The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1840-02-15
PARTY SPIRIT.

in opinion, is the strongest evidence, not only
that they have intelligence, but that they Think
for themselves. Early impressions and assoca-
tons with the numberess influences which di
vert the attention and bias the mind as the field
of observation enlarges in after fe lead men to
very different conclusions, even when nvestiga-
ting the same subject. And when the subject
is political one, in addition to the prejudices
Of education, sectional and personal parralities,
self-interest, jealousy, and individual ambition,
operate to give men different views of the same
subject, SO as to bring them into direct collision.
Parties have existed in all countries and ages,
wherever there has been freedom Of speech, and
any thing. like an elective franchise. The his
tories of Greece and Rome are little more than
narratives of foreign wars, and accounts of polit-
ical conflicts at home. In the early ages of coun-
tries little enlightened, the strife has generally
been carried on by the ambitious and intelligent
among themselves for place and power, and has
commonly terminated in struggle of the poor
against the rich and of the oppressed against the
oppressor. In the only two countries Of Europe
having any pretensions to freedom at present.
France and England this terminating struggle
is now in progress, and must result either in a
greater participation Of tho people in the affairs
of government, or a civil convusion. The for
mer country, although free in speech and in per-
sonal privileges, has but the shadow of a repre-
sentative government In the other monarchies
of Europe there is no occasion for individual dis
cnssion on politics. The Government kindly
and patriarchally assumes all responsibilities of a
political nature, and relieves the people from,
acting, and therefore, from thinking on the sub
iect. The mass of mind is one dead sea Of moral
and mental stagnation. native Of SaXony
after residing twenty years in New York, and
becoming citizen of the country, went back to
visit the scenes of his childhood. In small
circle of his early associates, he made some en-
auirirs respecting the Government of his native
land. A friendly hand was laid upon his shoulder,
and whisper made in his ear ''we don't
talk about Government affairs, it is prohibited,
and every third man in company is considered a
Government spy
Among ourselves, the extent and diversified
interests of our country, with an almost unlimited
freedom, will be unfailing sources of party spirit
and party action of the Largest kind" No
ambitious aspirant need ever fail Of becoming
conspicuous for want of a hobby, on which to
ride into power. We cannot but feel an honest
pride in being the citizen of a country 50 vast,
and containing so many elements of greatness
and in being partaker of freedom, which gives
scope to the mightiest energies Of mind We
wish to see those energies employed in develop
ing the unknown resources of the country, and
in strengthening the bands of national brother
God. We love to witness the collision of mind,
and to see the light which emanates from the
shock, enlghtening the ignorant, and arousing
the sluggish.
We will always contend for temperate ra-
tonal discussion of principles, and an indepen-
dent struggle for men and measures. But be-
yond this we will not 60. We have opinions and
partialilies but will not follow any leader
who advocates measures which we believe to be
wrong. Party spirit is becoming in our country
despotism Of grevious power. Its tendency is
to neutralize and absorb individual judgment
The creed is written, and every letter of 1t must be
swallowed. To question its correctness is heresy
h to hesitate, treason. The lcadels carry lash
long enough to reach every individual of the
party, and laggards are whipped into the ranks
10 toe the ma. K jl,s become common phrase
with politicians. W hat room is left, we ask in
the name of honest patriotism, for men to ex.
ercise the rights of thinking and judging indie.
pendentIy?
& 1t is said Mohammed enjoined upon his fol-
.owers not to eat certain part of the same, blu,
did not reveal what part was to be rejected. This
we like, are decidedly Mohammedan in poll.
Z ties. We wish to have the liberty of rejecting
such part as dislike; but the modern spirit
n Of party, swallows the whole hog--snout, tail,
and garbage. And then, as an inevitable result
of this exclusive discipline, detraction and oboquy
are heaped npon the opposite party. Our dory
being othodoxy, yours must, of course, be hetcr-
EoIoyy Men of the lives and uuOupStlOu-