Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-04-13
From the New York Evening Post,
THE ST. LOUIS ELECTION.

>~~~
That the question which Congress is now
debating every day, and which has 30 long
furnished the main topic Of discussion for the
journals in the free States particularly, has
shaped the result OF the late elections in those
States, scarcely anybody ventures to deny 1t
could hardly, however, have been expected
that it should have the same influence upon
any election in a slave State IL could hardly
have been expected that candidate should
be more popular in slave State, because he
was the enemy Of the bill. Yet this seems 70
be the case in Missouri.
We gave, day or two since, the result OF
tho late election in tho chief CITY Of that State,
in which the friends of Mr.. Benton, both they
and their ilIustrious leader the uncompromi-
sing enemies of the Nebraska bill, carried the
day. The Missouri Democrat which has just
come to hand gives the explanation OF this
brilliant victory in the following words:
AThe result Of the election on last Monday
has significance which it would be well for
politicians to understand. IL il, Of course, APP
parent to all, that the subject which engrosses
the attention Of Congress and the nation was
not without its influence upon the voters in
this city. Whilst, therefore, the question of
the organization of Nebraska and the repeal
Of the Missouri Compromise absorbs the atten-
ton Of Congress; whilst it has overthrow the
Democratic party in New Hampshire, the home
of the President, because no favored the repeal
Of the Missouri compact; whilst it has trans
ferred power from the Democrats to the Wings
in the city Of Detroit the homo Of Gen. Cass
because he and his friends favored the repeal
Of that compromise; it is matter full of mean
ing, to sec the Benton Democrats sweeping
with overwhelming and increased majorities
the city Of st, Louis, the home OF Benton, who
opposes the Uiolation Of this time. hon0red COM
promise, and who openly denounces the meas
ure and it's originators"
The Whigs, it is true, did not make the issue
Of the Nebraska question against the Demo-
Gratis in the st. Louis election they did not
venture to do it, But their principal organ,
the st. Louis Republican, had previously de-
nounoed the opposers Of Mr.. Douglas's bill as
AbOlitionists and Free Sellers. 1t was prudent
enough to become silent on that issue as the
election approached, while the Democratic
journals and speakers continued zealously to
oppose the bill The Missouri Democrat adds :
sWe claim, therefore, that the result of the
election ON Monday last is an emphatic en-
dorsement by the people Of st. Louis, of Col.
Bent0n's opposition to the repeal of the Mis-
souri, Compromise, and the new slavery agita-
ton Of which it has been the cause and we
sincerely believe that if the Republican had not
prndently refrained from making the question
an issue directly, the result would have been
an endorsement still more clear and emphatic.
This is sufficiently proven by the almost total
silence Of the Republican upon the question, as
the election approached-a course dictated by
the fear that such an issue would increase the
Democratic majority. Since the election, the
Republican has again ventured to urge the NO
lation Of the Missouri compact Will its cour-
age hold out until August? ?"
In fact there is nothing from which we can
infer that any Of the Southern members Of
Congress have lost any Of their popularity with
their constituents by opposing the Nebraska
bill. Benton has strengthened himself by it,
both in Missouri and in the Union at large
Houston, we think, has lost nothing at home,
since he raised his voice against it. and is twice
as popular in the free States rs he ever was
before Hunt, of Louisiana, is lpplanded else
where for the bold and honest course he took
in opposition to the bill, and we have not heard
that his conduct 10 disapprovcd at home. Yes
terday, Cullom, of Tennessee, in the House of
Representatives, rose in manful opposition to
the bill; and what did we see In the infected
atmosphere Of the seat of Government where
the influence in favor Of the bill is strongest
and most deleterious, men hung upon his words
with eager attention, and gathered round him
when he had concluded, to express their admi-
ration and their thanks. We are sure his con-
stituents in Tennessee will honor him for not
allowing himself to be seduced into the con-
long ago solemnly conceded to it.