But I digress. In my
opposition to the admission of Kansas I shall have some company, but we
may be beaten. If we are, I shall not on that account attempt to dissolve
the Union. I think it probable, however, we shall be beaten. Standing as
a unit among yourselves, You can, directly and indirectly, bribe enough
of our men to carry the day, as you could on the open proposition to
establish a monarchy. Get hold of some man in the North whose position
and ability is such that he can make the support of your measure,
whatever it may be, a Democratic party necessity, and the thing is done.
Apropos of this, let me tell you an anecdote. Douglas introduced the
Nebraska Bill in January. In February afterward there was a called
session of the Illinois Legislature. Of the one hundred members composing
the two branches of that body, about seventy were Democrats. These latter
held a caucus in which the Nebraska Bill was talked of, if not formally
discussed. It was thereby discovered that just three, and no more, were
in favor of the measure. In a day or two Douglas's orders came on to have
resolutions passed approving the bill; and they were passed by large
majorities!!!! The truth of this is vouched for by a bolting Democratic
member.
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