The Washington union., 1858-02-24
POLITICAL "REMINISCENCES TWO YEARS IN
POLITICS.


POLITICS,
1t is very kind of whose memory is stronger
than his passions to remind politicians of what took
place year or two ago. Perhaps there many
who have suggested to themselves how absolutely
wonderful it is that we forget quick what has
Cured within the Lriefest period. II would be UNI
fair to infer from this that political actors like theat
rical performers, just take their parts and play them
out.
couple Of years ago we were the point of
comforting nomination for the presidency upon
some worthy aud distinguished Of the demo
cratic party. 1t will be remembered that the Kan
sas-N ebraska act thrust into the foreground in
that family contest. Mr.. Senator Douglas was its
author 1t had brought defeat upon for sea
son. We had recovered in part; and we were prom
ised success if we could confer the nomination upon
good true, able, honest, infexible man. The ad-
mnistration of General Pierce had met with great
trouble in the government of Kansas. That govern
ment had been bitterly assaied the Kansas act had
been assailed; the democratic party and its men had
been assailed. 1t was everywhere proclaimed that
it was the purpose of the democracy to establish
slavery in Kansas. Mr.. Buchanan, always known in
our government able, fearless, fair and just
man, one whom suspicion had not tainted malice
injured even craftsmanship in its most licentous
latitude, assailed, supported by the democracy,
North and South. We well recollect that Mr.. Doug
Lass friends-we will not say Mr.. Douglas himself
thought it exceedingly unfair to place Mr. Buchanan
in nomination, because such an act would be doing
injustice to the sufferers under the legislation Of 1854
1t was maintained that Mr.. Buchanan had been alb
sent during all the fight, and was uncommitted to
that legislation that, while Gen. Pierce and Mr..
Douglas were sraning every effort to uphold the
territorial system established by Congress-, Mr. Bu-
chanan might, and probably would, abandon the
whole affair." should he come into the executive
Office
Now, it is the qucerest sight in the world to wit
ness the result of the experiment involving these
little bits of history aud the political objects sought
to be accomplished by TIE act of 1854. Mr.. Bu-
chanan nominated, elected, and is now the
President. He inherited the Kansas affair entire
He sent out governor and instructed him, greatly
to the delight of Mr.. Douglas to recognise the ter
rtorial government, to enforce its laws and to exc
cute the will of the people expressed through those
laws. Mr.. Douglas, owing to some exceedingly
anlneiebS proceedings on the part oil the republl-
cans in and out of tho Territory, was particularly
incensed against the Topekaites and their sympa-
thizers everywhere. He had been met at Chicago
with the meancst and most cowardly insults. He
was provoked by taunts and jecrs, and when he
offered to explain his position cloud of dersion,
menace, and Kisses overwhelmed him. and drowned
his voice. Now Mr. Douglas is right on the other
side. Heis opposed to every effort of the admins
traton to enforce the laws of Kansas for that is the
point lie acts with his old enemies. We only al
lude to these things matters of reflection
and with view in the world of crticising the pres
imposition Of the distinguished senator from Hi
nois. If any lesson is taught by politics, it is
that we should always be charitable and liberal
towards those who disagree with us. We arc con-
vinced it is altogether right to admit Kansas that
it win be complete and faithful enforcement of the
Kansas act; that, if wrongs have been committed it
will provide the amplest of all of redress
These are our views but they are not the views of
Mr.. Douglas.