see no other mole of
removing that doubt, which has been already
started than by repeating the Missouri anti-sla.
very compromise, which otherwise, in the opin-
ion of many, inyalidates the Compromise of
1850 and deprivesSthe citizens of a large portion
of the country of their equal and just right of
carrying their property into the territory of Ne
braska. The Missouri Compromise does conflict
with the Compromise of 1880, and should be-
clearly made to give way before the latter meas
of peace upon which the country have agreed
to stand. All we wish is to remove a ''doubt''
which is now beginning to be common. AS to-
the specific mode of attaining that end, we shall
not stickle for forms-but we wish to see no
room left for misconstruction.
We learn that Gen. Dodge intends offering an
amendment to the bill, the object of which will
be to divide the Territory into two equal por-
tions-one to be called Nebraska, the othel Ken
sas Territory Slavery to be tolerated in one and
excluded from the other
This affair will doubtless cause some trouble
before it is settled, and the progress of the bill
will be watched by the country with great in
terest.