The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1859-09-12

The Debate NGrwoen DO0gG ana
KirkWoOd.
[From the Jasper Co. Free Press.l
The debate between Dodge and Kirkwood
came OF Tuesday afternoon. Mr.. Kirkwood
says the audience was the largest they have
yet addressed. Democrats and Republicans
were pres ent from all parts OF Jasper. About
IL O'Clock the delegations from Monroe, lead
by the band and martial music, made their
Insight OF people' as no Jasper county peo-
pie ever saw before. The Republican dele
cation was nearly half mile long, and the
Democratic perhaps swo-thirds as long
From all parts they came, eager to see and
hear the expected debate. We judge there
were present between two and three thousand
persons.
The debate was opened by Mr.. kirkwood,
who was calm and gentlsmanly, and strong
throughout the debate. He dwelt the most
part Of his speech upon State politics, show
ing the weakness and falsity OF Democratic
charges concerning Republican extravaganza.
In his remarks on National policy be took
broad Republican ground, showing the COR
rectness of Republican prineiples-that they
we're the principles held by the Revolution
airy fathers that these principles are found
and triumph. He showed, too, how Demoo-
racy had gone astray under the guide Of the
slave power, and how now it had become the
fruitful mother OF abominations in this land
where freedom ought TO be loved and cher
ished and defended at every hazard instead
of being trampled under foot BY Congresses
Presidents, and Courts whom il has given
existence.
| Gen. Dodge made q good humored reply.
lie convinced us that, as Mr.. Kirkwood said,
though he was very great General he
was not 30 great as Gen. Washington. He
is evidently man Of warm, generous impul-
ses, but connected Herewith 10 . weakness
which classes him with those who are chosen
by Southern politicians as allies in their
slavery extension schemes. Mr.. Dodge 10
not man OF great intellect by any means-
he 10 not clear headed.
But we have infinitely greater objections
to Gen. Dodge than those concerning him al
q man OF intellect. lie ia not true. dis.
friend of slavery--boasts that he has never
falterod in devotion to Southern interests.
We heard not word in ell his speech 20.
ing to show that he is friend to Freedom
lie seems to be willing that nature should
establish freedom in some regions, but tina
is all.
We feel sure that he is plant in the hand.
of the slave drivers as man could we'll be
lie has not the moral stamina and force oil
character to resist Southern influence on an,
question.
Mr.. kirkw0od asks him whether he vii
support the Charleston nominee in 1860, i
he stands on platform which proposes th
repeal of the laws prohibiting the Slav
Trade. What does he answer2 Not a word
What is the irresistible inference? That b.
WILL.
Those who know him and his course in pc
litioal life know that he WILL. In som
thirty marked instances has he voted agains
Northern interests, against the interests o
our country and humanity; and who dare ga
he will not do so thirty times more ii he ha
the opportunity.
Mr.. Dodge has not word to say in oppo
stion to the corrupt, extravagant policy 0
the present Administration.
He Is defender Of the Lecompton in
EQUITY.
He favors the bred Scott decision, and a
the same time swears by Squatser Sovereign
ty. These amphibious politicians are of tw
: kinds one kind don't want to see the direc
antagonism between the bred Scott decision
and Squatter Sovereignty; the other kind
of those not able to see it. Dodge belong
to both.
We sum him up intellectually, as yer
moderate; politically, as essentially pro
slavery, ready to do whatever Southern task
masters require at his hand.
Iowa must not be dishonored by his cleo
ton.