Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1854-06-08
Correspondence Of the N. Y. Herald.
From Washington.

dent and his Cdbinet-TAe efforts TO keep
up the pluck Of General Pierce.
WAsHINoros, May 80, 1854.
Now that the Nebraska Kansas Bill has
become a law, it is we'll the public should
know how far the President and his Cabinet
can claim any credit for the contamination
of that event.
II is unnecessary to refer TO the backing
and filling Of the government organ upon the
question-one day making it an administra-
ton measure, and the next leaving it an open
matter-to show that at no time was there
any stability in the administration support.
But here are other proofs of the dapliciiy Of
the Cabinet and the imbecility of the Pres
ident, which, although they are patent 10
every well informed person here, are not so
well known TO the country.
In the first place, there never was any at
tempt on the part Of certain members OF the
Cabinet to make out they were in favor of
the measure. They openly deprecated the
introduction of the question, and declared
that, SO far as they were concerned they
were opposed TO it. or this number was
Mr.. McClelland, the Secretary of the In
terror who went SO far as to write private
letters to his State (Michigan) to this eff
feet, and for writing which he was called to
account by some Of the papers in Detroit.
Caleb Cushing-never very decided upon
anything-mereiy limited his disapprobation
whilst his private clerk and his intimate
friends were amongst the noisiest opponents
Of the bill, on the avenue and in the hotels.
Mr.. Marcy declared he was too much en-
crossed in foreign affairs TO care about do
nestle matters At the celebrated dinner
10 the "hards," he was asked his opinion
about Nebraska. 'Well," he replied, 81
have no opinion 10 offer. think with the
representative of my district, (Peckham)
and am satisfied he will properly represent
me-" Mr.. Peckham was known to be a
bitter opponent Of the bill, and ultimately
voted against it.
Gen. Pierce, however, after he was con-
WINGED Of the propriety Of the billiard it
was neither an easy or rapid business 10
bring him to that state of Undetermined
at all times TO profess his support Of the
principle. But it was all profession, and so
glazing did the inconsistency of his profess
sions conflict with the actions of his subor-
dinates, that at length distinguished men,
strate. "Sir," said he, 81 am satisfied Gen.
Pierce is in favor Of the Nebraska bill, but
see no evidence that the President is in ia
vor Of it. The members of the Cabinet are
either ]ukewarm in their support, or they
are acting in secret hostility TO it. Mem
bers OF Congress over whom you might
reasonably be supposed to exercise an infn-
ence-even those from your own State--are
the most active opponents Of the bill. Mr..
Polk, when he was President, could always
command some thirty votes or more upon
any important question. Mr.. Fillmore, who
was weak President, could influence from
twenty TO twenty-five. How is il, sir, that
YOU have not The power to influence vote,
while nearly all Of your personal friends are
opposing the bill?"
This was a remembrance from which
there was no escape, and accordingly, the
last week of the debate, before the passage
of the bill. jeff. Davis and one or two other
members of the Cabinet exerted themselves,
and although their exertions amounted 10
but little, that was The effect Of their own
weakness, end the weakness Of the admin
istration.
These are facts, and cannot be got over.
The administration was first kicked into the
support of the Nebraska Bill, and after
wards kept from sliding ont by fear, and
the indignant remonstrances Of the friends
Of the measure in Congress.
How supremely ridiculous, then, for the
administration to claim any credit for the
passage of the bill, or to urge its success as
an administration victory! Let the credit
be given where it is due, and principally TO
the untiring zeal, ability and courage of
Judge Douglas.