The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-12-17

Party of the South, understanding the case no
less clearly, may abstain from an act OF proscrip
ton, which must leave the South without an ef-
fcient ally, and place it under the control OF the
Disunionists.
How was the Democratic Party in the free
States enabled to react against the hrst efects
Of the Kansas Nebraska act? By taking
its stand on the doctrine of Popular Sovereignty
and persusding its adherents that to leave the
People of Territory free to accept or reject
Slavery, was sound Democrsticdoctrine,id enti
cal with the right of sslfgovernment, and that
its operation would be sure to work for the ex-
tension of Freedom. On no other ground could
the Party have been revived or held together.
This was the all-powerful argument of Mr..
Douglas, by which he maintained at once his
Party and himself. Its soundness, and the ne
cessity of the policy it implied, were recognised
by the Administration and its supporters, North
aud South, in relation to Kansas affairs. Mr..
Douglas and his Northern associates, confident
that it would be carried out, looked forward to
growing power and popularity. The Legisla-
ture which was to decide whether he should be
rel elected to the Senate of the United States
would be chosen on the heels of the anticipated
triumph of Popular Sovereignty in Kansas
and soon after would commence the prepare
tons for the Presidential struggle of 1860.
The prospects were fattering but in an evil
hour, mischievous counsels prevail Popular
Sovereignty is trampled under foot in the field
where its triumph had been predicted, and,
what is worse than all, the Administration and
the South, utterly regardless of their own COM
initials, and of the necessities of Mr.. Douglas and
the Democratic Party at the North, have made
themselves accomplices in the outrage. Were
Mr.. Douglas to ratfy the Lecompton fraud, he
knows that not only he must go down under the
Indignation of his constituents, but his Party
must go down under fearful reaction in 1860.
By resistance, he may save himself; and if his
resistance be efectual, he may also save bis
Party.
Can it be that Southern Senators are stupidity
blind to all these considerations !? That the
Slave Power is hard master, remembers no
services, except as the foundation of additional
exactions, and is reckless how many may fall
victims in the attempt TO execute its demands
we all know; but is it prepared to exact from
Stephen A. Douglas and his Party at the North
a service which, if rendered. must overwhelm
them with disgrace and ruin
1t is. quite possible a middle course may be
attempted. The case of Mr.. Douglas may be
regarded as necessarily exceptional. He may
be allowed to work against the Lecompton Con.
stitution without losing his position in his Party
while the Administration will be content if i,
can secure enough support from the North to
carry through the measure. 1t may be thought
that this will secure Mr.. Douglas at home, and
that be may then be able to serve his Party.
Would he be satisfied with such terms? Gould
be hope ever to be reinstated in the full conf
dence Of the South? Could he expect by 81
ambiguous policy to appease discontents a
home, to disarm the Republicans, or, occupying
a position autsgonistic to the Administration
on leading measure, to escape the opposition
of portion Of bis Party devoted to the Admin
istration? Is he indeed man of half-wa
measures, or rather is he not disposed to be deci
ded and unqualified enc way or the other? Hi
antecedents, his former determined committals
the pride of consistency, lis popularity in his owl
| .'j :" -. r u r--.:I:.- - ID .
publicanism, are formidable obstacles to hi
union with them-but what is he TO do?
There are but two Parties in the country
the enc now welding the powers of the Fedora
Government, in favor of Slavery, whether tina
Interest is to be promoted by Popular Sever
eighty, or in defiance of it; the other, the Re
publican Party, which is committed to the sup
port Of Freedom, whatever form of the issue MAJ
represented, that issue at present being Popular
Sovereignty.
Where then does Mr.. Douglas stand? Wher,
will he stand in future? Shall the Party O.
Slavery decide this question for him, or will be
decide it for himself2
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