The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-12-17
MR. DOUGLAS, THE ADMINISTRATION AND
THE SOUTH.

The position of Mr.. Douglas in relation to the
Administration and the South, is the Subject of
much comment. In his speech last week, be
was at pains to show that, as to the general
principles of the Presidents message concern
ing the Kansas Question, there was no differ
ence between him and the Executive that it
contained indeed forcible argument in favor
of submitting the Constitution formed at Lee
compton to the popular vote. But, at this
point commenced the difference. The Presi-
dent, willing 10 overlook the departure from
this policy, on the ground that the main ques-
ton in controversy had been submitted by the
Convention, was in favor of accepting the Con-
stitutiOn. Mr.. Douglas dissented from this, and
was pleased to remark that, although the Presi-
dent had waived his objections to the action of
the Convention, still, he did not recommend
their work to the adoption of Congress, but
simply submitted it, with an expression of his
opinion.
in terms this was correct statement of the
case uut, In ruct, tire PvIrvy OI rrvVsurpHg the
Leeompton Convention and accepting its Con
stituiiop, is an Administration measure. Nay,
it is the Administration measure, for there is
no other 10 which it is committed, which seems
to have any prominence or to excite any in
terest. Had there been a doubt on this point.
the prompt advocacy by Mr.. Bigler of the Lee
compton Constitution, the deep displeasure
evinced by Measrs. Davis, Mason, and Brown,
at the course OF Mr. Douglas, and the assump-
ton throughou; he debate following his speech,
that the Adm nistra,ion was committed TO
the support Of the Constitution, must have dis.
PEELED il.
Mr.. Douglas is therefore openly arrayed
against this leading Administration measure ;
and, we assume, that neither he nor the Presi-
dent will give way. For the present. and so
long as the question of recognising or rejecting
the Lecompton Constitution shall be the issue,
they must stand opposed to each other. Mr.
Buchanan will command the entire Democratic
vote of the South, probably portion of its
Native American vote, and, so far as we are in
formed, a majority of the Democratic members
from the free States. Mr.. Douglas will be sus-
tanned by the entire Republican vote, portion
OF the Democratic vote from the North, and
probably few of the Native American votes
from the South. We speak of the Senate.
Were Mr.. Douglas an ordinary man, did he
occupy an ordinary position, sach antagonism
10 the leading measure of an Administration
of which he is prominent supporter, would ex.
clude him from the Party, and subject him to
its prescription. Bat, he is a remarkable man,
and occupies an extraordinary position, so that
it is as difficult TO foresee the party relations he
is 10 hold, as it is difficult for the Party itself
to define them. Democratic Senators from the
South may be acknowledgements Senators
from the North mag be reserved-the Admin
istrstion may be disposed to show its recent
ment-but, to excommunicate Mr.. Douglas, and
repudiate all fellowship with him, is very diff.
ferent thing. This has not yet been Done The
Democratic caucus in the Senate, which deter
mines the composition of the Committees, has
again placed him at the head of the Territorial
Committee, q fact proving that he is still recog.
missed as leader OF the Party
How long sych an anomalous state of things
can exist, it is impossible to predict 1t ia easier
to see why it is. The eo-called Democracy OF
the free States is necessary to the South to
which it brought victory in the late Presidential
struggle, and which can control the Federal
Executive only through It's alliance But, Mr.
Douglas IS necessary to that Democracy. De-
s.roy him, as political man. and the hold of the
South on the Northern Democracy, as it is
called, is severed. Administration patronage
may be potential with its recipients-nem-
bers of Congress-, deputy postmasters, collect
ors, advertising rewspapers-but, to secure
the masses, man of the People is required
and Mr.. Douglas is the man of the Democratic
masses. There is 10 other. The political race
of Csss is nearly run. Marcy is gathered to his
fathers. Bright has no mastery, even in his
own Safe. Douglas alone in his Party has
National position and power-all the attributes
and advantages of q Party leader. The Kansas
Nebraska bill could never have passed Congress
but FIR him, and but for him the Democratic"
Party in the Free States could never have stood
under its burden. If driven into the ranks Of
the Republicans, o. if forced into retirement by
exclusion from his Party, the South will be
left unsupported in the Presidential contest of
1860.
The Extremists, or " ire-eaters," as they are
callet, understand al this perfectly well, and
are in favor of driving matters to extremes
for this Northern alliance with the Democratic
Party, they hold, only delays the bene6cent and
necessary measure Of d;sunion. Tie Buchanan