The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-07-14
FrOm the .Statesman.
In What do We Differ.

Unuer tniS neau, the JoNrfe0 o1 CON-
merce presents SO clear and comphrehen-
sive statement of the condition of the |
Democracy, that we lay it before our
readers. The Journal Of Commerce is
known as conservative paper of great
honesty and independence. Its conclu.
slons are drawn from no other premises
than such as one might draw who has
but an earnest wish for the highest pros
perity and honor Of the whole country
We commend this article to the Ohio
Democracy, who have already anticipa-
ted by their action and harmony, the
spirit of the article. Here it is:, ea..I
1t seems to be generally understood. by
the public that controversy, or at least
serious difference of opinion, exists be-
tween the friends of the Administration
and the friends of Judge Douglas; diff.
ference supposed to he shared, by the
President and the Senator from Illinois.
Upon this assumed understanding we
are treated to long disquisitions on the
split in the Democratic party, aid srecu-
!ations about its result We have not
been Indifferent observers of the political
events of the last few months, and have
watched, with some attention, the pro-
ceedings at Washington; and also the
action of the Democrats of Illinois, which
are understood to be based on the rela-
tive position of the distinguished leaders
whom We have named, and we are CON-
PEELED to say that we are unable to dis
cover any such conflict of opinion touch
ing political affairs, as can furnish reas.
enable ground for controversy,-much
less, afford valid excuse for introducing
discord and dissensions into .ihe party
of the country" srasE4 act-gs. -
The President, as all are aware, con-
sidered and accepted the Compromise
Bill of Mr.. English, as settlement, and
final disposition of the Kansas coutrover-
sy. 1t is SO regarded by his friends and
by the party generally, and there have
been general congratulations throughout
the country, that the question had reach
ed its solution. If the people of Kan
sas wish to come into the Union, they
will so determine by their votes on the
2nd of August. If they deem it wiser
to remain in Territorial condition for
the present, no one will find fault with
that decision. Such we understand to be
the present, aspect of the case, and we do
not probably misstate the Presidents
views in saying that he thus looks upon
the subject Let US see how Jsdge
Douglas understands the case a1 Z
| In a speech delivered in the Senate at
the special session, June 18th, Mr.. Dong.
las, in speaking on the state of parties
in Illinois used the following language:
Whichever way the people of Kansas
may decide the question at that election,
| Ton the End of August will be final and
conclusive. If they reject the PROPOSE.
tion submitted by Congress. the Lecomp.
ton Constitution is dead, and there is an
end of the controversy. If on the con.
trary, they accept the proposition, Kan,
sas from that moment becomes a State o.
the Union, and thus the controversy ter.
; inmates. Whether they shall accept OF
} reject the proposition, is question fol
the people of Kansas to decide for them
. selves. and with which neither Congress.
nor the people of the several States. MOI
any person, official or otherwise, outsid,
J of that Territory, has any right. to inter
fere. Hence the Lecompton controvers,
, is at an end; for ali men, of all parties
must be eonteht with and abide by what
! ever decision. the people Of Kansas ma,
/ make.n .......-. -.
, Taking the opinions of the Presiden
} and of Senator Douglas as the senti
, menss of those who act with them, we ar
at o loss, to account for any such differ
euce of opinions as will warrant the dis
, emberment of a great political party, an
, the jeoparding of its prospects and hopes
3 When members of political party ar
e divided upon. principle, there is a decen
apology for difference in action; bu
here we have the absurd proposition tha