Eastern times., 1854-09-14
The Gag in Chicago.

The abolitiohists and opponents Of free
speech in Chicago, are afraid to hear Senator
Douglass. At large meeting in that city, he
commenced speech, explanatory of the prin-
ciples Of the Nebraska bill, and giving the rea-
sons for his course in Congress. A mob
composed Of abolitionists and anti-Nebraska
wings, undertook TO stop his mouth by noise
and riot, and he was obliged to stop. It was
snameInI outrage upon the privilege Of free
speech anG lasting disgrace upon that west
ern city. 1t was deliberately devised scheme,
on the part Of the opponents of Mr.. Douglas
mongrel set Of fusionists who feared the ef-
feet of the Illinois senator, and were determined
10 stlfle it at all hazards. All honest men will
frown down such mob-law, and the instiga,ors
Of this riot will find their evil, sooner or later,
recoling upon themselves with terrific vi
olence.
The Chicago Times, upon this disgracefnl
triumph of abolitionsis and opponents of free
speech, remarks =
I" We are confident that we speak the sent-
ment Of every honorable and manly citizen Of
Chicago, Of all shades of politics, when we say
that the proceedings of last night were dis
4 graceful in the extreme, and that their effect
upon the character and honor of The city
abroad will be grievously felt. One or two
facts were particularly remarkable throughout
last nights proceedings. One of these was,
that the organized baud Of disgracefuI actors in
the mob, ever and anon, at short intervals,
cheered most Justify the editors of The Tribune
Another fact was, that not man in that vast
throng who was opposed TO the speaker in
politics. made any effort TO preserve order or
control The mob.
The right of speech has been crushed in an
American city. That city, TOO, in The free
state Of Illinois, and its metropolis. The pre-
cedent has been set. Where will it stop!
| Who is to Re the next yictiml
But these things, though mortifying to
every lover Of his country. will have its results.
The American heart is generous one. No
ore can suffer injury and not receive its sym
pathy. Thousands Of gallant and glorious
minded citizens throughout the state who differ
in opinion with Judge Douglas will mark
their condemnation Of this conduct Of the aboli-
tionists of Chicago, by giving 10 him their
support.
These aboitionists, intent only on present
|
Douglas, they mark their own cause with being
unworthy Of examination, and honor him as
champion of ruth before whom they dare not
stand.
The lateness of the hour precludes any ex-
tended remark tonight. We will lecur to
this subject again.
Upon this event the New York Journal of
Commerce Of Wednesday holds the following
language =
g Senator Douglas at Chicago. That hot
bed Of fanatcism, the Syracuse of Illinois,
whose common council few years ago passed
an ordinance nullifying a law Of the United
States, and then backed out from their position,
under the sledge-hammer knocks of Senator
Douglas. has this time taken the precantion of
| not hearing him, lest they should again be
| obliged To confess themselves in the wrong
| They dare not trust themselves with his
| arguments or his facts. Just 50 the fanatics of
an ancient city, 10 whom one Of the apostles
undertook to make known the gospel of Christ,
drowned his voice by shouting, Great is Diana
Of the Ephesians" From this practical dem
Onsiralion of The abolilionisis, freesoilers, and
abolition wings of Chicago, we learn what
they mean by free discussion 1t is freedom
to pour forth their denunciations whenever and
wherever they please, without interruption or
objection, an6 freedom to prevent any who
differs from them from exercising the liberty Of
speech Everybody knows that it takes but
few mouths, if let loose Bedlam-fashion, 20
drown the voice Of any speaker, 50 as 10 pre-
vent his being understood and this is the feat
which the Chicago heroes have performed.
The time is not distant when they will be
ashamed of it.
| The tolling of the bells is anolhes achieve
neDt for which they ought TO have full credit.
1t has been tried at several places in New
England, by way of lamentation for the pas
sage Of law giving the people Of Kansas and
Nebraska the same power which Massachusetts
and Connecticut have, Of regulating their own