The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-07-25
nrrrrR SIGNS IN ILLINoIs.


and superintendent Of public instruction named on
the nti-Lecompton democratic ticket in Illinois, upon
the issues Of the in that State addressed to
the editors Of the Signal We surprised, and not
little rsti6ed to discover that the position of these
two gentlemen Mr. w. b. Fondey and Gov Aug. g.
French--s essentially different from that taken by
Judge Douglas in his recent speeches at Chicago and
Springfield and that these leading candidates upon
the ticket of the Illinois democratic convention of
the 2lst April plant themselves squarely upon the
ground of accepting the action of Congress on the
Kansas question as 6naty which must be acquiesced
in by all true democrats.
Mr.. Fondey, speaking Of the English bin, says
that that measure having become law, he can see
no propriety or advantage to democrats in contnu-
ing discussion on its merits, and that democrats
can now close their ranks preparatory to meeting
the common enemy.
Mr. French speaks with more fulness and en-
phasis
when that question was finally settled and taken
away from the Kansas question: by the English bill
and turned subject belonging solely and cxclu
sively to Kansas for her 10 settle without our inerven
tion supposed it fnaty "a orogone subject,
pletey out Of tho way could be- and with which
party could never have anything in the future TO do.
For myself expect to support Mr.. Buchanan as
cordially In his efforts to carry out tho great democratic
doctrine the essential principles of the party you do
hereafter as with exceptional measure OF policy,
heretofore have done"
We find in these letters no denunciation of the
Lecompton bill as fraud !" no gratuitous phil
ippic against measure belonging to tho past
and alien to tho actual canvass going on--no
kicking Of the dead lion in fit of spurious
valor We find no Boosting and exultation
the defeat of democratic bill, no imputa-
tons upon its supporters of dishonor or infdel-
ity to the obligations of patriotism and politi-
cal duty. We find no repetition, in paraphrase, of
the complacent boast of the Pharisee in the Tenn
plc in regard to conduct last winter. We find no
disingcnuous arraignment of the English bill as Of
fcring bonus for admission slave State, and
imposing disability against admission as free
State. Wo find no iLnatured silence concerning
the administration, indirect charges against it of
alliance with the opposition to put down loyal demo
Gratis. L
The whole tone of these letters is catholic, con-
servave, and loyal to the interests Of the party and
the cause. Their authors distinctly plant them
selves upon grounds, not indeed, in accordance
with what the national democracy and administra-
ton could have desired but which they not dis
posed to except to but willing to meet their old
compatriots in Illinois upon, in the spirit of com
promise and concession.
Not only have these gentlemen planted themselves
upon this middle ground of concession and cooper
alton, but tho language of Mr.. French towards the
administration, employed after Mr. Douglass speech
at Chicago is cordial and amicable-is the genuine
language of man sincere in his convictions but at
the Same time loyal to his political affiliations, and
confding towards the chosen leaders of his party.
These letters not only place these gentlemen land
would fam trust that they breathe the temper of
all the democracy Of Illinois who adhere to the con-
venon of 2lst April in different relation to the
administration of Mr.. Buchanan from that maintained
by Judge Douglas but they place them in different
relation, Also to the black-repubcans of Illinois For
unlike the haranguos of Mr.. Douglas they contain
n6words of honeyed sweetness for tho minions of
that party. Their authors expect no aid from that
organization in the approaching election; are EN-
deavoring to seduce none of them from the support
of the candidates of their own principles; and in
stead of expanding commendation and flattcry upon
them their words of cordially and enthusiasm are
all for the honored party in which they have spent
their lives, and in continued fraternity with which
they expect to die. Their hopes of SUCCESS are
only from their own party and in its reunion and
consolidation. They do not scatter frebrands in the
midst of it to distract and divide. They do not
lombard it with denuncation and abuse, with the
enemys guns and from the direction of the en-
cmy's camp.
We accept the cordial and friendly expressions of
these letters, as placing the authors Of them and
their supporters at least in relations of friendship
and goodwill with the national democracy of the
Union and the administration. If we had right to
interfere in the local politics Of Illinois, and tho al
tentative were forced upon us Of choosing between
giving our support to these men and to men who
positively approve and actively support the policy
Of the national democracy and administration we
should give il undoubtedly to the latter; but wc
should do 20, nevertheasss in the strong hope that
the differences which unfortunately separate the two
wings Of the party might be consistently reconcile
and at all events with sentiments of profound defer
snce, respect, and kindness for the former n
t.,tf u. III ------.-.--=
The Joliet Qllinois) Signal from which we transfer
an article to our columns this morning, supports
very warmly the administration of Mr. Buchanan.
and has done so through the whole of the I,ccomp-