Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-02-07
THE TACTICS IN THE SENATE.

1t is now certain that the People are not to
be consulted on the proposed repeal Of the Mis-
souri, Compromise. They have acquiesced in
that measure for thirty three years-they have
regarded il as an unalterable law-but Mr.
Douglas and his associates, controlling q ma
jority Of the Senate, without suggestion from
any quarter, coolly propose to abrogats this
Law, without waiting to see whether the People
will consent TO il, or not. In the Senate, yes
terday, that gentleman minated his purpose
TO ask vote on the Bill today, should no
Senator be prepared to speak: the intention is
to force it through this week, although it 10
well understood that the People generally have
not had time even to comprehend the measure.
They evidently are not dreaming that such an
afront against Popular Sovereignty even can
be meditsted by men calling themselves Demo
Gratis; for we observe that in one Of the States
. State Convention, to protest against it, is ad
vertised 10 meet on the 10th of this month
Not only do the managers disregard the
People; they show no respect for the rights OF
their fellow members, or for Legislative usages,
Other measures are fairly submitted to the
confederation Of the Senate. Objections from
any quarter are entertained; amendments from
individual members no matter how limited
their general influence are tried upon their
merits; and the Bill is thus matured by the
joint efforts of all. But this great measure, on
which, as no opportunity has been allowed TO
the People to speak, there is the more reason
why all their representatives should be fully
heard, is made an exception. The Senate il
not 10 be suffered TO deliberate and act upon it
IS upon other measures. Caucus controlled
BY lew men, originates the Bili--Caucus
amends the Bll-Caucus determines that no
alterations shall be made in the Bill, on mo.
tions Of its pponents-Caucus decides when
the Bill shall pass. A Power outside Of the
Senate controls the Senate, and as effectually
depriyes the minority Of any part in the work
Of legislation, as if the members Of that mi
nority were not representatives Of Sovereign
States.
Aftsr the delivery OF the speech of Mr.
Chase, IL became obvious that the averment in
the 4th section Of the BiIl---that tho "Mis-
souri Compromise was superseded by the prin-
ciples Of the Legislation Of Is50D--could not
stand II was too glaring an untruth to be
voted, even by the friends Of the measure.
MI. Chase accordingly moved TO strike ii out;
bat in pursuance OF caucus arrangement, he
was soon Taught that no matter whether the
friends Of the Bill favored the object or mot no
suggestions would DO entertained either from
him or those concurring with him. Several
Senators put themselves out OF the way---oth.
crs eat in their seats and were silent--his mo-
ton was Iost--yeas 10, nays 80. The Caucus,
having thus asserted its supremacy over the
senate, then went 70 wwk TO get rid Of the
very avcrment it had voted to sustain as against
him. Mr.. Douglas minated that he himself
had no objection TO modifying the section
no would substitute the words, inconsistent
with,p Tor "snperseded.' Mr. Cass declared
that this would suit him. although he would
be willing 70 vote plainly for the abrogation Of
the Missouri Compromise, without assigning
reason. Mr. Badger could Gee no difference
between the phrascclogy Of the section a. il
stood and that proposed by Mr. Douglas. A
dssaltcvy debate sprung up, and Mr. Douglas
Intmated that, A. there seemed to DO some
difEeuIty i was better perhaps to take time
and think IL over.
50 the senate adjourned, and tho Caucus, va
presume, then went into consultation upon
cha AZ subslitnte for the word superseded
We write this article before hearing Of the 70.