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"Men may, conscientiously we dare say, entertain opinions in opposition to those declared by this Bench, but, so far as legislative action is concerned, every man is in honor bound to respect the supreme law of the land. No man is justifiable in advocating a "higher law" -- it is treason against the cornerstone of republican institutions."

A Northern Democratic paper answering William Seward's "higher law than the Constitution" of 1850. Note the Plain Dealer's own account of the vote is garbled — it lists Curtis with the majority and Nelson as a dissenter, the reverse of the fact. Early reports of the lineup varied for days.

Read it in the original — Cleveland Plain Dealer, Mar 11, 1857 ↗

Next post: Illinois State Register, Mar 12, 1857 →

"the black republicans have wasted more breath, ink and time on the Missouri compromise, as they were pleased to call it, than it took to bring it into existence. [...] The supreme court of the United States, the highest and most dignified tribunal in any civilized country, and composed of the very first order of talent in the world, and to whose decisions it is an honor to bow with respectful deference, have had the darling bantling of black republicanism under consideration, and announce it illegitimate."

The Democratic paper of Springfield, Illinois — Lincoln's own town, and the Illinois State Journal's rival across the street. A "bantling" is a bastard child; the Register is calling the Missouri Compromise illegitimate offspring, and enjoying itself.

Read it in the original — Illinois State Register, Mar 12, 1857 ↗