The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-04-04
From the Rochester Daily Advertiser.
PARTY INSTINCTS.


PARTY INSTINCTS.
Whether fully aware of or not, the
fact is nevertheless undeniable, that in
all contests of principle, the xhig par
ty, either from necessity or choice, take
sides against the republican sentime Mt
Of the country, and in favor Of the mo-
narchical governments with which our
own institutions bring us in collision.
Far be it from us to assert that. because
this is SO, the mass of the whig party
have any community Of feelings with
monarchies or aristocracies; but the
guiding influence of their party COM
pels them to seem what they really are
not. 1t is their political organization
which places them in false attitude /;
compelling them to do and say what
they would not, but for this unfortunate
political relation. What is true of the
wings, was equally SO of the federal
party in those days Of its power, and
for a long period after its declenslon
commenced. This antagonism OF re-
publlcanism first assumed u tangible
form in the days of the elder Adams,
and has continued TO struggle under DIFF
lerent guises, for the ascendency, from
that day to this; ever the same in spirit; !;
unchanging in its aims and aspirations.
1t assailed the republican administra-
ton under Jefferson; was consistently
hostile to those of Madison, letting its
passion SO far master its judgment as
to appear the open apologist Of the ag-
gressions of England, and the m an
satirst of those who sought to assert
and vindicate the national honor, and
to preserve from the attacks of domes-
tic treasonists, and foreign assaiIants,
the integrity Of republican govern
ment. Against these praiseworthy ef-
forts, federalism stood opposed precise
y as its spawn, whiggery does now in
regard to every dispute with foreign
governments. England wishes to wrest
from US the Oregon country; and whig-
gerry, true to its paternal instincts;
those of federalism; kindly volunteers
its aid for the furtherance of that pur-
pose. Its instincts here are not less
marked than in the days OF the Hlrt-
ford convention, showing that whatev-
er be the name, the nature of the ami
nal remains unchanged. What is true
of this, is of all other cases which might
be cited, where a dispute with foreign
government IS certain to find the whig
power arrayed against the professions
of their own country.
1t is barely possible that this charge
will be denied on single ground; that
Of "protection." Here, say the wings,
is proof positive that we are opposed
to British principles, since we are the
noisy advocates of determinations in
commerce against foreign countries.
This may, at first blush, appear plaus-
BILE; but slight examination Of the true
merits Of the question will dispel the
error, by conclusIvely proving that in
this, as in all things else, the whig par
ty is consistently opposed to republ-
can equality and justice, and favorable
to the partial and grinding policy Of
monarchis:s. "Prolection," as it is
called, has long held high and uudisPu-
ted sway in England, till wealth has
become centralized in the hands Of the
comparatively few. Norman can truth
fully deny these facts, and a policy
which has produced these results is the
corner stone in the edifce of whig prin-
ciples. The fact is thus rendered ap-
parent that the wings do not differ, in
principle, from the monarchists of Eng
land; they being in a body, like the
wings, favorable to, and the advocates
OF, whati is termed the protective policy;
the imposition ofhIgh taxes for the ben
eft Of the pampered few. The Eng
lish monarchists and the American
wings, then, are precisely alike; both
seeking privilege for the benefit of a
favored few. The wings have dlscoy-
eled that sprote ction'' has worked TO a
charm for the aristocracy of England,
hence they are clamorous for the same
system here, showing that they are far
from being opposed 10 the principle oil
projection which prevails there; thus
proving that the animaling spirit ofthe
system is the life and soul Of the copy
in America, These condolences tell
the whole story. showing plainly what
the instincts Of the whlg party are, snd
to what they tend.