The Democratic Whig. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1842-1843, 1842-11-17
DEMOCRATS.

'he exclusive right 70 be called Demo
erats whilst they evince not less ples
sure in applying to the Wings th
name Of Federalists. Il may not b
uninterestiDg 10 lake a eursory exami
nation into their claim 10 this distinc
ton.
The "DemOcrais" Of the presen
day consist chiefly Of the lale Jackso
party aad il was whist his star was i
its zenith tina: lis followers sci up Ihei
exclusive claim to this tile.
Upon what principles, and IN whsi
acts Of his political life Gen. Jackson
meriIed pre-sminenily the appellate on
Of the only genuine "Democrat' o
his day, we have yet 10 learn. In the
memorable contest for the presidency
in 1924, when he was first candidate
all Of his competitors had been prior to
that time ranked with the "Dem ocrat-
&c" party. Mr.. Crawford, Mr.. Cal
houn, and Mr.. Adams had been mem
bers Ofthe Cabinet under democratic
administrations and Mr.. Clay from
his hrst entrance into public life had
been uniformly considered "Demo-
Graf" Of the 6rst water.
Notwithstanding these facts, the He
70 who was born to command had on
y TO utter the omnipOtent declaration
| AM THE DEMocRAT to have his
right implicitly admitted to that ex.
elusive distinction. Ii mauered no,
that by far the largest portion Of the old
Federal party had enlisted under his
banner, it matered not that throughout
his administration, but especially in his
memorable proclamation, Re VioIsled
almost every principle Of Government
maintained by the old Democratic par
ty, and adopted the most ultra-doc-
lrines advocated by Iths Federalists,
"the last Of the Romans" was the head
Of the democracy" and his obsequi-
Gus followers the trues, oil "Demo-
Gratis"
The Jackson Van Buren-men next
considered themselves the only legiti-
mate heirs to the title and what was ar
rogantly assumed, has been at length
generally conceded. But before we
can consent to yield the name or'Dem-
Ocrats" exclusively to those, who have
appropriated il to themselves, we shall
require other evidence Of their title,
than atotal disregardof the self impos,
ed resHSinls OF the constitution, which,
according to the radical doctrines of
this party, are but so many tyrannical
distractions to the peoples will. Ac-
cording TO our ideas ofthe term "Dsm-
ocracy," it has a much higher mean
ing than a blind submission to the
imperious dictates Of an individual,
whose personal influence was sufi-
cient, not only to shape the views Of
bis followers to his eapTieious wishes,
but to enable him to trsmple with des-
potic sway upon the most firmly estab-
lished measures Of government and the
most sacred principles Of the constitu-
ton. Il embraces within its signifca-
ton something different from an abso-
lutte ultraism ia the political tenets Of
its professors, something less objection.
able in its moral tendency than Repu-
diation, Dorrism, and a thousand 9th |
er radical dogmas, which have lately |
sprung into existence aud become the |
Distinguishing characteristics Of the self
styled democrats" Of the present
dsy. The term Locojocos, which had
its origin in the disorder and ultraism Of
Tammany Hall, has been introduced |
with the agrarian doctrines ofthe times
and is applied 10 the party who, under
the name Of "Democrats," advocate
these designating principles. The
application ofthe term has givena mea-
ming to the word, aud it is now prop
erly descriptive ofthe characteristics Of
these modern sans egi0ftes.
But there is something much more
comprehensive and rational, something
much more elevated and philosophic in
the word" Democrat''in its appropriate
signifcation. As distinguishing parties
in this country il has iis origin in the ma
ture Of our government, under which
the sovereignty Oflhe people is the re-
cognized basis Of our Institutions. 1t
regards the will Of the people as prop
erly expressed under the written con-
situations Of the county, it looks to our
institutions as established by the voice
Of a majority, aad fully acknowledges
the capability Of the people for self
when regulated and res
trained By these voluntary and self
imposed restrictions. It's objects are
ibe pernanent aHs: substantial interests
Of tie country and its means, the con-
,titutioual measures Of the government
which the people have voluntarily ad-