Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-01-14
From Washington.
From The Philadelphia North american.
WASUTXGTON Ian o


WASHINGTON, Jan. 9.
The democracy permitted what was once
the sanctified day of their political calendar
the eighth of January-to pass unnotice3
There was no celebration bere-no clarifying
Oraton--no immortal memory drank, and no
p9ans sung. In fact. the Democratic House.
though reminded of the day by one of the
faithful, would not adjourn over, preftrring
10 remain in session for three hours. devotedly
calling the ayes and nays most of the time.
What is Democracy coming to? First. they
rrnOnnce the principles of Jackson, and now
they make not even poor reverence to name
which has been their symbol and shibboleth
during many a stirring scene. The Demo-
cratic Senate did adjourn over, but chiefly
because it was Saturday. and not at all be-
cause ii was the anniversary OF the battle OF
New Orleans.
An animated struggle is to take place upon
the bill for admitting Oregon. which Mr..
Stephens has announced his intention to re-
port at the first opportunity. This will be
the severest test of the session between the
adverse interests, and serve to define their
actual relative strength, since there will
he no hating place for the doubtful, who
have heretofore vibrated from one extreme to
the other. No plausible reason of public
nature has yet been ASST gned for this applica-
ton, and although the President urged it as
an exceptional case, while in the same breath
he insisted upon the exclusion of Kansas, he
did not cite a single argument or fact, except
the technical organization of State govern
ment, to sustain the recommendation. All
parties are nearly agreed now that principle
ought to be established by which the accession
of new States should be regulated-that is, a
population equal to the basis of Federal
representation. Since it is thus morally
accepted, why not apply it to Oregon? There
is far greater justice for this rule in that case
than in Kansas, because her population Is
shown to be less than one-half of the requisite
number. and that, too right in the face of an
attempt to eXaggerate it grossly, for politi-
cal purpose.
This movement is urged now, because I'M
der the next census Oregon will not probably
have more than a small fraction above one
third of the ratio needed for a representative
in Congress while by admission she will be
placed upon an equality with Pennsylvania,
Ohio and New York. in the Senate, and may,
IN possible contingency, determine the cleo
ton of President in the House. 1t is by such
agencies as these, which are governed by
party considerations entirely, that great
questions of material interest are decid d,
and that squatter votes are manufactured to
control the public policy.
The Republicans determined, at a formal
caucus, to resist this democratic measure,
unless Kansas was brought in upon an equal
footng In that opposition they will be sus-
tincd because it is vindicated by reason and
by right. There is no great hurry for the
admission of either, and so far any claim
is concerned, there can be no hesitation as to
winch is entitled to the preference, if pppu-
lation, long-suifering. oppression, and
Migrant abuse of power against Kansas can
establish such a claim. Every consideration
OF public nature authorizes either the post
poncment of Oregon, or equal Justice to
Kansas. Upon that issue, there can be no
serious division of opinion in the country.