The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-01-26

If we exhibit the wisdom which becomes our
party on the present occasion, we will allow
our old enemies, whether Wings or Abolition
lists, to take no benefit from the Nebraska ques-
ton. That wisdom will be displayed in pre-
senting an unbrokeu column In favor OF adher-
ing faithfully to the principles of the Compro-
mise of 1880 We feel that every true Demo-
crat will readily respond to the sentiment that
our plighted faith, our party fealty, and our
love of the Union, demand that the principles
of that Compromise shall be recognised and af-
firmed in giving Territorial Government to
Nebraska. In the emphatic and patriotic
language of Mr.. Dean, we believe that all good
Democrats, as we'll as the friends of the Ad-
ministration in New York, "regard the Com
promise of 1850 as full and final settlement
Of the Slavery agitation in Congress, and they
are willing that the principles of that Compro-
mise shall be applied to any new Territory
that may be organized, whether it be Nebras-
ka, Cuba, or Sonora"
The bill reported by MIR. Douglas challenges
the support Of every true Democrat, upon the
ground that it re-enacts and re- afirms the prin-
ciple5 Of the Compromise of 1850 1t assumes
that that Compromise was designed to be
final and permanentin it's operation 1t assumes,
what cannot be coutroverted that the great
principles of the Compromise of 1850, SO far as
the question of Slavery in new Territories is
involved was the recognition of the dontrine of
Congressional non-intervention. This princi-
pie necessarily leaves the question to the deci
sion of those inhabiting the Territory, and it as
necessarily secures TO all citizens the right to
emigrate to such Territory, and to enjoy their
rights whether of person or property, unem-
barrassed by Congressional restrictions or pro-
hibitious. This being the effective and vital
principle of the Compromise of 1850, it must
be apparent that its Introduction into the Ne.
braska Bill is no more than giving permanency
and perpetuation to that Compromises We
understand this principle to be Incorporated
into Mr.. Douglass BILL and because we have
so understood it we have given to it ready
and cordial support. But if there can be a
doubt raised on this point, it ia due to the mo-
mentous character of the question that such
doubt shall be removed
This can be Gone 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 Compro-
mise Of 1850, the Territories of Utah and New
Mexico were 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 doubtful
whether such provision is made, we are sure
overy 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 principles 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 dissension
again in our ranks will be signally disappointed.