Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1849-08-17
THE COALITION

THE COALITION.
The war between the so called Old and Free
democracy sill goes on with undated interest
The term war may seem strong one to apply 10
parties who are contemplating union. but the dis
cusSlon has Become, at least, very exciting and
the great argument has reached an HIGHT which
Is decidedly beIigerant in its tone. We have no
disposition 10 en,barraSs their action and shall
tnd no difficulty in rcconcling ourselves to anv
arrangement which will be satisfactory to them;
but we apprehend the difficulty lies back OF the
mere mode and form Of union and has vital con-
necuon with the principles and feelings of the
two parties.
1t IS true, that i'll respect to the cardinal nont
OF unon the Wllmot Proyso, there is nominal
and apparent agreement, yet what a real wide
discrepancy OF feeling, and sympathy. and inter
est underlles the mutual assent to tina naked doc
trine on this subject The Free Sellers regard
the W!imot proVIso of paramount Importance
overruling all questions of Legislative policy and
all considerations relating merely to the 2,,ep
who shall uphold it. 1t is the Cornerstone of
their political system. They do not give to it
simply the cold assent of the understanding as
to correct theory Whichis merely anabstrdcion
or 10 measure which, though right in itself is
yet but OF little consequence, but they regard it
as vital principle to be upheld at every sacri-
tice-Whch no consideration of political advan-
tage should allow them in the least deorae TO
compromise or for a moment to keep out of siUbt
and they cling to it with an affection which
evnccs that they regard it as vital to the interest
and des'inias of the country.
The Gid Democracy, If we understand them
rightly, are on an entirly different platform on
TINS questlon-it not of outward formula. vet of
inward spirit. They look upon the Proviso more
IN It's political than It's moral bcaring-more as
northern measure than one called for by the
great spirit of humanity-more as a matter OF
policy than OF principle. They have no deep
sense OF the immense evil and wrong of slavery.
and hence they care rather to keep themselves
tree from censure, and politically rigbt on the
question, than to take single step LOOKING to the
ultimate extinction of this evil, which would in
any way leopard their popuarity,or affect the pos
ton OF their party, They are very moderate in
their views, and ready for almost any compromise
that would look fair in the eyes of the world
They were ready to vote for Gen. Cass at the
last election, even though he had expressly de-
clared himself opposed to the Wilm0t Proyiso.
and they would vote for any one else tomorrow
whose views were equally unsound, if he had
any omen of success.
They generally favor Mr.. B2nton's doctrine.
that slavery can exist only by virtue of local law
and that therefore the letalone policy is the true
one; though, should they think political carjtal
could be made CT 1t, they would vote for the Pro.
vlso or instruct Mr.. Walker to resign. They
will only move in the direction of freedom ~
they are carried forward by the irresistible cur.
rent OF public sentiment. They are not perva-
ded by u high and healthy tone Of moral semi
ment on the suhject,and hence their course will ha
Yaclliauhg, inconsistent, and uncertain-nou,
itself in 4 sudden fit Of spasmoIic
virtue, and then gong to the very eytrem, of
iaknesS, and exhibiting an entire dercIiction of
principle
Again, in regard to the relative positions and
influence of the two parties, they are no more
nearly allied in opinion or sympathy; while tbev
manliestiy look on each other with jealousy and
1strust. The Old Democracy require that the
Free should surrender at discretion, and he on.
Lrely swallowed up and lost in the old orcaniza-
lon; while the Free Democracy feel thai, from
-heir number and character, they should BE- emit
led 70 some consideration and influence. and to
some share OF the public offices, and that they
should be allowed to prescribe or at least to.un-
ierstand the terms of the proposed union. With
20 many existing elements OF disagreement and .
IiScord--Wlth the recollection of past grievances
'et fresh, and the jealousy of future conflicting
hterestS--Wlth such entire uncongenlallty oil
eminent and feeling---it remains to be seen
whether they can reconcile their differences ana
oalesce into an earnest united, and effective
arty.