The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-09-02
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The ind cations of the times show the approach Of
political battle the like ef which has not been seen
since the great onset between conservatism and re-
form under the lead respectively OF Adams and JEFF
ferson We are drawing near to the conflict of vital
and all important principles. Already the heavens
begin gather blackness and the big clouds are roll
ing up charged with lightning and storm.
As yet the political elements are in confusion
Parties have hardly taken their positions, or settled
the points terms which they about to be en-
gagged Men are moving hther and thither, undeter-
mined to what will be the issue Of the prevailing
indecision and doubt, and not knowing under what
coors to enlist what leader to select as cham-
pion .
The Wings are further advanced in the work OF
preparation than their enemies the Democrats
They have already chosen tn ir commandments,
bold dashing and spirited fellow, completely iden-
tilted with their interests and possessed oil quaiitcs
that are admirably fitted to awaken the enthusiasm
and attachment of his friends But the democrats
have not yet manifested decided preference for any
one of the several able and distinguished champions,
prepared to take tie lead of their forces. In little
while however, they will have made their selection,
and the fierce and fiery battle will commence
The grounds on which il will be fought will be the
subjects of currency and the tariff. broad, de-
cded, rreconceabe division Of opinion exists on
these questions among the people, which must sooner
or later be settled, and for the determination OF
which, as all the political signs Indicate there can be
no more fitting time than the present. There WILDE
no halfway work, when the fight has once COM
menced. As in the days of Adams and Jefferson, the
conflict will be strictly conflict OF principle. Inc
petty interests Of particular factions or men Will SINK
in the overwhelming Importance OF the general object
The lines of distinction between the two parties VIII
be broad and marked. They will not exhibit, as
they have heretofore done, the aspect Of motley
! and promiscuous crowd, each man having his own
independent aims, contendng for one thing and
some for another; mingled group OF tariff, half
tariff and tariff advocates of bank, sate-bank,
and anti. bank men; but the division will constitute
sort of impossible gulf, with no medium ground or
bridge by means of which you can pass at will from
the one side to the other.
The issue will be distinctly drawn, between
free trade or restriction, between sound and
stable currency and the paper money system
All upon one side, will be pledged to the unlimit-
ed emancipation of trade; all upon the other to
its restraint and slavery All upon one side, will
be pledged to the recognised constitutional cur
rency all upon the other, to the baseless, evanes-
cent and ever-huctuating schemes of spectators
and bankers Every voter will be compelled to make
his choice between principles utterly anagonistlcal
1t will be impossible to form half-faced fellowship,
with both of the opposing armies. man, who
would act at all, must act definitely and with fear
lessness; he must his trimming, lay aside his
chicken heart and prepare himself for stern vigor-
and unrelenting war
The agitation of it, will shake society to the
tre Those mighty interests, which have sprung up
upon basis of fasehood, will be moved from their
foundations. The past and the future,-the Oromas-
des and Arimanes Of all great movements, the asso
Citations, the heaped-up customs, laws institutions,
and formations of the one and the hopes and glori-
aspirations of the other, will join in lusty DEATH
grapple. Monopoly and universally, privilege and
equality freedom and letters, man ard money, will
meet each other, in all the tremendous social
fcs that have gone before face to face to wrestle
once more for the mastery
The Wings are the representatives of the former,
and the Democrats of the latter. Let both, that
there may be fair and final decision declare their
objects manuy muster their forces in the open field,
allow of no go-betweens deserters, and then,
strike
9TH victory decides the fray"