Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-01-08
SENATOR DOUGLAS.

Since the delivery of his late speech in tho Senntr
Chamber, protesting against the admission of Kan.
sss under the action of the Lecompton Convention
this distinguished Democratic statesman has been
subjected to serious suspicious of his continued de
ity to the true enets of that cause in which he has
so long, 30 zealously and so galIantly labored. We
have several times taken occasion to express our own
views the cub And as The attitude Of Senator
Douglas towards the Democratic party and the South
is matter OF no ordinary importance we deem it not
unadvisable to recnr to it briefly from time to time,
as circumstances may suggest, or as any new deve
opment calculated to enghten the public in relation
to it, may arise. As yet, Mr.. Douglas has
neither recsded nor advanced, so far as we
placed himself by the spesch to which we
have alluded at the commencement Of the session.
1t is therefore, but reasonable to presume that he
means to maintain his ground, resoutely and to the
end, regardless of consequences. Such determine.
tion would only be in keeping with the aefreliant
character and undisguised energy and zeal with
which he has always boldly entered the sts in what.
ever controversy he may have been engaged. But
while we do not expect him to abandon the principle,
for which he 80 strenuousy contends in iss sppca-
tion to the Constitution Of Kansas, cannot believe
that those essential elements of leadership which we
have just accorded to him, will be allowed to lead to his
self mmolaton, by assuming the shape of opinionated
obslinacy and logged defiance. 1t is not unnatural
that Senator Douglas should be peculiarly alive to
the operations of the Nebraska bill. And although
he advocates the enforcement of the great prin.
ciple which it embodies, as We think, in this
instance to an extreme point neither contempla-
ted by the Kansas act considered in the section.
al controversy which gave rise to it, we cannot see
that in 30 doing he has turned his back upon the
South, and extended the hand of fellowehip to the
freesoilers Such was our opinion after careful read
ing of his speech--and such it is still. Unless we
much mistake him. Stephen A. Douglas is not the man
TO profess friendship while meditating treachery.-
His political course has heretofore been bold, frank,
fearless and decided. And if he has made no con.
ceament OF his views and his purposes before, why
should he do 30 now 7 If he has thundered anathe.
mas without measuie against the abotioniets, IN
their midst what ia there for suspectng that he
s now inclined to conciale them7 II his sentiments
were changed, would his whole nature be too =
1t may be said that his aspirations for the Presidency
have risen above and obscured not obterated those
Democratic convictions which once inspired him to
deeds in the cause of the Constitution and the Union,
that render him hero in the history of his country;
that he has calculated the chances and calmly deter
mined to hazard his fortunes uponhe desperate e1pe
dent Of apostacy Butin support Of such apprehsn.
sion we can discover no other evidence than that TIE
Senator is applauded by the enemies OF the South As
We have previously declared, we can detect nothing
that smacks of treason in his speech. We condemn
him for his attitude Of opposition to the Admnistra-
tion albeit he and the President and ourselves are
agreed upon the principle, which we maintain that
he pursues too far. We condemn him for fomening
discord in the Democratic party however honest and
earnest may be HE moves We condemn him for
giving comfort 10 the enemy; however much he may
deprecate their cause. But we will not believe that
he has either the faulty to sacrifice bis interests
the shamelessness to forfeit bis honor by any such g
nominious and reckless recantation, he must make
to enable him TO withdraw from the Democratic
party. II Senator Douglas contemplated desertior
of the cause Of the Constitution, the Union and th
South we cannot think that he would hesitate to svou
his purpose with the came boldness and candor tha
| have ALWAYS characterized him.