Democratic banner., 1850-02-25
UNION N

ShS III
for the approaching contest. 1t is known that q
slight division exists in our ranks, occasionedb by
the "appeal'' of Col. Benton from the ~instruc-
tions of the last Legislature on the subject Of
slavery. 1t is thought that this division is by
no means justified by a difference Of principle.
All are opposed to the passage of the PrOviso,
and think it an improper assumtion of power on
the part of Congress to interfere with the insti-
buttons of slavery, either in the Territories or
the District of Columbia. Many believe it I'M
constitutional, and all believe it inexpedient and
wrong. Then as a matter of principle there can
be no difference of such importance as to divide
and distract the party. Again this question is
likely soon 10 receive its %quietus, we hope, for
ever. 1t has been signally rebuked ly a large
majority in the House Of Representatives, and
the patriotism of the Senate will doubtlessly con-
sign it to its everlasting grave. The sober SEN
ses Of the people have become aroused, and they
have determined to check the restless spirit that
would indulge a false sympathy at the expense
of justice and constitutional right. The North
ern people begin now to see that reckless dema-
were only appealing to their passions,
the institution Of slavery, to secure their
assistance in violating the bond Of union and lay.
ing sacrilegious hands upon the constitution Of
the country.
The South spoke the language Of conscious
right, and called upon the patriotism Of the North
to aid her in maintaining the principles Of equal
Iity and justice, which lie at the foundation of
the federal compact. This language may at times
have been strong and impassioned, but always
excited by the incorporate and improper course
Of those who were urging upon hsr impolitic and
Objectionable measures. Such men as Cass,
Dickinson and Douglas from the North. speaking
the language Of patriot sages, will tend once more
10 allay impetuous zeal and thus unite feelings
formerly estranged.
This question, then, will soon be settled, and
the labor of the Democratic party will still be be-
fore them. Some of their great principles have
been firmly established, and the most salutary
laws have beenbased upon them. Almost with
out interruption since the formation Of the con-
s~titution, the Federal Government has been ad-
Iministered under the conduct and policy Of the
Democratic party. Our country, in its present
condition of wealth and prosperity, evidence, the
character Of that policy.
There are many questions Of State policy al
this time. too, Of momentous importance. Con-
istituional amendments, making a great but per.
haps saiutary change in our organic law. are now
before US for consideration. The question Of
building a Railroad from St. Louis to the western
borders Of the Stale in the direction Of the Paci-
fc, will no doubt attract much attention in the
coming canvass. The improvement Of the Usage,
and the Railroad from Hannibal to St. Joseph,
are questions of importance. Some interest too
will soon be felt again on the subject Of Bank
ing. The charter Of the State Bank will expire
in a few years, and the great change that is an
tiapated in our monetary affairs, from the rich
deposits Of goldin California, will doubtless rem
der this q question worthy of much reflection
and calm consideration.
If the Democrats are in the majority in the
State, and must stand responsible for its legisla.
tive policy, how necessary it is that minor things
should be discarded from their political action,
and that subjects involving not only our present
Interests as a State, but those of the far-future,
should meet with decided preference in their
considerations. Otherwise, it will be impossi.
ble to retain a controlling influence in the settle.
ment Of these and other important questions Of
State policy, Nor can anything be done by any
marty or body Of men, without union and harmo.
nv. When Earring factions are embittered, their
ldiscord h.cv be traced through their best mea.
sures, and it tGo often perverts the best design.
The Democracy OF this county have long Tough:
under the same banner, AM we doubt not each
member Of the party would sincerely aeprecaie
a state Of affairs, that would place him in o posi-
ltion antagunistic to his former friends. The
work can as well be commenced in Old Pike as
in any county within the State. The example
will be followed in other parts, and the inflated
hopes Of or opponents will cease to furnish food
for their animation. The busy scenes o fprepar-
alton will be seen no more, and the cheerful
smile will give place to gloomy sadness. These