Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1843-03-23

tened by adversely, and taught by expert (
ence. it is to be hoped we may rely with
confidence. sho6ld we succeed. that we
shall forfeit no pledge, and that our eff.
forts will be exclusively for the good of
the country.
That we shall succeed, with proper eft.
forts. the utmost confidence may be felt,
provided union and harmony can be pre-
served in cur ranks, which presents for
consideration the important question,
how can they be preserved
| The first and great step for that pur-
pose. is a strict adherence to the original
principles aud policy of the party. 1t is
the horn Of our strength. Adhering to
those principles, the Republican parry is
vastly stronger than its great rival; but it
! we abandon them. we become the weaker
/ & they the stronger They depend for their
| support on artificial interests. created by
and dependant on the Government. We.
on the contrary, rely for our strength on
| promoting the general interest Of the
whole community. and preserving an e.
| quality of rights and advantages among
all the parts. Patriotism. justice, equal.
ty. are our Only safe foundation. Stand
| ing ON them. we arc stronger tfian our
antagonists. vastly stronger-but on any
other, they are the stronger. 1t may ac-
cordingly be laid down as fundament-
al truth. that the Republican party. when
in power. can never be defeated. with due
foresight and discretion, Unless they de-
part from their principles; and that when
defeated. itcan never return to power
but by first returning to them.
The next step is. that we sh Ill honest
ly and fairly select for our candidate him.
who by his services has proved himself
the most devoted to the principles of the
Republican party; who has the clearest
comprehension of its policy, and who is
the most capable Of carrying that policy
into execution. Nothing is more certain
to destroy the union and harmony of a
party. than the departure from a rnIe so
obviously just and proper in the distrbu
ton OF its honors and emoluments. But
IN country so extensive as ours. in
which such different estimates may be
honestly and sincerely made Of the SER
vices and character of public men in diff,
terent sections. it will often become ne
cessary. that there should be some form
al meeting of Delegates. chosen by the
members of the party, to compare ideas.
and to agree on the individual to be sup
ported, in order to prevent the success of
our opponents from distraction and divl'
sion in our own ranks.
! When so many prominent and worthy
champions Of our common principles
lhave been proclaimed to public notice, as
fit candidates of the Democratic party in
| the approaching canvass for the Presiden-
Ecy-when, owing to the wide extent of
our country, and its separation into dis
tinct States. there must be great Difficult
ty in ascertaining the predominance Of in
6uence and popular esteem throughout
the whole-and when we have arrayed
in active opposition, party strangely
reckless. but not yet powerless, whose
triumph must ofnecessity entail the over
throw of cur cherished principles. and
estsblish system of egisIation partial
only to artificial interests and oppressive
to the nation-we readily perceive and
cheertuliy acqu;esce in the wisdom Of
the recognized usage Of the Democratic
| party TO find the expression of the popu-
lar will in n Nationrl Convention OF Del
egatps fresh from the people. While
| therefore. as the most approved mode OF
reconciling conflicting claims and sec
:, tional partalities, dof concentrating
into harmonious combination and coop
eratiun the feelings and energies of the
whole Democracy, we recommend in the
/ present instance the observance of this
wise and honored usage, we are yet a.
ware. that without equal justice in the
principles on which it shall be based and
constituted; without great care IN attain
ing and em5odying the true popular SEN
timents of the party; without caution to
avoid irritation to our friends s~sio may
be animated with diverse preferences,
and spirit of Cancellation from each To
all. National Convention. instead of
securing harmony. union and success,
may be converted into the most effective
means Of discord. distraction and defeat.
Conclusion next week
--D:-:G-
| THE sESTIyEL
To the Democrats of Virginia
IN GENERAL. and to the Demo