The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-12-24
KANSAS IN THE SENATE.

Monday last, Mr.. Bigler delivered speech
in support of tie Kansas policy of the President,
which means the recognition of the Lecomp-
ton Constitution. BE insisted upon its being
an Administration measure, and undertook to
hold up Mr.. Douglas IS gully Of great incon.
sisteney. Mr.. Douglas replied, as usual, with
spirit, and the amiable Senator from Pepnsvl-
vanis was rather embarrassed.
Mr.. Douglas denied the right of any man to
read hlm out OF the Democratic Party, or in.
He stated that the newspapers were full of
this charge. Every press which could be con-
trolled was rei;erating 1t. While nineteen
twentieths Of the independent Democratic press.
those papers which did not depend upon Ger.
tain departments of the Government for SUD-
port, agreed with him in sustaining the creed
OF the Democratic party and the Cincinnati
platform, the few who were not allowed IN
speak for themselves were endeavorinp 10 drive
him where they could never drive him-to
desert the principles averred and maintained
by the Democratic party. He would INQUIRE
whether every man was to be driven out Of the
party who did not coincide with the views of
the President on the subject of the Pacific rail
road or a bankrupt law?
Mr.. Bigler answered in the negative.
Mr.. Douglas then asked, if each Democrat
&c Senator was TO be at liberty to dissent from
the views Of the President upon a bankrunt
law, or a tariff law, or the subject of Pacific
railroad, why could he not be permitted to
Jnoge Tor himself on the admission of the Lee
compton Constitution Would the Senator
from Pennsylvania himself endorse every rec.
ommendsnon OF the President, and say that
he was prepared to carry IT out
Mr.: Bgler replied, that it was not at all
probable that he agreed with the President in
every particular; and he had no desire 10 Law
down rule that the Senator from Illinois
should be read cut of the party for difference
of opinion"
VI course, Mr.. Douglas clearly understands
why he is to be prescribed for opposing one
measure of the Administration, while other
measures may be opposed by him or Others.
with IMMUNITY. A Bankrupt act, Tariff. a
Treasury Note bill, the Pacific Railroad project
have nothing to do with Slavery-whatever pol
icy may be adopted in regard 10 them, will not
specially affect the interests of Slavery. There
fore, differences of opinion are allowable
Members, North or South, may take whatever
course they please, and yet be excellent Demo
craft" National Democrats i'm full stand.
ing with the Party which has its head in TIE
South and its tail in the North. Bat. the Le
compton Convention was Pro Slavery Assem-.
blage, convened under Pro-Slayery autbor;tv
intended to accomplish Prc-Slavery object
and its whole work is just like itself. Therefore.
its recognition and the enforcement of its action
is pre-eminently an Administration measure
q SACRED National Democratic measure-from
which 10 dissent can be allowed-ccnfor,nit
to which must be exacted under heavy Mains
and penalties. This is the reason, Mr.. Dong
las-you understand it-Mr. Bigler may, some
time or other, be able to take in such an idea.
Whether Mr.. Douglas will succeed or not. in
defying this test, and still maintaining his posi-
ton in the Party, depends chiefly upon another
question-Has Mr.. Douglas SO much power
with TIE National Democracy" of the North
that the Shareholders will fear to drive him to
the wall?
A brief editorial in tie Union of the 22d,
swakens the suspicion that the rule of toler-
alton, ever in relation to this Lecompton affair,
may yet be adopted.
"Up to the present time" it SAYS, "tbere
has been no prsc:ical question before Congress
for It's consideration in this connection nor
has the knowledge of affairs in that Territory
been 20 foil and complete as to Justify opinions
to be expressed that may not be materially
modified by subsequent information. When
the Constitution shall be presented, and the
admission of Kansas as a State under il is
demanded, the subject viii be fully before Con.
gress for It's consideration and practical action.
Then let its merits be candidly and fairly dis.
cussed, as it should be, and the action of Con-
gress be taken upon due deliberation. We an.
ncirate an end 10 the matter that shall dispose
sf It forever, and in q manner satisfactory to
the whole country, except to those who seek to
stray enc section CT the country against the
ther il strife and dsccrd."