The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-06-01
Introductory.

menec their joint editorial management and control OF
the UHIoN and, in apprzing readers of this fact
having given general views in the Prospectus alluded
to--we do not deem it necessary to make additional
pledges with regard to the principles which shall ad
vocae, or the course which shall pursue The
"UNIoN Will continue to be the firm and unfnchng ad
vocae OF the doctrines, principles, and OF the
great democratic party whose organ il is at the seat OF
government While adheres to the great doctrines and
landmarks of republcanism which do not change with
the lapse of time, and whose original truth and purity
cannot be obscured the commissions and revolutions OF
the social and political world, shall not forget that
party represents the progressive spirit OF the and
that its principles although fixed and permanent in them
selves, are readily adapted to the forms and cond
tons which civilized society is ever assuming But
q party, while are not insenssle to the pre-
calling spirit of the age, must not forget that We live
under government of limited powers, which cannot be
enlarged by construction, perverted from the great pur
poses had IN view by the founders and original parties to
the federal compact
BY this declaration do not TO be understood
that the advocates of change without or
reform without necessity In looking back through the
long vista of ages, that the world has been
moving in of change and progress. The hui
mind has from the beginning, been active and rest
less. 1t has been exploring the world of infinite
truth, and discovering and bringing forth TO the gh:
principles in science and philosophy, which it ap
plies in endless variety OF ways for the ameoraon
and improvement of its condition and of society," and
these changes in the condition of and society impose
the necessity of change and reform in the institutions of
government, and their adaptation to the social de-
veopments thus produced. The principles of the demo-
cratic party favor these changes and reforms in political
institutions their necessity may appear and when So
Ciey clearly demands that they shall be made And this
we regard the true conservasm-that conservatism
which preserves popular liberty, while it protects the
rights of person and property of every individual 1t is
not that conservatism loudly Wanted OF in modern
tines which looks only the interests of kings princes
and privileged classes and resists every effort restore
to the of society the rights OF which they have
been deprived by long ages of usurpaton, outrage and
wrong. On the contrary, the principles which advo
cate respect the rights Of all. both Of person and prop
ery and endeavor to them just and equal pro-
lection.
We believe that these doctrines have dictated and con-
trolled the OF the democratic party by which
this country has been governed, with the exception of
few years, from the adoption OF the constitution the
present time. And the result of democratic policy and
rule is in the unexamped and wonderful expansion
and progress of this republic from small and weak
nation, one of the first rank in population wealth
and power, and influence upon the desnies of the world
1t is truly proud reflection, to at least that much
of the grandeur and spendor OF beloved country
due to the wisdom and policy of the democratic party
But it is not purpose to deal in generalities or
distractions. We designed at the outset only to say,
that shall faithfully adhere to the principles and
policy of the democratic party they have been laid
down and interpreted by the fathers OF the republican
faith and illustrated by nearly half century of success
full administration We shall adhere the wise meas
ures OF public policy carried into effect by the last admin
isration, and which now exerting such sautary
influence upon all interests of the country. We shall,
of course, oppose any change in the present tariff
and fiscal systems except to make them perfect in
detail and efficient in their operations. The
of the country, foreign and domestic has never
been fOurshing period of peace it has been du
ring the operation Of the tariff of 1916; has
eay system been sound and stable has been since
the establishment of the independent treasury system
The ruentsrests of the country, in belief. demand
that these systems shall be continued and of
shall resist any substantial change in them, should any
be attempted by the party in power
With regard to these subjects, believe there per-
feet unanimty of sentiment among the members of the
democratic party. We should, indeed, be happy if we
could say that there was on all subjects the same
coincidence Of opinion and particularly upon those
which more intimately affect the peace and perma
nency OF the Union. Yet, it is not to be denied that
upon one subject there is much difference of opinion
not only in the ranks of party, but among the
people generally they less affected by their
respective relations the subject alluded to. That sub
ject is the prohibition of slavery in new territories
We do not propose go into review of the arguments
urged either side of this controversy, but merely to
state our position, and the which we shall
pursue in reference to it, Our ground that of
PREVENTION. is the ground which deem it our du
ty 10 take IN reference to the whole subject of slavery
We believe is not denied, by the abolitonists
that slavery, as exists in the States beyond the reach
and control OF the federal government 1t is not con-
tended that Congress by its legislation interfere
any way with the domestic institutions of the States
that of slavery included And of course so far as the
States themselves in which slavery exists are concerned
the righminded of all parties and all sections of the
Union must concur in the principle of non intervention
We believe, also, with reference to slavery in the Dis
tric of Columbia that great majority OF the people of the