The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1838-08-11
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Address
Offhs COnyention Of Democratic Young
Men, assembled at Harrisburg on the
4h ofJuty, to the Freemen Of Penn
sylUGniG..
Fellow CITTzENs:---" -
In directing your attention to the
present political aspect of the Common
wealth, and the various features by which
it is characterized, we are aware of having
undertaken task of no small magnitude.
Conscious of the importance which much
necessarily attach to the results of the con-
4ss, in wbich the people of Pennsylvania
are now engaged, important not alone to
this Commonwealth, but to the Union at
large-we have ondeavored to dlvest our
selves of the passions and prejudices of the
hour, in order that we may present to your
, consideration some facts and reflections in
, thatspiri, of calmness, ceolness and oandcr,
/ which best becof,cs the. rsrraiion of truth.
Fuiiy aware that w9 arc addressing" not
merely an enlightened, but also vl@uous
people, we are warned against the indulgsnce
of any disposition--couId such have exist
ence, to distort and discolor facts, or 10 rea-
son falsely from admitted premises.
From the first formation of the present
government of this couttry, two leading
and opposing principles have been in per-
petual collision. The one prefers institu-
tions, which, though republican iuTname,
shall be strongly marked by aristocratical
features, bordering in some traits upon the
essentials of a limited monarchy-the other
proclaims equality Of political rights, and,
avowing the sovereignty of the people, is
not afraid that the people shall be entrusted
with the conduct and regulation Of their own
concerns. That, would sacrifice the mass
for the ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of the few this,
insists upon ''the greatest good of the great
est number" 1t is not necessary, and it
would be superhuous. 10 illustrate these po-
sitons by more than reference to the his
toric page of the last half century, and we
appeal 10 all who have lived and acted
during that period. The recollection OF
the past, and the observation of the pres
ent, will alike point TO party, which,
though assuming from time to time various
names, and forming new combinations, has
never for a moment lost sight of the one
grand object of its association-if not the
overthrow of, at least the efiecting of a
great change in, the democratic features OF
,our system of government. II made wan
upon the administration, and assaiIed the
character of Thomas Jefferson it system
aticaIly opposed the measures of Mr.. Madl-
son--it waged an incessant warfare alike
upon the pu bile acts and private life Of Gen
Jaclson-and seeking to destroy the hold
which the abilities and integrity Of Presi'
dent Van Buren have given him upon the
confidence of his countrymen, it seeks to
cripple and paralyze his administration by al
opposition of the most ferocious and indis
criminate character.
Protesting to be composed of the admi
rers and supporters of the Constitution of tht
United States, it contends, as it always has
contended, for so lax construction of tina
instrument, as must end in the entire des
,truction of the instrument itself. Declar
ing its readiness ever to bow to the will 0