The Washington Union

The speech of Mr. Kennedy in the Senate on Friday last is one of peculiar significance. Mr. Kennedy belongs to the American party, owing no obligations to the democratic organization, and none whatever of sympathy or duty to the so-called republican party. Mr. Kennedy's party is too small to be effective, and hence the senator was called upon to consult the character of the measure before the country to guide him in the discharge of his duties.

This was all frank and manly; and although we claim party fealty to the bill proposing the admission of Kansas, that fealty is due to the merits of the measure itself—to the principle of non-intervention and State rights it embodies—to the object which is sought to be accomplished in its success: the removal from the arena of federal politics of a frightful subject of dispute and agitation. To effect this end, disavowing all possible fellowship with the "republicans," Mr. Kennedy yields a cordial support to the plan of admission embraced in the bill before the Senate. This is signification and pointed enough.

It is a rebuke to those democrats who seem unlike Mr. Kennedy to glory in their fellowship with the republicans. Mr. Kennedy's position under the circumstances is such as to reflect honor upon his head and his heart.

The character and the interests of the country alike demand that in this controversy there shall be but two parties. There is no middle ground between them—no half-way house. Those not for us, must be against us. The issue is vital. It was, therefore, to be assumed, that the members of the American organization, with inconsiderable exceptions, would finally act with the democracy, and thus leave the republicans alone. Those democrats who have gone over to them, have gone home; they belong there. Too weak in the knees, or too calculating, ambitious, and impatient, they will find a more congenial field for the display of such qualities in the republican family. They tell us this is not a party question; if not, it is a constitutional question—a question of government—a great Union question. It is certainly most encouraging that upon such vital issues the patriotism of the country is all on one side, while faction, ambition and folly are all on the other.