The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-10-19
Address OF the Democratic State Convention to the
People O Virginia.

| People OF Virginia.
FELLOW The democratic State rights republi-
cans oftfgna assembled In convention for the purpose
of consulting upon the best OF promoting the
OF those great principles which have for than
hall century, formed the tie OF our organization, desire
to present 10 you calm exposition OF views upon
the political contest pending, and to invoke Tor
them on your part, candid and deliberate considera
ton.
Our friends have never had reason TO remble for the
result OF an open and honorable contest Our principles
have ever met the approval and attracted the sympahes
OF the people. II is only when our adversaries, under
the pretence OF having abandoned their habtua oppos
ton, cothe themselves armor and inslnuate them
selves into our ranks, that they aim blow that will
cause either injury apprehension Such Is their pres
ent designs to thwart it, it is only necessary that the
tellgent vigilance of the people should be aroused AM
noancng IN language which they have rendered fashion
they go before the people with ambiguous request,
that they shall be permitted to take charge of our meas
ares orto substitute Others which, they intimate. shall
be different from any which they have heretofore pro
posed Protesting that their own platform is exploded,
they ask to be put possession OF to be allowed
TO construct in its stead fabric upon principles
which they will not explain but which they eneavor to
induce TO believe will be different from those which
long acquaintance has rendered odous you and to
the great body of the American people.
Ii perhaps unnecessary to advise you of the nsdi
designs of those who direct the of this party
Their past history is eloquent of the language of
ing. They hold nothing too high OF too sacred to be
sacrificed for party ends In proof OF this, need look
no farther than to the occurrences of the few past
months vast majority Of the Wig party if required
would place their present candidate last upon long list
of their favorite statesmen large majority OF that
they conscentousy believe to be essential to the pros
pery OF this country Yet for the purpose of carrying
their party into power they have not hestated TO pro-
scribe their old leaders, and profess an abandonment
of the principles of their ancient creed In their calcu
atons for availability they close their eyes upon quail
caton; and while they call upon you to elect to the
Der of them that do not believe that your true interests
would be observed in the elevation of others They
address appeal the patriotism of their supporters
They animated in the struggle only by devotion to
party interests and hope Of party triumph.
They sometimes attempt to Justify their course BY rep
resenng that there IS necessity for change OF the
men in power Except upon the republican principle,
which requires rotation in office, can occa-
sion for change of administration which has directed
ability, which, under trying and difficult circumstances
has conducted the nation with glory through distant
war and under whose auspices the limits Of the repub
lie have been extended through fertile region. from the
banks of the Sabine the shores of the Pacific But if
only change of men is desired will not their wishes be
accomplished in the OF the democratic party Is
ment that this party will be content with mere change
of men?
They aim, then, fellow Citizens, at some Interior and
concealed purpose Are you not entitled to know what
il is! change OF men-or TO translate into somewhat
palmer language this significant phrase the placing the
public offices a. the disposal q the whg paHy.sh probr
that party. But others have deeper views. They will
endeavor to introduce system of measures by which
Gen Taylor speaking through the delegation from his
own State to the Wing National Convention, pledges
himself TO aid in bringing about change of men and
Yet, he and his advocates sudiousy conceal
from you what they propose to substitute for
those which now in benefcen operation. Those
which they desire to change need long defence at
Tended by the voice OF experience; The general and
remarkable prosperity that pervades every class OF
the community could be enjoyed under no system Of
measures that was injurious TO your interests Your
own account books fellow citizens and the treasury
records, present far stronger defence Of democratic
measures than any that could make. Why, then, is
change desred Is it for the interest of the country
or for the interest of pary' And why are you not
told what yon are 70 expect when this new order OF
OF information for any precise declaration Of the
intentions of this party Daniel Webster the great lead
er of the New England Wings, has, in recent speech,
ventured disclosure than any one else. He
of the great objects of his party in this
test to e can essential reform OF the system OF revenue
and finance" This embraces vast field Of operation.
1t was by scheme OF finance, national bank as
chief instrument, that, in the view OF your own JEFF
erson, the ederalsts under Hamilton endeavored to
monarchy While measures that affect the revenue
affect every class of the business community; and,
Edmund Burke has said 'the is the state in
modern times" you willing to pass the control of
these vast interests from your the hands Of any
man class of men This party does not regard your
will deign to consult your Judgment You are simply
that the leaders of the whg party ready to undertake
the refom whether the new measures which they pro-
such You will sanction to be regarded
as of but little moment Their candidate declares his
of the necessity OF change OF measures, and at
the time announces he does repeatedly in his
published letters that it inconsistent with his view of
proprety say what he will will do if elected
And is well known that this the leading consider
alton that effected his nominations for his party did
dare to commit themselves to any defined system of poll
Icy Ignorant OF their designs you called TO elevate
class of men power Their Judgment, and not yours
to determine the policy of your government their will and
become law Is this position assumed blythe
wing party consonant with any sound view Of popular
government? Here is striking example of that distrust
of the capacity OF the people for segovenment which
characterized the federal party at its origin and has been
so often manifested since. This may add, is again
displayed the principles upon which they calculate the
availability of their candidate in this effort to seize upon
of these things do they to regard you capa
BILE OF estimating. But, if they present over
whose military reputation shout can be excited they
seem to believe that they have presented man into
whose hands you will blindly commit everythingyour
fortunes, your rights and your liberties.
Here then is the proud contrast which present Our
party plants itself upon its already successful
operation. BY these they willing to stand or fall Our
opponents ask you to place them in power, TO enable
them to bring In system of measures which they dare
not disclose to you Are you willing to authorize the
proposed changer
As if in dersion of popular intelligence, Gen. Taylor
is sometimes advocated no-party candidate. His
friends are anxious to avail themselves at the same tme
OF the advantages OF party organization, and of the pre-
JUDGES against it. When the whole country is divided
upon practical questions, 1t impossible for to
ceIve how any be called no party man. unless
he either holds no opinions at ALL entertans those
which are peculiar to himself Party is but combina
ton OF those who agree opinion. Such combination
among those who concur in believing the maintenance
n fD kn H., IT,