Lexington union. (Lexington, Miss.) 1838-18??, 1842-08-27
PARTY sPlRIT-ITs EFFECTS


most fatal ia its consequences; and il is
10 this proliflc source, that most Of the po>
litical evils incident to popular govern
tnenls, are properly attributable.
Differences ofopinior among individu-
ais, and between parties, on political SUBJ
jecis, are the necessary consequence of
the great difference in mental organiza-
ton, education and interest. When these
results OF thatconviciion which comes of
thorough and appropriated investigation
of principles, they lead only to friendly
interchange of opinions; a patriotic and
judicial watchfulness over the acts of
those in power; aud hence they become
subscrvient to the public good. But,
when on the contrary, such differences
are awakened by maddening appeals 10
the passions and prejudices. which once
aroused, usurp the throne Of reason, aud
rule man with bewilching tyranny, all
desire for the promotion of the public good.
10 swallowed up in the ebullition of party
rancor; patriotism is but an empty name !;
and they exert primary agency 10 the
decay and final overthrow of popu-
lar governments. The melancholy late
OF the republic Of other times, present 40
instructive lesson Cor tie study Of the
friends of popular freedom, that should
teach them to watch with jealous vigilance
the inception and growth Of those political
evils which desolated these early homes
of liberty. Cnder these republics, man
for time, basked in the enjoyment OF
comparative freedom; and sister states
chanted IN sweet harmony, the praises of
liberty. But here, the chaste goddess
was destined to find but an ephemeral
abiding place.-Conflicting Interests soon
awakened liz the minds Of those rude sons
of liberty, lie most exciting sectional ieal.
ouses; and unprincipIed aspirants 10 pow
er and place, gladly awaiting themselves
Of the agency OF this inaamable material,
kindIed The fell fame Of faction in every
breast; the love of liberty and its con-
comitant regard for the public veal were
soon overwhelmed in the whirlpool Of sec.
tional and party zeal; and their sun ofiree.
dom sank for ever behind the clouds of
anarchy and tyranny.
The most dangerous, and most to be
feared snare that besets the pathway Of
our own glorious institutions, which are
at once tho wonder aud admiration of the
civilized world is that increasing viru-
Ience Of party feeling which for several
years has manifested itself in the political
action of the people; and most of the cry.
ing evils that occasionally give rise to
loud add universal clamors, are the off,
spring of this arch enemy TO the liberty,
happiness and prosperity OF a nalIon.
The extent to which lie diabolical infu-
enco is now felt in this country, may well
excite in the mind Of the patriot,
the most lively anxiety for the puri.
ty and perpetuatlon of our happy form Of
government. The history Of the present
time is rife with startling proofs OF It's
OF manifest tendency to lower the standard
public morals; to destroy every thing like
social order and political honesty; TO sap
the foundation Of our free institutions by
corrupting the elective franchise, the only
safeguard Of our liberties. In every walk
Of lie its pestiential influence is felt and
manifested, and men Of contending parties
seem to regard each other as enemies,
rather than sons Of one common country,
having community Of interest seeking a
common end, and CO heirs Of common
political destiny. Even in our delibera-
tive assemblies, which should never be
polluted by the foul presence Of faction
political parties are marshaled, in hostile
array, the one against the other; passion
aud prejudice rather than reason and
Judgment direct their deliberations; and
the halls Of legislation, are made the thea.
Ire OF party wrangling, that is alike dis
graceful to the nation and the age.
Many Leading politicians whoce trans
cendent talents and profound political lore
might otherwise fit them for the guardian.
ship Of our liberties, seem to have merged
every other thought and feeling, IN their
purient desire for self eggrandizement,
and the promotion Of party ends. When
these things are, tho political atmosphere
10 changed with malaria scarcely less
destructive to popular freedom, than the
exhalations Of the Bohon- pas to the con.
demned criminal who 10 made to perform
bis fatal pilgrimage TO iis trunk; and the
vaatnI flnuna of lihartx. h,,.ra ,.;,h n rnIa
aud sickly light. For this malady Of the
body polite. there is but one an,idnte
and ito purifying influence cannot be ex-
erted too soon. Each son Of freedom
must dof the character Of parlizan, ard
DOM thato Of the true patriot every chord