The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-02-03
RICH Nj 0ND, VA
FRIDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 8. 1854.
SpIRIT OE THE PRESS.

The Hhip comments on the disc usson in the Sc
nate on the Nebraska bili--,he speech of Senator
luelas which is pronounced a most able one by
the friends OF the bill-and predicts that an angry
discussion will ensue in Congress, of which no one
can vet foresee the end. The passage of the bill
through the House is considered doubtful In the
event of delay, which cannot be avoided, the out
side pressure from the constituency OF the North'
ern members will very much endanser, ii not de-
teat it's success The Softs not at all prepared
to swallow proposition which has been sprung
upon them rather unawares and all of the Hards
ate by no means reconciled TO it; and present sur
mise rs to the fate OF the BILL might be premature
The Wing cannot see in Congress, so far, any de-
nonstratons very hattering to its passage; and
while the Administration is represented as favoring
it, the disclosure of the popular current will be
D9ter test to judge of its position, than those we
| now have. Movements have already been made in
New York and h . against the BILL and other
States will follow suit. 1t will require all the dec
sion and frnness this Administration can command
TO maintain position in support of the bil which
Southern Democrats are congratulating themselves
it has taken.
The enquirer regards the violent opposition
which the Nebraska bill encounters as in perfect
keeping with the grasping and ferocious nature Of
the anti slavery fanaticism, and Therefore exctes
i,.le surprise; yet there circumstances touch
ing the present dispute about Nebraska which con-
vict the abotionsts OF worse than characteristic
pertidy and injustice, These very abolitioniss,
whose pride it has been to recognsethe validity pt
higher law, and to ''sEi upon all platforms and
| contracts of mere human construction-who refuse
submission to the supremacy ofthe constitution and
counsel resistance to the laws-now agree that the
Missouri compromise was a compact, which the
| South cannot disregard without violation OF good
| faith Furthermore, during the controversy OF
1850 the South sought the extension of the Missouri
compromise line 10 the Pacific Ocean, and the North
rejected the proposition with scorn. In the debate
| on that proposition. Hale, the champion Of the
aboilioni4ts distinctly and Indignantly denied the
efficacy OF the Missouri compromise. The Eaqnir-
| er concludes that the compromise OF 1850 was in
| design and effect a repeal of the compromise of
1920, and even il this not So no blame could
attach to the South for seeking release from an
| iniquitous burden imposed upon it by the brute
| force Of numerical majority. The South should
| be content with nothing less than surrender of
| the usurPcd power and repeal OF the odious
statute This concession is essential as well to
the dignity of it character as to the security ofits
| rights.
The Penny Pos: has some editorial remarks on
| the European news, which it intersperses with
amusing anecdotes of the Incredibly of some peo-
pie, even when palpable truths placed before
| them. The Post is not so increGuous as that but
is not prepared to believe there will be general war
| in Europe for the that Nicholas is aware of
every thing that passes in the English cabinet If
he thought England in earnest, he would not resist
so obstnately all attempts at accommodation In
another article the Past aludes to the circular of
NJ Drouyn de duys Minister Of Foreign Affairs
OF the Emperor Napoleon, TO the different French
Legations, which the editor says looks more like
war than any thing else he has seen.
| The Mail, in an editorial Of considerable length,
advocates the extension of Legislative aid to col.
legiate institutions in different parts OF the State.