Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1840-10-10
AN ELOQUENT APPEAL.

AN ELOQUENI AfPEAL.
The following is an extract from the Address
to the People Of Virginia by the late Charlottesville
Convention. This address, by the way, is one
of the most uble and eloquent productions that
the present contest has given birtht to. Did our
limits permit, we would gladly lay it entire before
ourreaders. The specimen which we give will
serve to show The tone and spirit Of the address.
The FIRE Of liberty though attempted to be smoih-
cred by traltorous conservatives and apostate de-
mocrats still burns brightly in the land Of Wash
ngton and jefferson SHE Is WITH Us and
what honest man, what true patriot can doubt the
Justice of our cause : But to the extract ;
"There is one feature, however, in The present
contest to which we think il our imperative duty
to direct your serious attention. Ii is the attempt,
on the part Of the Opposition, to degrade The PEG.
ple Tor the purpose Of eflecling lis purity ends
The appeals which are addressed to the enlight-
sped freemen Of America, would be insulting 10
tie most ignoran, and deprayed portion Of the hu
man race. Instead Of reason, facts, principles,
our adversaries shew then inveterate contemptior
the popular intelligence, by The lowest appeals, TO
the lowest passions and prejudces. Should such
course prove successful, how ominous for these
institutions, whose succ ess depends upon the &c.
neral diffusion Of intelligence, and an elevated
popular spirit In all ages, the degradation Of
the people, has been the certain forerunner Of the
destruction OF their liberties. When men cease
10 respect themselves, they will have but little re.
gard for the dlgni6ed privileges and duties Of self
government Do you not fellow citizens, feel
blush kndling your cheeks. when you witness
these revolving practices, which disgrace our
country and insult oul people7 Would you be
wiling to exhibit such spectacle to the enemies
popular institutions, who, already exult that un-
Ger the tleesl government upon earth, the favor Of
the people is sought by means which would hu-
initiate the most ignorant and depraved populAce
Of Europel Have we gone back, instead of ad
vanclns IN civilization Are you indeed willing
10 become the instruments Of your own degreda-
non And what renders these practices still
more criminal and revolving. is the fact that those
who resort to them, privately admit that they are
engaged IN an unworthy occupation, yet Justify
themselves by the pretence that the people, 10 be
pleased and persuaded, must be cajoled like chill
dren Or besotted like savages. And who, let US
ask are they who suddenly affect such an attach.
ment TO popular feelings and habits Are they
not they, whose hearts have never beat with a
pulse OF popular sympathy" who regard the
S aoorIng poor as no better than the slaves of the
plantations, who declare that the "huge paws" of
ue farmer were never made to grasp the statute
SO0S We see men, who have never darkened
s. lha Al
seves at political meetings gathered in caricaiurs
4 mutations Of the poor mans dwelling. and pre-
ending to taste his homely beverage out of cups
lOfmed BY The hand Of Nature, with lips yet moist
WIN The costly wines of France and Spain, spark.
n Ans IN the crystal goblet. But no, fellow. cizens
you are not the dupes implied by such miserable
a's and contemplate expedien,s: and we l,1ls,.
ua' your verdict upon these disgracefuI and de-
sao'ng practices will be so signal as 10 prevent,
aeu repetition hereafter. Let those who degrade
Ielhselves and insult you by such exhibitions. by
IsG log cabins, by their affected polalions Of hard
aoer' BY gourds and by coca skins, by shouting
~. OF huzza boys let those who first
NY Vas People IN order TO seduce them let
I'e VINO propagate every variety Of humbugs,
au refuse TO appeal 10 their Understandings by
a. Argument and enlightened principles, reap
S. .n appropriate reward in the just indignation of
ssH country. Let those who thus insult YOU.
Op II they will, but not ''to conquer"
R. -mIuy' lei US appeal once more to you, as
,,s1 uo'cans, conscious Of your high calling and
n,o su privileges, to weigh well the consequences
d, 'eu 10 The present contest. We enTeat YOU
p,a ,oGl own sakes, and that of your children, to
No. .aaAal to your ancient principles, and to
h. VINO have been faithful to you. and to them.
IT, wv tne calumnies which assaIl your ears.
im. r's me same which were employed in the
nj ~ jefferson and Madison, whose doctrines
aOd 10y was asserted, with like pertinaciy
no,ss S'etseness, were hostile to order, propet
sOf ~. anc religion. This is The common cries
l,,smL, VINO are averse 10 free principles, and
b.roDS 4 mat Of the "lhroue and alter" which
iAs itsn .i9 ocean, serves as a rally against the
I've, bs0 Of liberty. The RepnbIie.n party h.s
ssOm,r..~. composed chiefly Of the plain farmers,
j d o,i o. the country. Are they less attach.
w.t. property, religion aud morals, than