The republic., 1851-08-09
the Alabama Eleetlons.

The Alabama Elections.
Those who have watched over the progress
of a deadly fever, and hailed the first symp-
tom Of returning convalescence. will appre-
ciate the delight with which the American
people learn that the disease of disunon in the
South is yielding to the influences of wisdom
and patriotism.
The telegraphic intelligence from Alabama
render it probable that six out of seven Union
members of Congress will be returned from that
State. The influence of these elections will be
invaluable. There has been fair comparison of
the advantages Of Union and Secession, full
and free discussion of the rights and policy of
the South. There has been no dctation or in
tervention from abroad. The deliberate YER
diet of the people of Alabama is therefore re-
corded in favor of the present form of Govern
ment and against revolution. We look upon
the decision as conclusive of public opinion in
the South. The same issue is, however, pend
ing in other States of the South. The same
argument is going on in Georgia. When it
shall be seen that State whose sons have vim
dicated their courage upon the fields of Talla-
dega, the Horse Shoe, Tallehatchee, Emuck-
fau, and New Orleans see no degradation IN
the Union, and no cause for its dissolution, who
will attribute timidity to her counsels or dis
honor to her association?
The homogeneous character of the popula-
tion of Georgia and Alabama assures us that
the genuine Union ticket will prevail in both.
Indeed, we are satisfied that the same result is
appfehended by the secessionists themselves,
because they argue that they merely contend for
the right of secession, but have no present pur-
pose Of dsunion.
Another evidence that the secessonists of
Georgia apprehend defeat is to be found in the
attack made by them upon the Union ticket be
cause it is supported by Wings as well as Dem
ocrats. This appeal to party organization is of
course made to effect division amongst the
friends of the Union.
The Georgia papers are filled with proofs
that South Carolina takes deep interest in the
election OF MCDONALD; and since that gentle
man has placed the inexpediency OF immediate
secession upon the refusal of other Southern
States to cooperate, it is plain that the success
Of the secessonists in Alabama and in Georgia
would have given the desired cooperation, and
then, according to the opinion of Mr.. McDoN-
AID, it would be expedient for the Southern
States to withdraw from the Union. 1t is in
vain to argue that his opinion in favor of the
right of secession is an abstraction. 1t may so
long as he continues in minority; but if Mr.
McDoKALD should be elected, his own cleo
tion becomes proof of the existence of that
state Of public sentiment which in his opinion
juslifies immediate secession. 1t guarantees at
least the cooperation Of Georgia, and justifes
still further agitation. On the other hand, the
election of the Union candidates in Georgia
and Mississippi will be decisive of the question
of disunion. With the agreement at the North
to refrain from further recriminations upon the
subject, we are satisfied that the good sense of
the people of South Carolina will induce them
TO moderate their violence, and resume the
friendly relations which once existed with her
sister States
We alluded incidentally to the effort of a
portion of the secession press in Georgia 10
prejudice the Union ticket by reproaching the
Democrats with the contamination of Wing
support, and imputing venality and ambition 10
the connexion. We observe the same imputa-
ton made against General FooTE, in Mssis-
sippi. His patriotic cooperation with the
Wings is cited as an evidence of infidelity tc
his own party.
We avail ourselves Of tho occasion TO say
that we regard the Union ticket as one enforced
by the imminent danger in which the Republic
is placed. That we do not consider our politi
cal friends in the South under any obligation
whatever to adopt Democratic principles, no
do we consider their Democratic associates un
der any obligations to bestow upon the Wing
any rewards for their patriotic services. II ha
been patriotic combination TO save a commo
fabric from the flames
If, therefore, the Democratic Union candidate
in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi shal
bestow all the patronage Of Office exclusivel
upon Union Democrats, we shall never com
plain. 1t will be proud evidence that South
ern Wings sought not the spoils of office, bu
the salvation of the Union; that they scorne
all advantage from the schisms OF their politica
opponents, and asked no other reward for lhei
efforts than the success Of the common cause.
We trust hereafter to chronicle the continue
successes of the Union party. Its victories ar
those Of liberty regulated by law; under the
benignant prestige the sceptic will cease I
scof at the capacity Of man for selfgoyerr