The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-07-31
Democratic and Federal Parties.

S'AA
In a recent debate in the Connecti-
cut Legislature, which we find sketch
ed in the Hartford Times, Gov. Cleye-
land, one of the ablest and most elo-
quent of the many talented democrats
in that State, drew the following con-
trast between the two great parties in
the country. The fidelity Of the pic
ture must be acknowledged:
"The gentleman, sir, has also been
pleased to allude to my politics. Very
good. am proud of my party-the
old democratic party. that has ever
stood fast by its principles,a land the rights
of our country. Yes, sir, am proud
Of this party. 1t never swerves from
duty-never abandons the cause OF tho
country, but answers to It's calls when
ever and wherever there is danger. 1t
has always been so. 1t is so now, sir.
The democratic party! When did it
ever shrink from rallying for the ceun-
try-when did it ever fail to throw its
mighty weight and its controlling in
Auence upon the side Of our cOuntry's
rights? When? Never! Never! l
am proud of this party, sir, which has
SO nobly directed the 6estinies OF this
great nation, through trying scenes, as
we'll as in the days Of peace and pros
perity. 1t has met dangers boldly, and
has overcome them. 1t is this party
that has won a proud name for our ma
ton, and made it great and prosperous.
1t is this party that has moulded our
free institutions into their present ad.
mirable form, startling the old world
with its blessed relorms-its equaliza-
ton of laws and privileges. 1t is the
party of progress, pursuing the right,
and with the blessings of Heaven, Sc
curing that right. Its province is to
bless mankind-to make them happier
to cast off their burthens-to equal
, ize their privileges--to develope the re-
sources of the land and to unfetter tho
mind--protect the rights Of all-yes,
sir, to sustain the cause of Liberty, and
maintain the principles of Free Gov.
eminent, the Representative Of Liber-
ty. | am proud Of this party. Con-
trast it, if you please, with the old Fed
eral party, now sailing under false
%colors, and with the false nam Of
Whig--now, as ever, Federal to the
core. Compare them, if you please
What have been the services of these
two parties in the cause of our country?
How do they appear side by side?-
The one always in the front rank of
Freedom and Reform, whilst the other,
with its back turned upon the honor
and rights Of the country, is striving to
retard and embarrass. The Federal
party has ever been in the wrong-ev-
er againstit its country. Time has prov
ed it to be so. With its narrow.policy
its selfish schemes--its harsh principles
Its disregard for the honor and rights
OF this nation, it has stood out before
the world opposed to Democratic pro-
gress and Democratic reform; opposed,
too, strand here is the whitening
curse that rests upon this same Federal
party--to the efforts of the Decmocra
cy to maintain its sacred rights upon
the field! Witness their course in the
present just war with Mexico; their
b~lack-hearted treachery under the cloak
of hypocrisy-denouncing the war as
wicked and Infamous, and praising the
leading men who conduct it for party
purposes merely! Reflect upon their
conduct in the last war, and contrast il
with their conduct now. Yes, sir, and
contrast it with the unwavering firm
ness and patriotism Of the Democratic
party during all this period. What a
contrast! Rejecting honor upon the
one party, and shame upon the other!
am proud of my party--prouder still,
sir, when ! think for a moment of the
contrast between it and the Federal
party. And where is the Democrat
who is notW
TIL ~n ~"