Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-12-16
Position of Senator Douglas.

The views of Senator Douglas on the political
questions Of the day are always interesting, both
on account of his acknowledged ability and his
influence as prominent leader of the great
Democratic party. His position at this time on
the Kansas question, is particularly interesting
and important Who so likely to understand
the true Interpretation of the Kansas-Nebraska
bill as its author? and who more likely to direct
the policy of the party in Congress than the
Little Giant" whose very name has heretofore
been tower of strength. A portion OF the
Democratic press may now denounce him as an
apostate, and undertake to read him out OF the
ranks, but the attempt is as absurd as for some
obscure village priest to issue bull of excom-
munication against high dignitary of the Papal
Church.
The Senator is evidently not anxious to as
sumo position of hostility to President Buch-
anan. In his speech on Wednesday, he congrat-
ulated himself that the President did not IRE
commend" the Lecompton Constitution nor
make it ian Administration measure" although
it is evident that the President has virtually
made it ian Administration measure" by arguing
in favor of its acceptance by Congress. Mr.
Douglas did not hesitate, however, to assail the
Presidents arguments, and was even little sar'
castle in his illusions. The errors into which
the President has fallen, he said, which were
radical, fundamental, and, if persevered H.
would be subversive of the platform on which
be was elected" were attributable to the fact
.'that the Kansas-Nebraska bill was discussed
and adopted when Mr.. Buchanan was engaged
in the discharge of important diplomatic duties
near the Court of St. James, and therefore tai
away from the scene of discussion" Mr.. Doug
las furthermore appealed to Senators "to sustain
the right of the people to establish their own H.
situations, and clearly ntimated that the Demo
cratic party could not be kept united II that prln'
ciple were violated; for himself, attached as be
was to the party, his own course was clear III
the maintenance of his political principles ano
his personal honor" The late Convention Of
Kansas. Mr.. D. stated, had never been recog'
Missed by Congress, which had refused to pass an
enabling act for that purpose. Territorial Con
ventions were strictly legal only when held IL
pursuance of an act of Congress. Without suoh
Congressional sanction the action OF OonVeh'
ton can be regarded as nothing more than Pc
tition to Congress, which that body may receive
or reject at its discretion. The Leoompton oon
vention was, however, LAWFUL body, because
the people have at all times right to petsioi
Congress for redress of grievances, and II Oon
eress were satisfied that the Lecompton Consul
tuition embodied the will of the people OF Kansas
it would be competent to accept the penang
project" -,
On Thursday, Mr.. Douglas gave notice I'M"
be would introduce a bill to enable the people
Kansas to form Constitution and State Govern
ment, preparatory to their admission into tn
Union, and of course setting aside the Lecomp
ton Constitution. That the Senator VIII LII
umph we have not doubt. The President
with all his Scotch-Irish stubbornness, and al
the power of the Government to boot, IS NJ
match for him in this contest Douglas VIII WI!
the day. His chances for the Presidency In lSo'
have vastly improved. Let aspirants Tor olhc'
take notice.