The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1856-04-26
DOUGLASS IN THE FIELD.

A letter from the Hon. j w. Singleton to
the editor of the Richmond Enqurircr brings
Us gallant Douglas, Of Illinois into the field
for the Presidency. The letters says that the
friends of Judge d. deem it due to him to pur.
sue this coursc. inasmuch as the belief had gone
forth that his course on the Nebraska bill had
rendered him obnoxious to free-soil sentiments,
aud Judge ID. himself deemed it imprudent to
allow his name to go before the Convention Mt
the present time. We give the concludind por-
tiou of the letter:
"The extract have quoted contains (uuin-
tentonally, Of conrsc) an imputation not only
upon the personal and political honor of Judge
Douglas, but upon the integrity Of the national
men of the North; and in my estimation, both
he and they should be indicated What is
the idea conveyed by the remark cited? It il
that Judge Douglas has originated, sustained,
and established measure in the legislation of
the country the consequences of which he is
afraid to meet by becoming II candidate for
the Presidency. 1t implies political cowardicc.
1t in effect declares that he has raised an cx-
citement in the country which has given
strength to free soilism, and that now, when in
appearance, his party is cnvironed by difficult
ties, he wants to skulk and dodge the blows that
might be struck at him standing at the head
OF his party in national political battle; that
he fears to risk his political fortunes upon an
issue made by himself and that he desires to
wait until the political horizon shall have
cleared up before he will risk himself upon
the troubled ocean of Presidential contest
Now, let me say that / have known Judge
Douglas personally and intimately for twenty
years, and until this great national issue raised
| was his open, decided, and active political
opponent AS a member of the Illinois Leg
islatnrc, gave my first roie against the mass
of my old political associates and friends in
support of the Kansas Nebraska bill then Just
introduced by Judge Douglas into the Senate
of the United Statsc. But although for so
long time opposed to him in politics, it is due
to him to say that he never lodged any polti-
cal issue or stunned any responsibility, nor do
| believe he Is capable of doing so now. In
order, therefore to rcpcl this imputaiion. the
friends Of Judge Douglas in the Northwest will
feel it their duty to present his name as n can
didate for the Presidency, in the full conviction
that he will not interposc his individual wishes
to tllwart the consummation of a purpose so
necessary for their mutual vindication
Had he been permitted to occupy in quiet
the position he had chosen for the himself and
h"u hol MS moliNc Dceh so liJurlously ques-
toned, believe he would under no cireumstan-
ccs have consented TO the use of his name for
Presidential nomination But as itnow stands
he has, as conceive, no alternative but TO,
leave himself in the hands of his friends.
r. X
In consideration of these views and others
which might be presented, friends of Judge
Douglas mW present his name 10 The Cincinnati
Co"renfion say nothing in disparagcment
OF other distinguished statesmen who are named
in connection with the nomination, but do
express the opinion that the selection of Judge
Douglas as the bearer oi.our banner will, more
than that of any other citizen, ensure a complete
triumph of thcparty and the principles of which
he has.aeen Gable an advocate.
Respectfully, &C.,
JAMES w. SINGLETON,