The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-07-19

But TO the article alluded To In the COM
mencement of these remarks. We commend
it to the attention of our Wing readers, as con-
tanning matter well worthy Of their attention.
From the Augusta Maine Age.
The State Platform.
The Democratic party of this State have, up to this
time, passed through the slavery agitation, without
experiencing from it those evils which have visited
the Democracy of some of the States where the sub
ject has been sought TO be brought under the con-
troll of party organization. Here, as in other free
States, differences Of opinion among individual
members of the party, in relation to this question,
have existed to some extent. These differences the
Democratic party of Maine, a party. has not
sought or desired to control-not dcening it a
qucstion at all connected with the Democratic or
ganizaton. The most perfect liberation of opin-
ion, the greatest license of sentiment this point
has therefore been its policy and its practice. The
last State Democratic convention for the nomina-
ton of governor prescribed the only safe and salu
tary rule for the Observance of members Of the
party touching their differences Of sentiment upon
this question. That rule is embodied in the follow
ing resolution unanimously adopted by the Port
land convention:
"Rtsoiued. That although the exercise of the
power Of excluding slavery from the Territories OF
publican administration, yet il involves a principle
which has never formed part Of the distinctive
creed of the national Democratic republican pal
and from the nature Of the IL cannot be made
an element OF that creed. The only common
ground therefore, which can be occupied by the
Democracy Of the several States in respect it, il
one OF absolute and unqualified liberation Of opin-
ion and action"
Here we have the Estate platform" touching the
slavery question. II amounts, simply, to refusal
,bo
nected with the purposes Of its organization; lcav
ing lis members to think and act in reference 10 II
just as they arc at liberty to think and act any
ether moral or economical Notwithstanding TO
the dictates OF their judgment
The wisdom Of this policy has been indicated
by experience. That policy ought not to be changed
or disturbed. II cannot be done with safety. No
one is authorized to change or disturb it. No
In authorized to erect State platform, and
If one lie TO be constructed, IL should at all
events be done by competent authority.
| Az things now stand, the Democratic party, as a
political organization docs not hold itself bound TO
any particular policy in reference TO the slavery
question, Except far relates to its exclusion
test,) for il has eschewcd all jurisdiction
/ il. Individual members may hold such opinions on
the subject they please, without impairng their
l Standing with the party, and without making the
party rcsponsible Tor their acts, or without one
portion Of the party making another portion
responsible for its views. II Democrat speaks or
this question: in the legislature out OF
it, he speaks and votes for himself only and not in
the name Of the Democratic party. Hespcaks and
votes ON his individual responsibility, amenablc
/ only TO common public sentiment
We have ourselves from time TO time expressed
our opinions without upon the various topics
connected with the slavery agitation, but have not
Il presumed to speak in the name Of the Democratic
i party; nor have considercd the Democratic
Il party at all responsible for our views. We have
i spoken northern men in vindication Of northern
Il rights against what conceived TO be unwarrant-
Il ,bc encroacbment. This shall continue TO do.
In respect TO certain votes Of Democrats in the
Legislature on certain slavery propositions con-
i temporary ir very much alarmed lest the rcspon.
ibility Of them IL to be thrust upon his shoulders
or upon the shoulders Of the Democratic party Of
Maine. But il our exposition Of the State platform
bc correct, he will perceive that he has ashed him
1 4elf into an unnecessary excitement We venture
to say that each member Of the Legislature who
voted the several slavery propositions willing
to be held responsible for his votes, and does not
desire to shift the responsibility to the shoulders Of
any man or party.