Nevada national., 1859-10-08
Mr.. DOUGLAS ESSAY ON THE "DI-
yIDrNG LINE BETWEEN FEDERAL
ANN TnCAy AIrTrrnDtrC >,

VfD1NG LINE BETWEEN FEDERAL
AND LOCAL AUTHORITY"
We have read this political manifesto Of
Stephen A. Douglas with the utmost inter
est and care, and devoted upon it earnest
and unprejudiced study. From the position
which the able Senator had so long and so
earnestly occupied as chairman of the Ter
fitorial Committee, we had good reason to
believe that the views which he entertained
In relation TO the subject upon which he has
written, from the prolonged and mature re
fiection which be has been called upon to de-
vote TO IL. would be represented with strik.
ing completeness and lucidiiy. and vindica-
ted with searching power. and an unan-
swerable logic, which would everywhere lead
conviction captive.
We are gratifed that Mr.. Douglas has seer
ct in the quietude of bis own studio tc graft
fv the people Of the country, at this juncture.
many Of whom were not altogether confident
as to his political idens, with so thorough
and elaborate an expression OF his notions
regarding the constitutional relations. sub
sisting between the governments of the
States and Territories, aud the Federal Gov
ernment. Al the general tone Of the Sena-
tors dsquistion we are greatly plea sed;
with the propositions which be has laid down.
for the most part, we heartily agree-they
are highly democratic, the very essence and
pith Of democracy; and their appreciated
truth, so long entertained, will meet with the
cordial response Of the party throughout The
length and breadth OF the Union. We are
truly eratifed that some opportunity has
been afforded to one fully competent to the
task, to enunciate with salutory perspicuity
and eloquence, the great doctrine upon which
essentially depends the peace of the naticn
and the stability Of the Union; which is let
the parts take care OF themselves. and the
whole will be secure; or in other words, the
Union will be safe 10 the constitutional poll
cy Of the several States. The strict mainte-
nance of this great anti fanitical doctrine Of
mind your own business. and forbear med.
ding with the affairs OF Others" is of itself
sufficient guaranty to the perpetuity and
glory Of this unexampled Republic. We are
glad that Judge Douglass has so aptly cit
forced this doctrine. and also that il has
found channels Of universal diffusion among
the gsest masses OF the people, upon whom
u must make wholesome impression.
We do not see. however, that Mr.. Douglas
he's developed anything new in his essay. or
thrown the slightest light on the real point
OF controversy. which ia this what is the
political condition of the people ia their in
eohate condition, or when they have ceased
TO be citizens Of State. and are yet living
In territory where there il no territorial
government. AT this point-the one alone
embarrassing MIR. Douglas has not 'blazed
the way :" aud we are just as wise when We
conclude the perusal OF bis paper as We we're
before we saw it. What is the condition OF
the settler before the organization Of ter
ritoriai government l. Mr.. Douglas in ia
vor or using the power OF the federal govern
ment, If the exiRences OF the case should
make it necessary, to the protection of the
property of the slave holder, or is be in ia
yor Of leaving this part of the history Of the
pioneer who lays the corner stone of civiliza-
tion, and the foundation of q State. to
chance. anarchy, strife and ruins In the
list Of the objects OF civil government, the
protection Of eiUa property is second only
Mr.. Douglas lays down the proposition that
slaves are property in the territory of the
United States, and then from strange idea
Of policy, or q want Of ability or boldness.
shies the difficulty over which his reasoning
necessarily leads him, and talks about The
Supreme Court" Slaves are either pro-
perty or not property. in the territory Of
the United States. If they are property
under the constitution, then IL is obligatory
on this government TO PROTECT II, even
should II require the militia and marine Of
the whole country; aud there is not sound
minded man in the republic of North Ameri.
ca. but that would say as much.
ar. Douglas does very we'll until be
reaches this point--if he reaches il at all in
bis article-aud here, be is weak, dark and