The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-10-07
WASHINGTON CITY, THURSDAY, OCTOBER !, 1858.

mind pretty much the whole of last winter We got
along admirably with friends and allies and had
got them TO agree to popular sovereignty wherever it did
not conflict with their previous doctrines of putting down
slavery and foreign emigration. We made sure they
were all going for the Judges reelection to the Senate
when much TO the surprise of both, the came
that Lncoln had been nominated by the black krepub
cans IN Illinois for the Senate. IL fell like thun
derbolt. But used to emergencies, and by this
time had by long habit, become active and sup
| pie as the Judge himself
We did not hesitate long what to do, but went at
70 the southern and administration men, and told them
that in fact the Kansas question was past one and
intended TO acquesce in what had been done by the par
ty, and turn batteries upon the republicans
conaoa enemy. With democrats by-goncs should be by
cones; but oil black-republicans and know nothinga
should encounter our avenging syord-we would turn
our fire from the democratic ranks and throw hot shot
into the enemy We wished to be regarded longer
eneinies in war; but Sin peace friends" with the
tlonal democracy In this view 1t very desirable
that should have their good will and that the demo-
cratic opposition in Illinois to the Judges reelection
should be withdrawn Our amiable remarks were most
calf TO celebrate repentance but before he got back
we had started off for Chicago in hot pursuit Of the black
republicans.
stood in the crowd at Chicago to hear the Judge $
opening speech began to find the black republicans
and know-nothngs pretty thick around me. did not
like this much but consoed myself with the reflection
that they would catch it presently when the Judge began
his speech Greatly to my SURPRISE the Judge changed
tue lie pitched into the South, the
Lecompton constitution the English bill, the admins
tration, Congress- and the democratic partyeverybody
in short but the know nothings and black republicans
whom he praised to the skies for their virtue and pat
otsm in standing up for popular sovereignty. Here
these rascals all huraed and began to think the Judge
going TO get all their votes and that Lincoln would
stand sort Of chance. wonderfully struck with
the Judges admirable tact in adapting himself to his a
dience and determined to stand by him in his present
position @,@
greatly surprised to find that this enthusiasm was
merely trick of the ck-republcans to misead the
Judge and that they going for Lincoln anyhow.
We determined Immediately to spare them longer,
and accordingly at the very next meeting the Judge stood
up strongly for the Dred Scott decision and denounced
Lincoln and his friends for wanting to overthrow the
sttuon / accordingly let out all the wrath which
had bottled up ON their heads, but found out
there was strong popular current against of the
points of the bred Scott decision and especially the
part which says all attacks slave property in the Terri
tories by whomsoever directed, unconstitutional.
What to do in this perplexty did not know but de-
termned to keep my eye the Judge, and how he
would get out of the fix. knew him WELL and had great
confidence in his resources My hopes not disap-
pointed. s..- . ..... a..... .. s.
The Judge got over the difficulty at single leap, and
without injury to his garments He showed to us how
the people of Territory could, by lawful means pro-
hib slavery, If they fit, through their territorial
legislature He went on to demonstrate that this could
be done under his Nebraska bill by virtue of the great
principle of popular sovereignty with which he iden
tilted, and that Judge Taney, and the whole Supreme
Court to back him. couldn't stop them This lucid solu-
ton Of the problem regard the crownng glory of the
Judges political career and now, presume all attempts
to him will be hereafter abandoned Consistency
is the natural boast of vulgar mind and the experience
of ages has demonstrated that circumstances alter
cases = sa"a r- fz77777f-r
1t is beautiful thing to trace out how the idea of pop
ular sovereignty has terminated in the mind of the
Judge. In the debate the admission of Florida in
ls45 he held the doctrine that popular sovereignty
sisted in congressional control the Territories This
he held was absolute the control of the father
his infant child To quote his able argument on this
point ras s-.r. t.s y. sssH .. ...-.. t..r.rs
The father may bind his during his minority but
the moment he atains his majority his fetters
cd and he is free to regulate his conduct So wih
the Territories: they subject to the jurisdiction and
control of Congress during their infancy their minority
but they attain majority and obtain admission into
tho Union they free from all restraints and restric
ton except such the constitution of the United States
has imposed upon each and oil the States"
Here is the imperfect germ of truth from which has
sprung forth the bcaueous and goodly fruit of popular
sovereignty. The Judge is remarkable man. am
proud to follow in his footsteps Sometimes become
little dizzy and bcwdered but intend to persevere.
Where he will go have idea nobody else has any
idea He may 60 to the black republicans to the
democracy or run as third candidate in 1860 the
great champion of popular sovereignty, with which he
and are identified He take any course with per-
feet facility and balance himself In event of his cleo
ton as President expect to go into the cabinet, and
will post you up from time to timcso that you too,
can keep pace with the changes in tho views of the
Judge. @ Yours, faithfully, - y.