The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1856-08-26
Trouble in the Seventh Distribution Expos
ures-An Old Line Demagogue Unmasked.

T-onhIe IN the Seventh District-Rich Expos
ures-An Old Line Demagogue Unmasked.
Rogues very rarely fall out, but honest men
IL they do not receive their dues, are at least
made wiser as to what is due the rogues them
selves. Two political rogues at Terre Haute
have had quarrel, and the consequence is the
world has become greatly enlightened as to
the real character Of each, and the condemna-
ton justly their due. For the purpose OF ex-
hibiting to the people the rascality Of the Old
Line ofice-seekers who are attempting to i'm
pose upon them and obtain power, we shall
assist along the Terre Haute exposures by the
publication of some of the letters brought to
light. John G.. Davis is the Old Line candi-
date in the 7th District. for reelection to Con-
gress He is very fair representative Of the
Old Line candidates for big offices in this State,
and no doubt as honest as any of them, and we
shall see of what has political honesty is COM
posed. Mr.. J. o. Jones was lately the Demo
cratic Postmaster at Terre Haute. He was
the principal wire worker for Davis during
long interval. To him Davis opened his po-
litical heart, and the two worked together in
charming harmony to head other Democrats,
and the old Wing party. Thus things went
along till Jones through the fundamentally
of Davis was turned out of the Post Office
This was more than pure Democratic blood
could bear, and it leaked out that the ex Post
master was going to publish all the letters
of Davis written to him. We understand
through private source that Davis tried
every means to prevent this or to get hold of
his letters. He followed Jones about town for
week, and begged and threatened-but all
in vain. Jones publishes the letters, excus-
ing himself for the dishonorable act by saying
the conduct of Davis towards him personally
has absolved him, Jones, from all obligations
to keep these letters private-besides, Davis
"unbi1shing effrontery in denouncing as Abo-
litionists, Sectionalists, and Disunionists, all
who now entertain the same opinions he for
merly did, and in claiming support on the
ground of his advocacy of the Kansas Nebras-
ka Bill, deserves exposure and condemna-
ton"
Jones first proves by the documents that in
1849 Davis stood emphatically opposed to the
extension of slavery-he was a Wilmot Pro-
viso man. After this Jones speaks of himself
rs being opposed to the Fugitive Slave Law
He conversed freely with Davis in 1851 OF
this subject and they agreed. He publishes
letter from Davis, in which the latter de-
clares there is but little if any difference be-
tween them on the subject of the Fugitive
CIouo H. in 1870 Of 1xr,
Wilmot Proviso man, but occupied the Adolf
ton ground of opposition to the Fugitive Slave
Law. But notwithstanding his honest opin-
ion Davis thinks policy will require him to
take strong ground for the law Davis went
to Congress. When the Kansas Nebraska
Bill was being sprung, he writes to Jones as
follows:
WAsH1NGToN, Jan. 90, 1854.
"The Slavery question is to give US trouble
again, growing out Of the formation of Ter
ritorial Bill for Nebraska. Let our friend:
keep cool and quiet until we see what shape
it may assume. intend to do my duty re-
gardless of consequences, and feel u1at0illing tt
crouch to the SLAVE poa0er, but keep this to your
SELF The feeling is getting up; it may all be
satisfactorily adjusted, but have my wors
fears"
He felt unt0illing to crouch to the slav'
power, but he seemed to think he would have
to do it. But few days afterwards Dayi
again writes. He is in trouble. The Nebras
ka bill he thinks unnecessary and ill-advised
and all or nearly all of the Indiana Delegation
are at heart against it. 1t is bitter pill t.
him to vote to repeal the Missouri Compro
mise. But the question with him is entirel,
whether the people will sustain him if he vote
for the Bill. That is all he looks at-and hi
own opinions as to the "bitter pil'' hay
nothing to do with the subject. Here's hi
letter:
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 1854.
The question as presented in the Nebras
ka Bill on the exciting subject of slavery, i
an unfortunate one just now 1t was unneces
sary and III advised have told Douglas so
have told the President so, but it is to b
met. 1t will pass the Senate, and we mus
meet it in the House. Bright and Petit ar
for it ; all, nearly aH of our delegation in til
House are at heart against it, yet what the,
will finally do, this deponeht sayeth not.
could vote for the proposition to leave tn
question of Slavery to be decided by the PEG
pie when they form State Constitution, a
in the case of Utah and New Mexico that i
the Compromise of 1850, but to 60 far beyont
that, and repeal by direct legislation, the Mis-
souri, Compromise, is a bitter pill, and as pres
emit advised, I don't feel inclined to do al. =
What is the feeling of our people on the subject
(hoaxo 4