Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1855-11-15
Senator Doueias.

The present position Of Stephen A. Douglas
before The people Of Illinois affords striking
proof OF the Reaction in The public sentiment
upon the Kansas Bill. only a year and a half
ago 1t was confidently predicted that his polit-
zeal career was ended, that he could never re-
gain The popularity lost through his exertions
IN behalf OF that measure. Never was a
statesman more bitterly assailed. The more
determined OF his enemies only mentioned his
name with loathlng and contempt. Those
who knew him better and recognized his ster-
ling ability which had opened 10 him the path
10 the highest honors, wisely shook their heads
aud expressed their profound regret that such
a man should have thus early dug the grave of
his political ambition. To doubt that be wa
politically dead beyond all hope Of resource
lion was The height Of folly. So strong was
The hatred excited against him, so unanimous
The opinion that the North would accept of
nothing less than the repeal Of the Kansas act
and the restoration of the Missouri Compromise,
SO eager were men to pronounce judgment on
those who had been guilty Of a ''violation Of
plEhted ialIh," that even the people OF Chic
ago refused 10 listen 10 their once ~favoIits
Senator and drove him from among them.
II can hardly be without a feeling of honest
exul,alion that this Senator now stands before
his fellow citizens, challenging the respect
ahu admiration which are no longer denied
He is conscious that the favorable receplion
now accorded 10 him is due to no change in
The principle OF policy which he adyocates.-
To-day he avows the same political opinions
which last year his fellow citizens so in
dlgnantly rejected, only the more decided
aud therefore more offensive TO his enemies
because OF the opposition he had been CON.
pelITd to encounter. To his many admirers
throughout the country this triumph of Mr..
Douglas gives unmingled satisfaction. Nobly
has he INDICATED his conduct. Every demo-
crat las from the first relied upon the vindica-
tlon as sure 10 come, sooner or later. 1t has
thus early, aud will b. welcomed as an
unefrlng indication OF that change in public
st ntlIlent which will next year he COMPLETED
by the downfall of seclionalism.
vi The extent of the change thus far effected
anI The manly confidence in the people which
Senator Douglas feels, no better proof can he
ueSlIed.lhan his pIoflered resignation. Ger
talhIy no man ever met more boldly his enc.
miles, While canvaSSlng The State with actlyi.
~ and zeal which have distinguished his no.
litcai couISe' he was brought in contact with
1e"utot lfuIhOuiI, his new ly elected colleague.
nat gentleman undertook 10 decry him for
h'SteP'eSehung The views OF his constituents,
ana holding a seat in The Senate against M.
wish OF The people. TO this Senator Dong.
lass replied that The charge was un(oupded.-
nat The principles Of The Kansas act were an.
proved by The people of Illinois, that il VS.
'ot Democratic but Republican doctrines, sucL
MS colleagues protessed, which would bv
'pnrhed by them. He then declared that h.
VI one was willing 10 abide by the Judgment,
Tie people, and proposed that both should
eSign Their seats in the Senate, and submit 70
he orce ] OF a new election. This offer 20
TO him was received in silenc,-
us colleague dare not go before the people of
LIMOS on such an issue, and with such mn an.
ogonlSt. Meanwhile Mr.. Douglass has again
nj again reported hiss offer al tho immeus.
a'hefings he has been called upon 10 address.
ven may he be proud 10 observe the eptLusi.
SIN hIcl this proof Of his unfallerins fui,L in
he principles he maintains is every here in
LIMOS arouslng. Providence Journal,