Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1836-10-26
PARTY SPIRIT AND DEMOCRATIC
IISAGES

OoAGEO.
Extract from tho address of the Democratic
Young Mems State Convention Of New York,
recently held at Utica.l
g With objects in their nature so impor-
tant before us, the necessity of our perfect
union, as party, need hardly be adverted
to. Past experience in language that can
not be misunderstood, urges the folly of
departing from established usages the
impossibhity of preserving an ascendancy
without regard to party discipline. The
spirit of party in itself is indispensable to
the existence of a popular government.-
Those who disbelieve it have but slightly
scanned the pages of history, and display
little knowledge in the nature of man.
Where but in a republican government is a
spirit of party to be found Not among
the slaves and satraps of despotism, where
the mind enchanted never struggles to
soar, and no dreams Of liberty ever dis
turb the bondman's slumbers not in
courts, where liberty of thought is rare,
and liberty of speech a crime; not where
the press is muzzed, and the diffusion of
knowledge forbidden; party spirit there,
watched by thousand spies, turks like u
guilty thing, and whispers its rebellious
murmurs in secret places. Regarded as
the smouldering spark which, when blown
into flame, ever consumes tyrants and
their institutions, it is seen but to be extin-
guished. Party spirit grows out of a ma
tural hatred Of oppression, an Unborn spirit
ofinquiry. 1t must for ever be, as it ever
has been, the companion of popular gov
eminent: warning against usurpation of
power; watchful over each movement of
men in office; resisting every semblance
of oppression. 1t 10 at once check upon
ambition, and a stirring excitement to en-
ulation; keeping the rewards Of public
favor open to the most deserving. Itnour-
ishes public spirit; it contributes to the
choice of moderate measures, and prevents
the accumulation of inordinate power
Such is party spirit but its high purposes
are never accomplished without the aid of
party discipline. To ensure great results,
there must be unanimity of action; to pre-
serve unanimity tbsst nist be sacrifice of
opinion. Msaere every artisan acts inde-
.pes3tentIy of his coadjtor; where each
Earring opinion is adyocafd with parental
obstinacy by its author Where each one
docth what seemeth best p his own eyes,
the action Of parry is paratzed and defeat
is certain. 1t is thus that a &cided major
iiy is sacrificed TO discord an the many
governed by the few.
Acting upon such considerations, the
democratic party must be, asst should be,
predominant. Composing within itself the
majority Of the America people, and strict
ly adhersng 80 its principle ofregular nomi-
nations, it has been assailed by every CON-
bination of party without success, and has
triumphed over every species Of opposition.
During the panic of 1884, the democrat
was prescribed every engine that wealth
could furnish or influence command, was
put in motion. The various inducements
Of fear, cupidity and ambition, were called
into action; the poor man was driven from
employment the ties of friendly inter.
course were severed but the result proved
the truth fthese observations. The great
object for which we contend being ascer.
tained, all minor considerations should be
subordinate. Concentrating to one pur.
pose all his energies, the republican viii
notbe swayed by the whispers of vanity oil
the suggestions of interest. Recollectine
that he is laborer for the people, his
whole strength will be given to the common
cause. Thus unanimity is preserved
which of itselfis success. II is only when
unfaithful 10 themselves that the people are
defeated