The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-19
POLITICAL ToLERATIoN, CONcILIA-
TION AND CONCESSION.


POLITICAL ToLERATIoN, coNcILIA-
TON AND CONCESSION.
Universal federation was one OF the great
tenets established by the fathers ofthe Demo-
cratic Republican Church The pilgrims
were driven to the savage shores of America,
by persecution for conscience sake and thou
sands had suffered martyrdom for presuming
to entertain opinions at variance with the
ruling powers.
Freedom ofopinion, freedom Of conscience,
and liberty Of speech, were heralded forth as
the first and most essential consequences Of
the settlement of the new world Care was
ever taken, from first to last, to secure the full
and free enjoyment of those inestimable
rights. Universal federation of opinion was
one of the practical evidences of that liberty
to which the American States aspred. JEFF
ferson's popular axiom has become one of the
carmiaa necessaria of all who seek an acquaint-
ance with our political establishments. All
the disciples Of that school, Of which Jefler-
son and Madison were the co-founders, were
scrupulous observers Of this rule. 1t was es-
sential to the endurance Of every party that,
in the name Of liberty, sought to propagate its
doctrines and extend its influence. What the
principle has been, will be regarded still by
the people mainly, and by every party that
correctly appreciate the true character of the
free institutions under whose protection they
live, and whose influence they feel.
The Republican party has ever been kept
together by the exercise of mutual concession,
compromise, and reciprocal good will. In
that spirit the constitution was established,
and in that spirit the bonds Of union have
been cemented in that spirit only can the
Republican party, at present unhappily d.
vided, hope for reunion with any prospect OF
even ultimate success.
Instead, however, of Cancellation and con-
cession-instead Of even liberation, what have
we seen exhibited for the last six months, by
those who have aspired to be the heralds of
the Republican party. We have seen new
tangled Shibboleth set up, and new-fangled
doctrines promulgated, which thousands have
honestly regarded as radical departures from
the known and tried paths Of Republicanism
Thousands who have been taught for forty
years but the one straight forward path, have
been alarmed to see their chosen guides trip
ping and turning, and getting entangled in the
meshes Of heretics OF the federal, nullifca-
ton. and loco-foco stamp! Entertaining ho-
nest fears Of the result of such course, and
imploring their friends by every consideration
Of duty and patriotism, to return and unite
again at the starting point to consult together
upona less dangerous and less doubtful course,
what treatment have they received! They
have been prescribed and insulted by the ac-
knowledged and accredited spokesman of the
chief Executive Magistrate If any deny
this we will bring proof. While standing
still, defending the position occupied by the
Republican party for the last half century,
and endeavoring to beckon back their old
friends on one hand, and defending them on
the other, they are denounced as designing
to overthrow the party, and subvert the first
principles Of the constitution OF all this we
have proof at hand as strong as holy writ
Passion has been permitted to supplant rea-
son, and caprice to take the place of princi-
pie.
The late Message eff the President, al
though unfortunate in one or two particulars,
is in itself tolerant, deferential, compromis-
ing. Past associations, duty, and inclination,
1. IL he nd
cannot refrain from congratulaung him and
the country on the evidence he has furnished
of willingness to yield to the opinions of the
majority, practically admitting thereby the
force Of the great doctrine Of instruction. Two
things we rejoice to observe are abandoned,
viz. The bankrupt lar, and the scheme of
collecting the public dues exclusively in gold
and silver. The Sub Treasury scheme is not
urged with that pertinacity and obstinacy
which characterize some Of its partisans, and
We are happy to learn that that measure will
probably also be abandoned. If all this be
done, and the administration return TO calm
consideration Of practical objects, and toler-
ant and liberal spirit shall actuate and control
the "party PRESS then we shall begin to ex-
perience the benefits Of Cancellation and con-
cession, while now, men are "paltering in
double sense" and only breaking the word
Of promise to the hope"
~ 1t will be perceived that we open our
columns to correspondents on both sides of
the question, which is now particularly under
the consideration OF the friends of the admit