Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1854-01-26
Benton and Douglas' Bill.


The Washington correspondent of the st.
Louis Republican, writing under date of the
18th says: 81 believe | alluded in my last,
to Benton's supposed position on Douglas
Nebraska bill. 1t surprises me to learn
that he openly declares his opposition to it.
How he reconciles his course with his pre-
vious professions on this subject, SO inter-
esting to his constituents, / cannot under
stand. The Free sellers, of course, oppose
the bill because it repeats the Missouri com.
promise of 1920 But Benton never here
tofore manifested hostility to that measure.
In 1850, and previously, he refused COM
plete utilization and Identification with the
Free sellers on this very ground. The an
ti-slavery clause of the Missouri compro-
mise bill of 1920, was the Wilmot Proviso
applied TO particular territory. When re-
quired to take distinct position on that
question, Benton refused to pledge himself
to the proviso because il was goats wool"
Perhaps, however, his present attitude is
not so inconsistent with his then existing
objections to an open alliance with free soil
ers; for as applied to Nebraska, the provi-
so is not goats WOOL Many of the settlers
preparing to establish their homes there,
will take slaves with them; and there is no
doubt that, if left to themselves, they will
make Nebraska a slave State. This bill is
likely TO create much excitement in Con-
gress, and long and warm debates. But it
will, nevertheless, pass by an immense ma
iority through both Houses. Gen. Houston
will oppose it, because it violates, in his
judgment, the faith Of the Government
pledged to the Indians settled upon the ter
ritory. 1t is reported that Gen. Cass and
other fogies, are contemplating amendments
to the bill, so as to make it moro clear and
definite on the subject of slavery. This is
mere factious trifing. The provisions of
Douglas bill on this head are perfectly con-
elusive. As do not wish TO leave my rea-
ders under any false impressions inrespect
10 my own views on this question, and
thereby to incur the charge of want of
candor, will say that think the NIissou-
ri compromise ought to be still observed in
its full extent, and should be enforced in its
letter and spirit. But l aim to comment on
men and measures, in connection with the
controversy, with perfect impartiaity. The
idea of making Nebraska mere football, to
lie kicked about between Hardshells and
Soltshells, is contemplate. 1t seems 10 be
the game Of Atchison, Cass and their fol-
lowers, to divert the question into an instru-
lnent for crushing the opposite faction, and
for separating the sheep from the goats
in other words, to make it the means of ad-
vancing despicable intrigue, l take ii
that the primary object is the organization
&c Tho To-~;to~.- 'I,-l - --~.- l. -r----I
for settlement, and anything that tends to de-
lay and retard it, is 10 be left by the way
side as foreign TO the issue. I am assured
by personal friends of the President, that
he is for Douglas BILL. but is utterly in.
different whether the threatened amendment
is appended or not. Whatever, therefore
be the result Of the intrigues for mixing ur
other matter with the bill, it is sure to be.
come law before the end of the session.