Baton-Rouge gazette. [volume] (Baton-Rouge, La.) 1819-1856, 1844-02-03
VAN buren, AND DEMAGOGBEIsM-
LOCOFOCO TACTICS.

The last number of Brownson's Review, edi.
ted by Oreston A. Brownson, one of the most
powerful writer's in the lands has the follow.
ing scorching article on "Demagogueism,' 2
which must produce a profound sensation in
the ranks ofthe party. II is needless to add
that Mr.. Brownson was one of the truest and
ablest friends Mr. Van Buren, bad in the con-
test in IS4O.
In reference TO the party machinery first
set in motion by Mr.. Van Buren, and his i'm.
mediate friends, and the effects of that ma
chinery, the caustic Reviewer says:
Selfshness, thus, becomes a fime-seFver,
seeks not for truth and justice, bat for what is
popular; ask not, what is right but simply,
what will the people say? 1t has no opinion
of its own. II runs athwart no popular preiu-
dice; treals on none of the peoples corns; is
non-committal on all points on which the
public mind has not declared itself: and is
tolerant to all i~ncipient errors, for they may
become popular tomorrow. 1t is prudents
sleek, decorous. 1t has no rough edges, no
angular points, and thrusts its elbows into no
mans ribs. lis face has a settled smile, and
it's voice is soft, gentle, insinnating. 1t is
calm, dispassionate, mild, deliberate. It is
free from rage, from hurry, and ehides its
time.n If it fails to-day, 1t viii succeed to-
morrow. sThe sober, second thought of the
people, will set all right',-and place it at the
top of the ladder.
This system, if we have rightly learned it,
and we have learned it from the intimate per-
sonaI associates of the distinguished man who
is at present its most brilliant representative,
is in substance this: In a republican govern
ment every thing must be done by me@s as &C.
party. Our first effort, therefore, m,;st he 10
get and to keep, our part, IN the majority.
We must never oppose any measure likely to
th..ow 4, or TO keep it in the minority.
Having determined that all is TO be done
by and through party, and that our primary
dnfy Is to labor for the organization and aseen-
of our party, the next thing to be insis-
ted on. is fidelity to the party, and strict adj
hereice to its usage-the surrender of all in
HIvidual opinions, convictions aud preferences,
10 the decision Of the party; which decisions
be it understood, is always TO be effected by
the aforesaid politicians Who have hold of the
This throws the whole business into
tne hands of central committees, and deprives
great mass of citizens of all free voice in
the determination Of measures or in the Sc
lection of candidates. To keep the ranks of
lie party full, to prevent members from break
ing away and asserting their Independence,
apDeals are now made to the lowest and most
corrupt passions Of the HuHaa heart The
Individual who shows himself little uneasy,
disposed to kick at the party traces, must
be denounced, thrown over, and declared to
Be- an enemys aod III longer entitled . The
confidence Of the party. ThasG men must be
III the parfy5 and faithful to ts rsages.
decisions and nominations, not by attachment
10 its principles and measures, but through
fear that, if they assert their Independence,
thew will lose their share Of .the spolIs."
Now fasteu this doctrine on the country,
and let it become our settled mode Of dlspo-
sing of all political matters, and our Liberties.
and the whole action of the Government, will
be at the mercy ofthe sly, cunning, adroit,i IN
t~riguing, selfish demagog0es, whom ourcoun-
try. as we have seen, has a direct and strong
tendency to multiply.
And here, we must be permitted to say, is
a strong reason why the American people
should pause and deliberate long, before res
tofInq Ar. Van Buren to the high Office from
which IN 1870 they so indignantly eJeeted
rim. 1t cannot be denied that 8ir. Van Be-
rem is the most conspicuous representative of
system Of party management, IN the cOun-
trv. The system itself has been perfected,
aud to no inconsiderablc extent was founded,