Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1850-06-24
THE UNION OF PARTIES.


Since the administration of elder Adams our
country has been divided into two great political
parties. These parties have existed among us un-
der their party organizations, subject 10 such
changes as the times aud circumstances may have
produced, for a long period of time. Through
out the whole OF this period, the line of dsiinc-
ton can be slsbIy traced. The peculiar features,
which betray the tendencies ofthe parties,arc dis
tinctly exhibited at every period since The day
of formation, and have remained the same. I'm
der every variety of name and change of condi-
tion the two great political parties of the nation
have kept IN distinct view the same grand ends.
The parties of the present day are similar in
this each is composed OF patriots, and both have
in view the common good of the country. Their
dissmarty consists in the agencies which each
employs in ellecng this result. True, both adopt
as their platform fundamental constitutional law.
But this adoption is made, in accordance with the
construction which each puts thereupon Thus
the Democratic party tends 10 a monarchial con-
struction, while the Wing party makes a republic
can construction. Both conccdc that an exercise
OF the Ueio Is constitutional, but they far from
agreement upon the manner in which this con-
stutional power shall be exercised. The Dem
ocratic party regards it kingy prerogative 10 be
exercised n will, upon all occasions. The Wing
party, upon the other hand eStccms it an Execu-
tive investment to be used only a source Of
Executive enactment There is danger in both
parties, and II is well that there different opin-
ions. The monarchal tendency of The Demo
cratic party might lead TO the practical extinction
OF rcpublicanism; while The liberal republicanism
OF the Wing party might lead 10 anarchy But The
opposition oft he one party To the other, counter
acts the influence of that extreme, into which
the other would lead u.s. The Just equilibrium
between monarchy and rcpubcanism is preServ-
ed oh Ip inf oi wi
and honest opposition. The division Of the coun-
try, then, into two political parties, OF antagons
teal attitude, IS not an evil, but public benefit.
And while the diSsimar features of the parties
produce beneficial influence, their similar tca-
lures should produce an influence equally bencii
oial. The members Of both are patriots and both
aim al the good of the country. 1t is, therefore,
right, that they unite upon plans, the proprietv of
which Is universally admitted This can be done
without sacrifice Of principle. There ale gen
eral features which are the common property of
both parties. Thus neither doubts the power of
the Senate TO ratly treaty, both admit the power
OF Congress 10 impose cuStom-house duties. Now
suppose the lower House of Congress should uSurp
! the power Of the Senate, and ratify treaty. or,
that the Senate should usurp the power invested
IN the other branch OF government and originate
arevenue bill imposing custom house duties In
either case the Constitution would be violated.
Then what ? Democrats profess TO be the pa.
irons of the Constitution, and Wings profess to be
ITS patrons, consequently they would unite in this
action and nAic the mcited punishment upon
the offender. So it follows that notwithstanding
the antagontica position of the two parties there
are occasions upon which they will unite for the
public good.
These reflections teach that the American Con
stution is strongly secured The dissimilarily of
the two parties prevents either from running into
an extreme; their similarity induces them 10 unite
upon all occasions of common danger. We, there
FORE do moi fear for the Republic The question,
which threatens us with dissolution now, is one up
on which the parties will unite. 1t is not simply
laquestion of Unconstitutional law, the mere adoption
Ioa governmental policy. No. 1t rises higher. The
great question is of the deepest interest, involv
ing the preservation of the Union. II is no party
speculation no strife forpary ascendency. It's the
patriot at work the patriot working for the good of
/ the country. Ii is work, in which the efforts
of Henry Clay can be sanctioned by the approval
bt Lewis CaSs. The platform is one upon which
Daniel Webster and Daniel Dickinson can ope-
rate as colaborers. Party zeal and party animoS-
tiles can be laid aside and the good of the nation
Bought for by men Of all parties and all casts.
To make the whole story short The Constr
tuition is the prize, the union is the boon of con-
tention. These things are property common TO
Wings aud Democrats, and the result is an oblt-
Grafton OF patty lines. The task is a patriotic
task, and hence, American citizens, irrespective
of party or creed, called upon TO do the work.
Now, what does it prove Simply this. Our
parties are separate organizations, producing, in
their separate organization, separate results, the
effect of which is to exert check, the one upon
the other, thereby preventing any internal evil of
an alarming magnitude. And again, the parties
; arc separate organizations with common pur
pose, which common purpose uniteS them in the
hour OF common danger, thereby preventing, by
united opposition, all assaults upon the perma-
nent peace and prosperity of the country.
&C. THE SOUTHERN PREss.-We have roceiv-
ed the first cory OF this journal. It's editors are
Elwood Fisher and Edwin De Leon. II is pub
liShcd weekly, triwecky and daily. 1t is a sheet
OF the ordinary SIZE and printed quite neatly The
editorials are neat, but not remarkable. The in
troductory is plain, well written article show
ing thought and care, but little depth or original
With regard TO the enterprise, we have no en-
Couraglng word We know no South no North,
nothing but the States of the Union When we
wish to serve Virginia, we raise our voices in Vir-
gna. When VIC wish 10 represent The feelings
OF the South, we speak from the South Is this
wise Can the pariizan, Ellwood Fisher learn
from The partizan spirits, who come TO Washing
ton, the spirit ofthe South We, who are in the
SOuth Eno,r tJ,o,,, l..