Senator Douglas.Charleston, South
Carolina, Mercury [Democratic](6 February 1854)
We are able to do only imperfect justice to the speech of this
distinguished Senator in defence of the territorial bill.
It was an effort remarkably complete and powerful, and a most triumphant
vindication of his own position.
In the part which we quote, it will be observed that two points are
unanswerably established. 1st. That the Missouri Compromise was
in effect abrogated by the acts of 1850; inasmuch as portions of
territory acquired with Louisiana, other portions
acquired with Texas and still others acquired from
Mexico, were all undistinguishingly melted together
and organized under the non-intervention law of the last Compromise. 2d, That
the amendment of Mr. MASON, to the bill fixing the
boundary of Texas, inasmuch, as any construction of
it which should make it a confirmation of the Missouri Compromise
would be loaded with the absurdity of making the vague words, "or otherwise,"
operate as a repeal of the substantive provisions of the bill to which they
were added.
But we desire merely to call attention to the admirable argument of the
Illinois Senator.
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