The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-10-23
From the New Yorl, Jeffersonian.
DEMOCRACY is THE TRUE FAITH.

1T there IS any one reason more than another
why the people should rise en- nnGsse in support of
democratic measures, democratic principles and
democratic men to advance and carry out those
principles, it is because unlike the vacillating
tenets of federalism. they are founded on the rock
ofeternal truth. They are immutabIe; the same
yesterday. to-day, and forever. They are well
known, widely disseminated and their benign in
1uences generally felt and universally appreciated
In fact the whole substance Of the rules of faith
whereby the democracy are governed, is so plain,
so free from msconsTuction, and so conclusive
that it may we'll be resolved, and inscribed upon
their banners, in two simple words TO wit
Equal Rights, that all who run may read
The grand feature which distinguishes undefIed
democracy, from every other political creed is.
that upon all and every occasion, it looks to prin
clples and not 10 men. In its communion and
confidence 1t embraces all those who maintain the
equality and rights of the whole people affords on
all occasions Tree and fair expression of the pop
ular voice; allows the majority to govern and adj
mits the right of the humblest individual in socie
ty, however obscure in birth, and destitute of
wealth. if he possesses integrity and sufficient in
telgence TO become a candidate for the HIGHEST
office in the peoples gift. Well NAV it be said.
that as long as such principles are cherished, and
allowed 10 exert their appropriate influence the
government OF our glorious Republic is safe the
institutions of the land rest upon a firm founda
ton and however the storms of contendinc par
ties and factions may beat upon them. thew are
immoveable, and indestruclible.
With what care, and unceasinC VIGILANCE then
onght the people to guard these principles and
determine that no man or set of men. shall induce
them, for moment TO forget them or swerye
from their maintenance. Ambitious and design
ing politicians, as the world goes, will have their
favorite candidates; this is natural, and cannot
well be prevented /; but it should be looked 10 with
jealous eye. They are prompted to such conrse
by sef-interest, and a desire of political aggran-
dlzement they will often urge the claims of tbeir
candidate, and his prospect of success, in all the
language OF the most imprisoned elOquence-
they VIII use all manner Of argument to convince
others that he IS the best man. the strongest man.
and his election can only save the party from de-
structlon. They Will even 90 so far as to insist
that such and such men are the only individDals
who understand the true interests of the country
and yet, when the claims, capacity. and motives
Of their candidates are examined the one have mn
foundation at all and the other is purely selfish
To preserve the citadel Of democracy nnre and
undefled, the people should cautiously graYd
themselves against all this class Of politicians
They 90 for men. ard not for principles and in
the hour Of danger, when the foe WAKES warm
such men, such politicians, unless their favorite
he the leader. will stand with their arms Eldod
far enough off to be out Of harms way. but nigb
enough to the battle field if perchance victory
should perch upon the banner Of the people. 10
join with them in their congratulations and thew
are too often successful in bearing awav from the
true and faithful soldiers, not only the honor and