The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-04-28
THE DOUGLAS ORGAN.

We have frequently stated inferentially that
the Washington States is to be regarded as the
organ of the Douglas branch of the Democracy.
The following extract from that journal of Satur-
day, showing that Judge Douglas is sending
out circulars to aid in its circulation, will leave
no further doubt about the fact.
From the Washington States of April %
THE HERALD" AND THE STATES"
We are under obligations to the New York
Herald for publishing, in a very conspicuous
manner, the prospectus of the States, accom-
panied by few lines, signed by Senator Doug
las, to this effect:
"Please make exertions to obtain subscribers
to this paper"
The Herald at the same time informs its read
ers that the body of the circular two lines) is
in the handwriting Of clerk, but the signature
is the autograph of Senator Douglas"
This is correct for the body of the circular
was written by clerk in the States office, and
Judge Douglas was one of a number of Sena-
tors and members who signed for us such doc.
| ument the result of which is, that we are re-
ceiving large number of subscribers from all
sections of the country. This mornings mail
| brought us forty-nine.
4 The Herald will confer great favor upon us
if it will publish cOnspicuously the recommend
atoms of such other Senators and members as
we can furnish, who have requested their
friends 10 "mGke ercTtiORS TO obtain subscribers
for the States"
After this avowal of the intimate connection
which exists between Judge Douglas and the
States, we feel fully warranted in regarding it
as the true exponent Of his views upon political
questions; and that the States Interpretation of
non-intervention," quoted by us last week, is
to be taken as identical with that of Senator
Douglas.
We therefore again draw attention to the
principles laid down by this central Douglas
organ, on the 18th instant. That paper saws:
For oar O1cn part, ace contend that 1t is IN
competent for the Federal Government, IN anu
form of operation, either 6y tie immediate er-
ertion Of its authority, or through the agency of
a substitute, to enact an exclusion of SLaUe1y
from the common domain. But Con-
greSs could 6estO,o no authority on tie local
Legislatures, Of aohich eoGS not itself possess
ed and hence zoe maintain that transfer of
all Its -raathortty does not iR0OiUe the right to
prohibit the introduction and establishment of
Slavery IN the Territories This conclusion IS
in exact accordance 10iM the principle prOpO,snd-
ed By the Supreme Court an the bred Scott
| case. x
ave answer at once let the courts determine
| bapeen as and our GdUersdrieS. If the Terri
torial Legislature attempt to exercise power
| in disparagement of Slavery which the South
will not admit within its jurisdiction, any in
jured party may carry its grievance before the
| Supreme Court. Is ii hazardous to trust that
tribunal on the issue? We answer leaving out
of view its general wisdom and integrity, the
| Supreme Court is k1ao1on to be reliable, from the
fact that 1t happens to hare prejudged the Gerry
point in dispute. In the bred Scott case, it
was determined by this august tribunal that
| neither Congress nor fortiori the local Legis-
future, sohich is the creature Of Congress, can
prohibit Slarery IN the Territories Years be-
fore this decision, Mr. Calhoun avowed his per-
| feet willingness to remit the rights of Slavery
| in the Territories to the arbitrament of the Su-
preme Court. The result has justified his pro-
| ptete sagaciy; and ace, DlO are aoiSe atte, the
eUen1 hare a positive assurance Of safety an
leariag SlaUery an the Territories to the protec-
ton of the courts.
$50 the South has a moral and constitution
| al right to insist on the rerical Of the African
slare trade; bat the exercise Of the right IN
rolres issues Of policy and physical po,cer,
cliek tie aoiSest statesmen choose not TO precip-
itate upon the country"
Here, then, is the end of Judge Douglas
schisn. He is now, if possible, sounder than
ever. He admits, through his organ, that the
bred Scott case estops the people of the Terri