The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-02-19
SYMPTOMS OF DISSOLUTION,

SYMPTOMS OF DISSOLUTION.
The Heterogeneous mass Of factions, Office
and cider-crazed demagogues, whose congomera
ton has been dubbed the "whig party" already
hegins to return TO its original elements. The hard
cider has evaporaled, and as usual, after debaueh,
the members of the party feel in no very loving
mood to dispose Of the various and exciting sub
jects that obtrude themselves upon their attention.
The Patchogne Democracy are pushing their old
black-cockade principles into the light, with great
haste and diligence, and with the swagger of
SinySing convict, just set at liberty and endeavor-
ing to loist himself upon the attention of decent
people. Clay is in league with them. He must
have their influence, and urges forward the old
federal doctrines with might and main.
There are, however,, few who are not quite
disposed to come under at the waving of the bow
and the haw-b right-here! of the Heir Apparent.
This yoking people, is u delicate business in the
most skilful and prac,sed hands, and we wonder
not that the chvalry of the South relish not the
awkward and ungainly fashion after which the
great Patchogue teamster harnesses his cattle. Mr.
| Wise neltlcs, capiicoles, fumes and spurns the
traces with exceeding iIl-humor. lie declares
agains, the Patchogue division of modern democ-
racy; throws himself back upon The principles of
'9s, and appeals to every Republican Wing to join
him in maintaining them. Alvord of Georgia has
already come out like man. There are colleagues
Of Mr. Wise, who 60 further than he does, because
they 60 against Bank, who will show also the
Virginia spirit, with which they are in,Lued. 9th
theirs, who ale actuated by similar, and even s,ron-
ger principles, must cooperate with him. The
lederasts endcavor to pish! and pshaw! away the
perturbation into which Mr. Wise has thrown them.
But it ia difficult business. Their words die on
their lips They feel uneasy, that is evident.
The Richmond Wing says; "Nlr Wse's speech
has not yet appeared, and it would be unjust to
Judge him upon parizan and imperfect reports; nor
indeed can the spirit in which he has spoken, be
traced until his whole speech is reported. That,
however, he has exhibited discoLlen,ed mood
and dissatisfied the bulk Of the wing party, we be-
lleve to be as little questionable, as it certainly is
surprising and unexpected TO those placed at dis
lance from the scene"
Mr. Wise, in card published in the Wig, da-
ted Feb 2, speaks for HIMSELF in regard to the new
position he has assumed lie says, of his speech.
"When published, it will speak for itself, and show
whether have departed in the least from the po-
sliions ] have heretofore occupied, and whether
now do not stand upon the only ground which
can be occupied by the Republican portion Of The
Wig party in Virginia and throughout the Union
"On the subjects Of distribution and Of duties
upon silks and uines-in my opposition to the
proposition eiihe, 10 raise the Tariff for The pur-
pose Of distributing the rerenue from the public
lands, or 10 empty an empty treasury by distri6u-
ting the rerenue from lands in order 10 make
2retert for raising The Tariff presume will
not find "many" of my "warmest political
friends" among my good constituents at least, to
differ from me- And as this opposition of mine to
these measures has been backed and concurrcd in
generally by the speech and votes made and re-
corded this day. of Senator Rives, who "has just
taken his seat" newly stamped "by authority" of
the wings of the Virginia Legislature. and of all
the wing presses Of Virginia-youselvcs especially
i hope ! will not " find many 10 dissent from
him of his warmest political friends" even at Rich
mond."
The wings, says the Richmond Enquirer, arc
aware of their danger They are conscious of the
hollow ground on which they tread. AT every
move Of their feet, their weak foundation threat
ems to cave in. Some Of their frankest members
are free TO confess that they cannot hold together
a twelve-month longer-ibat they are divided by
principles, and mus, crumb!e TO pieces. The Rich
mond Uhig sees the danger, and is idly attempt,
ing 10 avert it. 1t calls on its discordan partizans
to rally upon one common issue, Ito seize some
common plank, if they can find one,) and TO forget
their memorable differences on all the great qucs-
tons which are to come before them.
Indeed so evident and glaring are the dangers 10
which this grand combination of factions, the whir
party, is exposed that some Of their own party are
compelled TO confess ii. The Washington cores
pendent Of the Philadelphia u. S. Gazette, warns
its friends in vain-for it says, "But a greater
danger menaces us, which is TO found in our own
ranks. The Anti-tariff men are already common.
cling an imprudent assault ON the Tariff system.
and its supporters; on the subject Of depository
of the public revenue, and fiscal agent of the gov
eminent, strong differences Of opinion are begin
ming to exhibit themselves. The few loaves and
fishes Of Office will no, suffice to satisfy the hungry
multitude. have talked with leaders of our party.
and my impression is, that large mass Of dscon-
tented persons will segregate and seek new STAN
dard, under which there will be chance Of better
pay and more plumber"
This '' beautiful specimen Of a par,y--,hi.