The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1848-07-22
49,, 80, For The Cecil IyAig,, =, =.
Democracy Us. .DespotisiIs. :
BAgTIMoKE, 5lUif Goth 1913,

I MI. Ed,tor:-TheSe are momentous
times, :momentous to ns as republicans,
and 'momc;iteus to all interested in good
government. The Europeanpowers are
getting hold Of the grand idea, that do
'minion centraIizedin one or few hands,
is not the only nor the true basis of a
political system. And it is truly re-
mapkable, +hat go intelligent people
shouM pass through transition on transi
'tion, from one form Of despotism to an
other, for so long q time. while repre-
scntation as the prominent element OF a
popular government was only an abstract
theoy,-the i"cptia Of metaphysics. The
easiest lesson is sometimes the most diff
cult to learn, and it has cost the old
world many hundred years, with no lit
tie blood, tic digest the plain common
sense, that power originates from the peo-
pie, is supported by the people, and res
ponslble to The people. Glory belongs
to America that she could first cry cure
sa, and by her wise craftsmanship, was
enabled TO make, What was previously
absurd in theory, sublimely consistent in
practice. The example we have set in
the practical workings ofou gov ern-
mcht, has had a weighty influence IA
mong European nations, in crushing
those moss-grown and corrupt systems,
which have weighed down like night
mare on'the progressive spirit Of the peo-
pie. We can even claim to be the brew
or ofthat storm now raging ever Europe,
before which thrones topple on their
gtddy foundations, codes murky with
despotism are sh DOL in fragments TO air,
and titled nobility tumbles down like
mountain oaks before the tornado's
storm-brcath.
This country cannot, nor should it be,
tnsensible to the conflict now going on
between Democracy and Despotism That
conflict involves principles for which We
have split much Blood is rendered des-
petate by the commanding voice of hu
han rights on the one hand, and the dy-
ing throes oftyranny on the other, and
the issde is to tell for veal or woe, on
Tely remote posterity. II democracy
triumphs, future generations will enjoy
the blessings of free governments pro-
tccted by law. If despotism, the mass
through long future, swlll be born with
saddles OF their backs, and a few booted
and spurrcd to ride them legitimately by
the grace Of God" The advance of lib~
cral principles must be and is attended
by turmoil and disorder, just as the bubble
ard smoke OF chemicals IN the chaldron
glow before the e lixr appears. But
when from the commotlon drinking po-
lltlcal systems, the elixir, (alias Democra-
Cyl comes forth, its envigorating power
will exceed the tabled Lethean waters
in rejuvinating nations already lettering
to decay. We shall hope TO see this soon
accomplished. We shall hope to see
every relic of barbarism trampled under
foot, whether it be the absolute despot.
ism Of Asia, the limited monarchies of
Europe, or the rufflc-shirt tyranny of
party calling themselves democratic in
our own country. God grant that the
whirlwind now in motion may twist up
every root and branch. 1t is not alone
under the skull cap and sceptre ofkings
that this evil is to be found, but some-
times treading lightly down the cushion
cd stairway to the throne, it puts on a
bland exterior, and goes to do its bloody
work among an innocent and confding
people. It's progress in the former in
stare, will leave for others to portray,
and shall ask the readers attention
through few articles to its progress in
the latter, so far as relates to the history
of the Locofoco party in the United
States.
In watching the conflict between
truth and error in political science and
social progress, we are not compelled to
strain our vision beyond the Atlantic,
but here at home, under the very shade
OF the capital, there is a moral conflict
going on, which is 10 decide for or against
every thing that is conservative in
this republican government. We should
"laok TO it," and see that our rulers are
Al