True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-07-28
The Washington Union on Senator
Douglas.
SENATOR DOUGLAS AT CHIcAGo-IIE IS

| AA0 w oSnAub IOu uuIVu OU D6uHCOl
| Douglas.
SENATOR DOUGLAS AT CHIcAGo-IIE Is
| DOUGLAS NAN.
There was time not long ago whe
it was common TO hear praises of the abil
ity, heroism and fidelity of the honorabl
Senator from Illinois. He was favorit
of the great Democracy, and exhibited il
defence of the great cause decided ingu
nuity and talent. The time has passed
We do not recOllect the laurels won b.
the Senator in the debates of the late ses
sion. Much was expected of him as ht
led off with grand flourish Of trumpeu
in opposition to his old friends; all were
disappointed in the results of that grea
controversy. 1t was manifest Mr.. Dou.
glas' old enemies, who burned him in
efigy two years before, and now his new
friends only wished to use him to break
up the Democracy, not to build up Re-
publicanism. They could afford, how
ever, to ffatter, as the article was cheap
and easily bestowed. At length, so we
thought, Mr.. Senator Douglas came to re-
alize his true position beforerhs country.
He had abandoned great many friends,
more than there are in the whole Repub.
lican family. He could scarcely have
made good transaction. He felt the
loss of those who had supported him and
saw the difference between that kind of
friendship and what he was getting by
supporting the Republicans. Hence, late
ly, we have had mysterious givings out
that Mr.. Douglas would 60 home and
again, by bold declaration. reuniIe him.
self with the Democratic party.
We have at length the telegraphic re-.
port of his speech at Chicago. IJ may
be imperfect in poin! of matter--It may
not embrace all Mr.. Douglas said. We
sincerely trust it is, that much has been
left out and much reported which Mr..
Douglas did not say. The latter would
be most desirable amendment of the
speech; for what is reported 10 have been
said will greatly astonish the country
Mr.. Douglas, we fear, has mistaken a
demonstration in his behalf in Two Or
three cities for popular support and con.
fidence by the whole country. He ar.
raings the democratic party of last winter,
and declares that he and his friends de.
feated and prostrated il in the passage Of
tie English bill, which he and his friends
opposed and voted against! The En-.
gllsh bill was all wrong, Mr.. Douglas
could not endorse it; he voted against it;
it became, nevertheless, law. That
law then became triumph to Mr.. Dou.
glas There are some things to deep fol
ordinary minds and this was never made
clearer than in the report of Mr.. Douglas
speech. What was the object of III,
Senator? Did he wish to reopen tn,
old wounds q! Did he desire 10 set ~
for himself on the small capital of thre,
public receptions p? Has his vanity 81
overcome his judgment that be can for
moment suppose that nineteen twentielh
of,he democratic party are about to stultify
themselves, condemn their conduct las
winter and come out now for the mos
Infamous Of all abolition measures, th
Crilenden amendment, which Mr.. Dougla
now SO warmly approves
We say with all candor 10 the Illinoi
Senator that he never made greater mis-
take. 1t was his place to forget wha
passed last winter. He was Interested i
forgetting it. The country was all read
to recognize and endorse his defectiy
memory in this respect.
We believe Mr.. Douglas himself reall
desired 10 obliIerate the infinite blunde
Of the late session. But he must Wind
cate his consistency. He must 90 dow
to his people and show them that be wa
quite immaculate-that he never mad
blunders; and in that act be committe
the greatest blunder of his life. We wi
not indulge in further comment in antici
patton Of the authorative publication Of hi
speech.