Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-01-24

say-the Washington Union has again faced
to the right-about. Although it had opposed
as late as Friday, any attempt to repeal the
Missouri restriction, it is now willing to re-
move all doubt by definite and distinct legis
lation. We are glad of it, if the fresh con
viction be true and permanent; for il is
never too late for honest contrition and sin
cere repentance. The Territorial COMMITTEES
of the Senate has presented clear proposition,
and we trust that the Washington Union will
now join with US in repairing the injury which
its erring course has already effected, because
it spoke in official accents and led many weak
vessels astray. In an article written by us
some months ago, we remarked that the de-
fence which an organ could give an admins
tration was really valueless, whilst its frequent
blunders must tell with crushing force. II may
be, therefore, that the Washington Union can
not repair the damage done by its adherence
to the Missouri compromise; but if it la
bors with zeal aud energy to accomplish thai
end, we will do what we can to help it. At all
events, we trust that it will remember the Pa
cifc railroad and the territory Of Nebraska
when it again undertakes to lead public senti
ment.
But perhaps some incredulous persons may
not believe that the Washington Union has
turned, in the twinkling of an eye, in the man.
ner and form we have stated. For the benefit
Of such, if any such there be- we quote the
following extract from the Washington Onion
of Sunday, which is the last number of that
journal that has been issued up to the time Of
this present writing:
"The bill reported by Mr.. Douglas chal-
lenges the support of every true democrat upon
the ground that it reenacts and re-afirms the
principles of the compromise of 1850. 1t as
sumes that that compromise was designed to be
final and permanent in its operation. II as
sumes, what cannot be controverted, that the
great principles Of the compromise of 1850, so
ries is involved, was the recognition of the
doctrine of congressional nonintervention.
This principle necessarily leaves the question
to the decision of those inhabiting the terri
tory, and it as necessarily secures to all citi
zens the right to emigrate to such territory,
and to enjoy their rights, whether of per
son or property, unembarrassed by con-
gressional restrictions or prohibitions. This
being the effective and vital principle of the
compromise of 1850, it must be apparent
that its introduction into the Nebraska bill is
no more than giving permanency and perpet-
uation to that compromise. We understand
this principle to be incorporated into Mr. Doug
lass bill and because we have so understood
it we have given to it ready and cordial sup
port. But if there can be doubt raised on
this point, it is due to the momentous character
Of the question that such doubt shall be re-
moved. This can be done in strict accordance
with the compromise Of 1850, and it is on the
ground that the principles of that compromise
ought to be perpetuated that no room for mis-
construction should be left. By the compromise
of 1850, the Territories of Utah and New
Mexico we're free and open to emigration, and
the rights Of person and property were subject
only to the restrictions and limitations imposed
by the Constitution of the United States and
the acts giving governments to these terrific
ries. The same provision is made in Mr..
Douglass bill for Nebraska; or if it is doubt
full whether such provision is made, we are
sure every democrat will readily see that
faithful adherence to the compromise of 1850
requires that it should be made. The great
matter is to stand firmly united upon the prin-
eiples of the compromise. BY this course alone
can we avoid the agitation which our enemies
are so willing to foment. On this ground, we
believe their hopes of sowing discord and dis
sension again in our ranks will be signally dis.
appointed"