Amador weekly ledger., 1858-05-29


embrace il. There had been terrible excitement
and agitation in Kansas Territory for several years.
rebellion had stalked abroad, and open outbreak
could only be prevented by the presence Of large
number of troops. The citizens of the Territory
were distracted, and application was made un-
der a Constitution framed and forwarded to the
President, for admission as State. As might
have been expected under the circumstances, this
Constitution and the manner Of its formation, did
not meet with united approval. A distinguished
Democrat-who is the author of the Kansas-Ne-
braska Act ITSELF and one of the most prominent
men of the Nation-difered with the President as
to the propriety of admitting Kansas under this
Constitution. This difference OF opinion
and nothing more; both Buchanan and Douglas
aimed to sustain the principles of the Act organi
zing the Territory, and to promote the welfare Of
its people and of the whole country. But for the
presence of agitaors, toao are not Democrats, in
the National Councils, there would have been no
Kansas excitement at the present session. The Lee
compton Constitution would have been rejected or
accepted, as the majority might say, without any
freedom shrieking," and without any 'fire eating
But this did not suit the enemies of Democracy OF
whatever complexion, and especially the Republ-
cans. They saw an opening wedge of Democratic
and National discord, and straightway they com
menced driving il home. The Republicans hoping
to seduce Stephen A. Douglas, made one grand
spring and proclaimed that they had taken their
position on his original Kansas Nebraska platform
and that they were now I" side by sdel'-that il
was right for the people of the Territories to make
~: = 4.
tion or dictation from the Federal Government,
but that now the President interfering with
popular Sovereignty They knew that the peo-
pie Of the country, had established the doctrine of
Popular Sovereignty, and true to the chameleon
character of the opponents OF Democracy from the
beginning the metamorphosis was speedily accom-
plished. They thought to identify themselves with
Douglas, and by that means carry Off vast
strength from the Democratic party Could they
carry with them all who have been and are the adj
mirers of that gallant champion, they would then
be able to count large majority in about all of
the Northern States, and could then follow their
profession of hypocrtically shriekng for freedom
TO their hearts content
The wish was father to thought in the minds
of these Republican leaders holding positions in
the National Councils to accomplish this grand
object would be a coup de efat worthy Of nay sur
passing Napoleon To set one trap, and have the
"fower of the Democratic party Of the North fall
into it, and make themselves invincible, would be
feat the like of which had never been accomplish
ed in the history of the country. They thought
they could accomplish it, because they wished to;
and therefore they set up scuh bowling Ia freedom
how'll as was not even heard in 1856. Oh these !
hypocritical "freedom shriekers,' such as Seward
& Goa respectable negro would be snfer under
the protection of Cannibal-lsanders.
No doubt the Republican members in Congress
have long since been undeceived. Douglas scorn-
ed their association and advances, and remains a
Democrat. They dill not entrap him; and they
know but too well they cannot enirap his friends.
Those who supported the as-Nebreska Act in
"the times that tried mems sGus," are not liable
to desert now. 1t is not likely that there is much
of so-callcd "Republicansmn in their composition.
Nevertheless away out here in California, the Re
publicans are aboring to carry out the original
programme, aud to perform their part Of the ad-
mirablc coup de etaf conceived in the excited i'm
aginations of their leaders at Washington. They
expect, by protesting 10 be Democrats, and other
chicancry, TO INTERFERE IN PRIMARY MEETINGS, and
slip in wherever they can REPUBLICAN DELAGATE
TO DEMOCRATIC COUNTY CONVENTIONS. By this
means they hope to see candidates nominated Just
10 sHt them, or have delegates enough of their
otrH TO force tests and split the Conpenfions.-l
Wide, Sacramento City aud County eleetion.)
Mark what we say, THIS is THEIR PROGRAM
Me- and in it they assisted by all rreconcilabe
enemies of Democracy who are not Republicans,
and some such there are and always viii be. And
more, in all counties where there are "fshy Dem
Gratis land no doubt every county has them in
greater or less numbers )-men who think more OF
advancing their own personal prospects than Of
fealty to party-they will receive "aid and com
fort" Oh won't these Republicans and those 9TH
er rreconcilabe Enemies have "good thing,n
though, where they can manage to split conven
tionsl Divide the party about even, we will say
for instances get the Buchanan and Douglas men
embttered against each other; and then, re-itera-
ting that they are anti-Administration Democrats
they will ride rough-shod over those into whose
confidence they have partially insinuated them
selves and bearing off the lions share of the 81 oils
of Office will laugh at the simplicity and folly OF
those whom they have vietimized.
This is no overwrought picture. II is exactly
what the enemies Of Democracy are striving 10 do.
They know that the Democrats Party, united is
invincible; they know that divided, il is beaten
Hence, they strive to divide it; they cry out that
Buchanan and Douglas men cannot cooperate;