Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1854-11-27
EE, NOVEMBER 81, 1854.
From 'The Knoxv lie Whig.'
SENATOR REIL,.

any comfort to the present administration
/ Only $ir members have been returned from the
great Sra,es of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Ind-
ana, who can be depended to support the Ad
mnistration. On Tuesday last, the elections
came off in New York, New Jersey, Illinois,
Michigan and Wiscon in-and we expect them
TO report similar disasters. The unpopularity
ofthe President, and the contempt into which
his administration has fallen, authorises US to
look for nothing but their overthrow.
On the other hand, the current of popular
favor is Cor the Tennessee Senator, all over the
country both North and South Prominent
men, and conservative men, are openly declar
ing for him for the Presidency Pending the
passage of the infamous Nebraska Bill in the
Senate, this far seeing and patriotic Statesman,
told its advocates, in prophetic and burning
words, that its passage would arouse the whole
anti-slavery feeling of the North. 1t has turn
ed out SO, and Mr.. Bells wise admonitions, and
patriotic votes are now being sustained by the
whole country. Even in Southern Tennessee,
majority of the legal voters are with him, and
will endorse his votes and sentiments at the
ballot box.
True, prominent men in Gel. Bells own par
ty, coveting his position, and envying his prom
inence, are ready to strike him blow, by con-
tending that he hesitated-oscill;tted like a
pendulum, between support and opposition to
the Nebraska Bill. This is met, successfully,
by the assertion that, the session previous, Col.
Bell openly, frankly, and energetically opposed
similar bill. Must an experienced, and able
Statesman define his position every few months,
on the same great question? Self respect, to
say nothing about integrity, would have led
him to oppose this bill. He was disposed to
keep our faith with the North, entered into in
the adoption Of the Compromise measures; and
when Southern Wings and Democrats consen-
ted to a change of policy, in the repeal of the
Missouri Compromise, we had no right to sup
pose that our distinguished Senator would act
with them. We are glad he did not, and the
country now says he acted correctly.
1t is urged by the few opponents of Col Bell,
in his own ranks-and these are all in Tenncs-
see-that he is in company with AbolitiOnists,
and that Free Soilers are extolling his course.
If Abolitionists admire him because he was
unwilling to disturb the settled Compromise #
tie country, neither he nor his friends are ac-
counable for that. If they admire him, be-
cause he wanted the South to stand by her own
compacts, that is not his look out. The moder-
Il L -. I Il, (,.
the Constitutional rights of the South, and who
have exerted their influence to restrain the
anti Slavery feeling of the North, within Just
bounds, find themselves powcr!ess before this
conspicuous example of bad faith in the South,
just as Col. Bell said they would do! Southern
Senators stood up and pointed to the ohiiga-
lions of the Constitution. Col. Bell replied,
then the South ought not to disregard these
obligations, but should stand bylts own solemn
compacts, that future reliance may be placed,
upon the future settlement of conflicting opin-
ions and interests.
hen Gen. Pierce come into power, he
found the slavery question settled, and all sec
tons disposed, by great majorities, to acqniesce
in the compromise measures He had the
Senate and House with him. and he had only
to say the word, and no effort could have been
made, with any show Of success, to disturb that
settlement. But he jnined in the demgogieal
crusa|e Of Douglass and others, for popularity
in the South ard in the vain hope of second
term, aul for his sacrifice of peace and dignity
Of the country, the People have sacrificed him
and bis profit -ate Administration.
| JOHN BaLL chose not to be dragged into this
snare. because other Southern Wings were sim
pie enough to go into it, and for his firmnesS,
! patriotism, and moderation, Northern Wings
SAY. that if they must have u man to preside
| over them frrn the Souh, they are for the
Tennessee Senator. This is compliment to
! Col Bell, of which he may well be proud
! But we wish his eaemes to understand, that
wnie he is spoken Of as the probable candidate
of Northern Whiggery, for the Presidency, he
is equally high in the esteem of Southern Wing
gerry.