The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-02-23
THE NATIONAL ERA WASHINGTON D. c. FEBRUARY 3d. 1854

ritory shall also be free from the institution Of
| Slavery"
| After some further argument to show that
each of the Compromise measures of l850was
| discussed and passed on its own merits, and
had an application to its own specific locality
and not beyond, and after some commentator
of these measures generally the Times closes
its argument thus:
off this dodge takes well, Douglas hopes to
ride his hobby round the country and into the
White House? But viii it take? Will the
people swallow the thing and consent that use
less agitations about Slavery shall be created
and sprung upon them, for the sole object Of
carrying upon their angry waves some ambi-
tious politician to the Presidency, who can
never hope to get there by any other or fairer
meanss We feel assured of one thing: that
the men who have proposed this last card of
Slavery agitation will themselves fall far short
of their political aspirations, whether they shall
be able to push their bill suddenly through
Congress or not. We hope and trust that the
bill, 80 far as it relates to the Missouri Com
promise will be defeated. We have had quite
enough of this Presidential bodybuilding on
Slavery agitation. 1t is annoying to the peace
of our country, and an outrage upon the good
feelings Of the people, North and South. The
sooner the people crush all such movements to
the earth, the better it is for them and the
welfare of the Union. The country has not
called for repeal of the Missouri Compromise
The South has not called for it. The North
certainly has not. No party, no section, no
public sentiment, has called for it. Why, then,
was it thrust upon Congress at this time?"
PUBLIC OPINION AT THE WEST
What people in Illinois think of the Nebras-
ka question may be inferred from the follow
ing article, which we take from the Democratic
Press, Chicago Journal in founding which
Mr. Douglas took u prominent part-which is
reputed, in fact to have been established by
him, and to be- more than any other journal,
his personal organ.
This print, conducted by nucleus of the
faction, has been obliged to take ground in op-
promise. It's disapprobation of the measure is,
to be sure, cautiously expressed; but it is the
strongest indication which could be given of
the entire unanimity of opinion on this subject
in Northern Illinois. We quote from the Dem
Ocratlc Press.
"a Word of Caution.--The attempt now be-
ing made in Congress to repeal the Missouri
Compromise will give rise to not little ex-
element. We believe the matter will find no
favor with the Democracy of Illinois, however
much they may dislike to differ with Senator
Douglas. Duty to themselves, to their country,
and the best interests of their party, will have
much greater weight with them than mere
personal considerations. Such is our estimate
of the sterling Democracy OF Illinois, and we
think we only do them justice word of
caution, however, may not be amiss at this
Juncture. There are many men who will op-
pose this measure simply because it was intro
duced by distinguished member of the Dem
otIa .aVfu hat
pose it, who hold to many wild and absurd va
carries upon the subject of Slavery, the realiza-
ton of which would explode our Union into
fragments. Both these classes will endeavor
to induce Democrats to become identified with
them in opposing the repeal of the Missouri
Compromise-.he one class with the view Of
impairing the integrity of the Democratic par
ty-the other class with the view of adding a
seeming strength to their impracticable posi-
tion Now, our advice to Democrats is to keep
as clear as possible of both classes. What we
do in carrying out our convictions of duty in
opposition to the repeal of the Compromise of
1920, let US do as Democrats, and in concert
with Democrats. Any other course of action
will impair the force of our efforts"
The Illinois delegation in the House of Rep
with the exception Of Richardson,
who is an humble follower of Douglas, will
probably oppose the Nebraska fraud We
look to Col. Bissell, who is neither wanting in
political nor personal courage, to take q de-
cided stand against it.
One of the late supporters of Douglass claims
to the Presidency, in Wisconsin, the Ozaukee
Times, says:
"This Senator Douglas, it will be recollect-
ed we supported as a candidate for the Demo-
cratic Presidential nomination in 1852. Our
cheek tingles with shame at the remembrance
that we ever in the most remote degree, assist
ed to add to the political prominence of 80 ser
vile doughface."