Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-07-13
TRUE AND FALSE ISSUES,

The primary object of maintaining democratic
organization in the Territory, is to disseminate
and procure the triumph of principles, which are
essential to the maintenance of good government
These principles are always essentially the same,
and are not subject to alteration. Men may change
but principles change not. Hence to make po-
lltica issue any other ground than that of prin-
cple is a departure from the democratic foi,t, and
n dangerous innovation. When did the democrat
ic party ever openly body, avow any other
maxim than "principles, not men," To reverse
this maxim and avow determination to support
men, regardless ofprincipes, has ever been helu to
be political hcresy. There is potency IN demo-
cratic principles, which if strictly adhered to-; will
ensure the greatest political good of the country,
and secure the just rights of Northumberland 1t is
only by an adherence to principles, not men, that
we can be saved from political shipwreck. Yet
contrary to all the acknowledged precepts Of the
democratic faith, there those in this Territory
who are using great efforts to make men the poit-
;ca issue. They would have the issue joined upon
the question of Doty or Anti Doty, and make this
the distinctive ground for political action. What
necessity there be IN the existing state OF
things, to leave first princples-to sacrihce other
Interests, and engage in contest which only In
wolves the political destines of a single mani Is it
not compromising the dignity Of the democratic par
ty to thow aside principles, which are held to be of
priceless value, in order to make common cause
against men? Have the democratic party other
interests to pursue--no other principles to main
tain, than the overthrow Of one man; and he too
bcyeud the reach of the ballot box in Wisconsin.
1t is true, the citizens of this Territory are not
privileged with direct voice in the great political
questions pending before the people OF the
United States, yet the affinity between the demo-
cratic party of Wisconsin, and the democratic party
of the Union, should not be severed by local ques
tons; an efficient, organization here, having the
same primary objects in view with the democracy
abroad, is of vital Importance to our future success
as party 1t is not too early to lay the foundation
10 adopt the democratic creed in full, and
act in accordance with 1t. 1t certainly betrays
want of confidence in the democratic faith, to sup
pose that our best good cannot be attained, without
an abandonment for the time being of the duties,
and rules of action which it enjoins. What though
we step aside and cemmingle for season with
those who at antipodes with us on questions OF
vital importance, for the purpose of putting down
men, What do we gain in the end! Do
tabsh any important principle, or do we secure
any desirable policy, in organizing party, on
any other ground than the broad basis of dcmocra-
Cyl We cannot so far distrus the potency of demo-
cratic principles TO secure any desirable political
good, as to consent TO any other issue, than that
made according to the doctrines held by the
democratic party. This we hold TO be the only
proper course of action, because it secures unity
of feeling among those holding like principles, and
is the only safeguard against future disorganiza
ton. Will it be said that dishonesty, corruption
and abuse of power, cannot be guarded against
without leaving the standard of democracy, and
enlistng under some other bannerl Shame on
such stupidity and ignorance. We never can, nor
never win knowingly, aid in the nomination of
candidate for office, support the election ofsny
man. or sustain man when elected, who is des-
tute OF honesty, or tegritv, principles the spirit
of democracy forbids that we should do it, The
true principles of the democratic party are not so
Gberune in their nature, as to regard with any de.
gree of competency, course of wrong doing.
The effort therefore which is being made in some
portions of the Territory, TO change the distinctive
nppella,ion of parties, by merging the democratic