The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1848-10-11
Moderation.

L
who understand rightly the principles of Democ-
raev and their application to a Republican form Of
I Government It is not for us to say whether NJ. de
Tocqueville is correct in his opinion although the
slight degree of egotism with which national
character is certainly tnctured, might induce US to
be very credulous of the truth of his remark, and
assume the credit it may bring us without much
opposition upon our part. The assertion was not,
however, made hastily by the person who uttered
it,, for no foreigner has had better opportunities OF
Judging the character of our people, and none could
bring to bear upon the subject more unpreJudlced
mind, or one gifted with greater powers OF dlscrlm-
| nation and anaIvZation. Our readers will doubt
less recollect. while many of them probably have
| read the yvorl, of TocauevMe, entitled Democracy
| in America. That book was almost entirely free
from the vulgar preudices which seem to have infu-
enced most foreign writers in treating of our coun-
try and it must be gratifying to every American to
know that its author, after some years more Of
perience under a monarchy and when his own
people are about to adopt our democratic princi-
Piles, is more than ever confirmed in his favorable
impressions of US, and still adheres to the opinions
Of our institutions and national character which he
had formerly expressed. Whether in saying that
the Americans are the only people who understand
imply doubt of the ability of France, successfully
to initiate u.s. we will not attempt to decide; but
if such are his views, we sincerely hope that time
may prove them erroneous. Democracy is founded
upon truth and based upon justice, the laws of
which are applicable to all mankind, and are not
brought into existence by peculiar circumstances
operating upon one portion of the human race.
The eternal principles of right the in every
aoJ
mately be every where recognized and acted upon
We are led to these remarks by the fact that the
American people are now about to exercise the
most solemn and important duty which can devolve
upon them. They are upon the eve of choosing
from among themselves those who are to admins
ter the laws for the next four years. and to decide
upon the political principles in accordance with
which the Government is to be conducted. 1t is
not for us to endeavor to impress upon any one the
Importance of this Duty it must be apparent to ALL
and it would be superhuous for us to attempt to
make it more manifest It is the duty of every
citizen of the republic as it is his right to express
his opinion and to make his choice known in the
manner designated by the laws In the discharge
of this duty it should be remembered that however
we may differ with others, they as well as we are
entitled to the full expression of their convictions
dHuIleI6IoTe any act Which, COulu lettu 10 uec6S-
sary excitement, or which would have a tendency
to array one part of our people in hostility to an
other, should be carefully avoided. Appeals to
prejudice, while they can weigh nothing in the
scale of reason, infiame the passions and detract
from the proud position which we should occupy in
the eyes of the world. Thus far we are happy to
say that the canvass has been CONDUCTED if not
with moderation,s at least with forbearance. In
the midst of the displays of partisan feeling which
have almost necessarily been elected, there has
been but litle of the asperity and bitterness which
too frequently characterize our political contests
1t is true that there may have been some excep-
tons but we glad TO see that they, the few
instances which have occurred, have met with a.
decided manifestation of dsapprobaton from large
majority of the community. We hope that this
spirit of fairness will continue uninterrupted TO the
end Of the campaign. We haze but few weeks
yet before till that time, and we are confident
that every one will after the election be better |
pleased with himself should he have acted with be-
coming forbearance, than if he had given way to |
the excitement of passion and partisan prejudice |
We have all faith in the good sense of our people,
and we believe that essential quality will prevent
any collision, or exhibition of personal violence
Any course of conduct which should produce such
a result would not only be disgraceful to the ag-
gressors but would inevitably bring discredt upon
our republican institutions, and impair the belief
of others in our ability to govern ourselves. We
should by all endeavor to merit in the future
as we have in the past, the high praise bestowed
upon us by NJ. de TocqueviIle.