Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-09-17
THE WILMINGTON JOURNAL.
WILnNGTON, N. O., FRIDAY. SEPT. IL, 1858.

Ne Judge Breese former Senator from Illinois, con-
tadcs the report that he has resigned his candidacy or
declined to run in opposition to Douglas. On the con-
+rrv he denounces the course of the latter dsogan
izing, etc. Judge Breese sustains the Administration
Before Mr.. Douglas Freeport avowas on the doctrine
of Squatterism we should have desired his success be-
lieving him correct in principle even although somewhat
factious and disorganizng in policy with reference to
Kansas Now, we look anxiously for such movement
on the part of the true Democrats Of Illinois as will vim
dictate their position even if it fails Of achieving any
higher measure OF success
There is a something connected with this matter OF
Judge Douglas that goes farther to vndcate the sound
ness and independence of the Democratic press OF the
South than any mere wordy professions. AT hrs when
the canvass commenced in Illinois, the Democratic press
of the South and most of the leading Democratic poll
ticians in the section, were anxious for Mr.. Dou
glas success especially in opposition to his competitor
Mr.. Lincoln Mr. Douglas had done efficient service for
Democracy-Mr. Lincoln was, and had been, an avoWed
abotionis Mr. Douglas was believed to be right in prin
cipIe, although his policy had been calculated to pro-
mote divisions The question upon which the rupture
had occurred was believed to have Tpassed from the
active arena and ceased to be living issue
Under these circumstances subserviency to the real
or supposed wishes of the Executive influenced the
pressions or positions Of the Southern Democracy to-
wards Mr. Douglas. The denunciations of the quasi
official paper the Union, passed unheeded if indeed,
they were not resented as impertinent.
Mr. Douglas himself however, chooses to avow senti-
ments and opinions directly opposed to those for which
the Democracy of the South contend Directly opposed
to the position of the Administration directly opposed
to the principles Of the true Democratic party OF the
country directly at issue with the principles enunciated
by the Supreme Court in the bred Scott decision. The
altered attitude of the South shows by what influence it
is swayed whether by principle or by patronage. What
supposed personal antagonsm with parties in power
could not effect in months distinct avowal of settled
error in principle does Immediately.
It is true that the Senatorial contest in Illinois is
matter which, strictly speaking concerns only the peo
pie of that State but circumstances have given to this
matter character which does primarily belong to it.
Mr. Douglas moves arc made with reference to a ma
tonal stake although confined at present to the restrc
ted theatre of State contest He is not without par
tizan at the South among those who look to his eeva
ton as the best of securing their We might
indicate some Of these in own State, but we
leave it to time to show There be not wanting Doug
las Democrats - in Virginia. There are Douglas Or
gans in New Orleans and in Washington City-per-
sona organs Of Doug las-organs whose devotion
will be shaken by change of front the part Of their
chief The really sound and independent Democratic
presses of the South look at this matter with reference
to its bearing upon the fortunes Of the Democratic par
ty not of Mr.. Douglas or Mr. Buchanan. In this light
they can no longer feel any interest in Mr. Douglas
success or defeat in Illinois, His movements are now
simply Douglas movements and without any interest to
us as Democrats