The black republicans have wasted more breath, ink and time on the Missouri compromise than it took to bring it into existence. The Supreme Court has had the darling bantling of black republicanism under consideration, and announces it illegitimate.
Original passage & context
"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 ↗