The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-10-16
THE PAST, THE GUIDE BOARD TO THE
FUTURE.

TO illuminate the luture. 1here Is Grass OF
men who gain lille from experience, because
they apply moi the lessons it teaches for future
direction. To them the future is blank as il
has regard for the present and no reference
10 the past. Truly are the "reminiscences
which, rightly applied might command the tone
of events yet 10 lranspire, TO them but as the
"stern-ligh!s Of a ship, Illuminating the past"
The wise, however, can foresee and direct
the coming, by past events and experience TO
them is The sign-post that points to results.
la political affairs this prescience is al-impor
tant; and its acquisition depends upon the ap-
err whose judgment is sound, and powers Of
deducing conclusions from established facts un-
tainted by prejudice
We will give our remarks a particular appli-
cation. A diagram, in mathematics, aids much
the solution of the problem.
Two years ago, and perhaps little more, the
Democratic party in this country was in state
of lamenlable collapse-it was, so learned doc
tors thought, IN It's last agonies reduced 10 this
unfortunate condition by the nostrums of emp-
rlcs, and suffering from he general debta,ion
OF the system. Eulogies and grateful epitaphs
belong to the dead-lhey were composed with
much eloquence and about to be conferred with
the usual honors upon the deceased party.
Nought seemed remaining 10 be done but the
customary services that generally form the obse
quies of lamenling friends
But new life was instilled into the stagnant
blood-issuing from the heart, through the arte-
ries and other conduits, till it reached the re-
hottest exlremites Vitality pervaded the sys
tenn. The nerves were strengthened the lungs
anew inflated, and the body, recovering from its
death-like swoon gradually raised itself to the
exertion of lis sinews and limbs.
Dropping metaphor, though it illustrate facts,
let us approach the naked truth
The hurricane which swept over the Admin
istration party in 1910 had dest Dyed, iu its de-
vastating course, the very vestiges Of its former
position. So complete was the rout so unver-
sal the defeat, that the survivors clung to the
few landmarks that remained as the only indi-
ces of safety; and those landmarks were the
time-honored principles of Jefferson and Re-
rubicanlsm-" the ancient land marks which
out idluelS hdu SET up. NeSe sun WlthStOO0
the fury of the storm, and those that held on 10
them could be guided to safe resting places.
Bur the party in itself-the Administration
party, with its whole force of dependents, was,
as by sudden miracle, knocked out OF exis-
tence. 1t was forgotten fact. twas prob
lem OF the past
The great principle, for which the real Dem
ocracy contended in that ever memorable cam
paign, was the separation of The political from
the financial department of the Government
The issue of that contest demonstrated in peo-
pies minds the postuidtum Of the anti Bank re-
port Of 10 l. e.-that no irresponsible moneyed
institution, with its cumbrous machinery, its
feed cashiers, and fraudulent directors, was ne
cessary 10, or demanded by The exigencies. or
the>day operations of the Government. The
People, in that campaign, repudated repudia-
tors.
But tares grew up with the wholesome seed,
and threatened for time to overshadow its
growth. The Bank party had obtained, by
sometimes denying, sometimes concealing their
sentiments, never by open avowa of them,
majority in both the Houses-a majority. too.
as reckless IN action ii had been furtive OF
principle. The scheme of a moneyed inslitu-
ton was thrust at the President by the advo-
cate-, In victory, of principles they had careful
ly shielded from observation during the contest.
Ii was rejected by the President
Those who have beguiled, in cruel snort. an
idle hour by stoning the indwelers of a FROG
pond, have observed, during the temporary ces-
sation OF the stony shower, the cautious eleva-
ton, now of one head now of another among
the prosecuted denizens. The bodest raises
his head first, but observing preparation for the
discharge OF other missiles, ducks it dow again !:
anon, another peers forth, and, if unmolested.
second then one by one, or in dozens at time.
Sui wary all, exchanging signals with one ano-
ther, and obseryant Of the motions Of the com
mon foe. If the attacking parry retires. then
there does arise from the sonorous frog-pond
one universal croak, intended for shout of
gladness.
Now, Tar be 1t ON US to compare Democrats
with frogs. We need say we intend NOTHING
such. But we do remember the predcamenl in
which our Democratic friends were placed after
WV P"'0"sS VI -'"e oanh Oil. 4 mere were
the Wings, I'D act more serious than SNORT.
throwing at their heads milestone Up
starts Democratic head, and, at well aimed
hit, down II goes again. One is seen duckin1
here, another hiding there all perspiring with
exertion, and croaking with doleiu sounds.
The Bank was vetoed the sport of the Wings
interrupted. Real Democracy was gaddened ;
and be who had prevented the humiliation of
the party was supported by its plaudits in the
trying time; and when at last be came forward.
and placed Democracy upon terra ftma the
welkio rang with an universal hosanns.
We must still continue the subject, and in d.
dulge in farther "reminiscences of what may avail
for future guidance. For History is phoso-
ply, teaching by example,