The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-07-22
Mr.. Douglas and the Democr scy-T The Policy
Of C0uciIlaslOm.


Mr.. Senator Douglas just now, on account of
bis critical position, is the most conspicuous
figure upon the democratic canvass. 1t was
thought that with his opening home campaign
speech, after his return to Illinois, he would re-
move the last impediment to full reconcilia-
ton with the administration wing of his party;
but in this, II appears, he has thus far signally
failed. Since be has defined the general course
which he intends to pursue upon the stump, in
view Of the November Illinois election, the
Washington Union has been treating him rs an
intraCtable deserter. Read, for example, the
article from that paper which we publish else
where in these columns In this connection,
however, the reader will observe from certain
other newspaper extracts, under the same head,
that while the Charleston Mercury is for hurry
ing of the rebellious Senator to the guIllotine
without the benefit Of clergy, the Richmond En-.
quare end the Albany Arglp-Ahds are in favor
OF the milder policy of reconciliation and the
general reconciliation of the party.
Now, how stands this matter? What Is
to be gained by party war Of ex-
termination against Mr.. Douglas? or what will
be lost by the exercise Of little indulgence
towsrds him? Let us inquire. As practical
neu let us deal with these things in practical
way in reference to existing facts and circum
80 o's. and in view Of the mos. probable con.
qY,tccs Of this or that line Of action.
Mr. Douglas made a great mistake in aban.
donipg the administration upon the Lecompton
constitution. Had be sustained the President
upon that issue, though II might have cost him
the loss Of bis position as the leading man Of
Illinois. II would have placed him foremost in
the front rank Of his party for the Presidential
succession. That commanding national posi-
ton, too. would soon have restored him to his
wonted ascendapcy in his own State. Martin
Van Buren, In his day was q sagacious man. aud
stuck to the administration of Old Hickory
through thick and thin. The consequences were
that his rejection as Minister TO England by the
casting vote Of Mr.. Calhoun made him-frst
Vice President in the place of Cath oun, aud
then President Of the United States. Take
another case-Danel S. Dickinson was thrown
out Of the Senate from this State on account Of
bis national course on the slavery question. The
consequence was that If he had not positively
declined after getting the decisive vote of vir-
ginia, be would have been the democratic nomi-
nee In 1862, and az such would doubtless have
been elected TO the Presidency by the over
wbelming pressure of the Union anti Niger sen
timent Of that day.
These, and other examples Of the past, bear
ing upon bis case, should have aduonished Mr..
Douglas of his true policy. Bat little soured
by his defeat at Cincinnati, and thinking II
saftst 20 secure his position at home, he Joined
the enemies Of The administration upon the test
question Of Lecompion, and has not even since
the passage Of the English compromise, upon
which all parties and all sections yielded some
thing.) given In biz adhesion to the measure.
Mr.. Douglas, however, says that be IL willing to