The true Democrat., 1854-12-27
Ne,C OrIenns. Dec. 4 1854

Ne,o Orleans Dec 4, 1854
 DEAR SRI have read with attention and gratitude the proceedings of meeting of the democracy of New Orleans, held on the even- ing of the 2d inst, and which have been pla- ced in my hands by special committee of fif- ty citizens under circumstances which could not fail to be agreeable to my feelings, together with a letter in which 1 am requested to accept of public dinner, and also to address my de- mocratic friends upon important topics referred to in the resolutions of the meeting.
 Waving the public dinner as an acceptable compliment, whose chief value consists in its tender as a mark of respect and confidence, it is with unfeigned regret that public duties and engagements which 1 am not at liberty to dis regard, compel me to forego the pleasure of ac- ceptng your kind invitation to address my de- mocratic friends upon the great constitutional questions which now so deeply agitate the pub lie mind, and upon the final decision of which, in my humble opinion, the peace of the coun- try and the perpetuity of the republic mainly depends. It is grateful to my feelings to be as sured that you have watched with patriotic so- lictude the progress of the struggle in which I have recently been engaged in my own State, and especially that you have justly and proper " estimated the merits of that struggle as an effort on my part Tn tue maintenance oftle con- stitution of tue United States and tss reseyvel rights of the seueral States
 It is certainly a fundamental principle in our republican system that the people of each State, and of each territory, preparatory to its admis- sion into the Union as a State, have the unde- niable right to form and regulate their domestic institutions and internal concerns in accordance with their own views, subject to no other limi- tation or restriction than that which the consti- tuition of the United States has imposed upon each and all the States.
 If this principle be correct, the act of Con- gress for the organization of the territories of Kansas and Nebraska is clearly right so far as the vexed question of slavery is sinvolved
 It is also a principle in our republican sys- tenn, equally sound and fundamental, that its the duty of all men to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and that no man should be prescribed, either be- cause of the place of his birth or of his reli- gious faith. If this principle be right, it would seem to be wrong to form secret associations. bound together by the most solemn oaths to prescribe and enforce religious test, or any other test for office or public trust under the United States, other than that which is autho- rized and sanctioned in the constitution.
 These two great principles have constituted the issues, and the only material issues involy- ed in the recent elections in the North western States. It has been desperate struggle between the friends of the constitution and of State- rights, and of religious toleration on the one side and aboitionism and Know Nottingham and all the other isms of the day, fused and combined, and rendered efficient by the rigid discipline of secret political organization. whose oaths assume to release its members from their obligations as men and citizens. and de- prlve them of their individuality by compelling them to vote in all cases just as a majority of the council shall direct. It has been a terrific struggle between patriotism and fanaticism with results in several States, apparently disastrous to the friends of the constitution.
 But we have no reason to be discouraeed.- Wherever the issues have been boldly metand thoroughly discussed, with sufficient time for passion to subside or reason to return the vic- tory has been ours. So it will be in the future. We have only to stand firm by our principles: :: to make no compromises with the enemy-no concessions to the allied isms-and our triumph Is as certain as the power of truth.
 You will do me the favor to make known to those you represent my grateful acknowledge ments for this manifestation of their kindness and confidence, and accept for yourself assu- rance of the sincere regard and esteem of your friend, s. A. DOUGLAS.
 Hon. Emile LaSere, Chairman, etc.
 New Orleans, Dec 6, 1854. To the Hon. r J. Rusk:
 DEAR SIR-On behalf of the committee ap- pointed at meeting If the democratic party of this city, held on Tuesday evening, we take great pleasure in presenting you the enclosed copy of their proceedings.
 In conformity with one of the resolutions,