Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1851-05-09
The Democratic Principle.

more will doubtless be said about this iunda-
mental principle of human right. We have
word to say The democratic principle in poll
tics is opposed to the monocratic idea. 1t Is the
will of many against the desire of one; it is the
interest of all against the selfshness of few
Hence, the democratic party have always with
propriety, as far as the abstract, fundamental
and original idea of democracy is concerned, as
stunned to be the popular party or party of the
people. Whether it has always been true to It's
mission, may be questioned but we do not pur-
pose now to say any thing aboutits consistency
or its inconsistency; men who reflect know oil
about that. AS fundamental idea, we unhesi-
tatingly assert that the democratic principle
never suggested a monopoly. No Democratic
Legislature ever granted charter, or passed
bill, taking the rights Of the many, and handing
them over as privileges to the few. We are not
discussing words but facts-so don't cavil.-
Hence the democratic principle was never sug-
gestive Of a tariff on imported goods, not even
for revenue-mnch less for source of wealth
to few, under the specious name of home pro-
lection. Therefore when the democratic princi-
pie triumphs, no one will be taxed by an unequal
tariff at the rate of fifty dollars per annum, with
out so much as saying "please pay this tax, Sill"
When the democratic principle triumphs in the
matter Of Free Trade and direct taxation, then
will the same principle take effect in the matter
of wholesale human butchery, called in the vo-
cabulary of the tyran. power, "the pomp and
circumstance of glorious war;" because the
masses Of men for whom the democratic princi-
pie is ordained, are opposed to the cost and wick
edness Of fellow-saughtering, to say nothing
about the inconsistent and contra dctory effects
of this business upon the democratic idea itself.
The moment you ask man for twenty-five dol
lars to buy shot and canister and grape and
ball and powder, to use in numbering his fellow,
he will be likely to fatty refuse, and then inquire
what they have done for which they deserve
shooting
Who ever knew the soldiers, the rank and file
of an army to be the ones who had provoked a
casus 6etli, and were the men who deserve pun
ishment for which war is inflicted-no one
The cause lies back of them, in some monarch
ical administration ; and who believes, then,
that the democratic principle would ever engen-
der or carry on war of slaughter
Once more. 1t is impossible, in the nature of
things, for party which acknowledges politi-
cal equality and inacnable rights of freedom for
all mankind, to have any other feeling than the
deepest hostility against the systems which en-
slave man.
This is what makes it so difficult for the DEM
ocratic party at the north to be in communion
with set of men who consider human slavery
right and at the same time call themselves dem
ocrats it is a lie on its face, and it is libel
upon the name of democracy.
So little has it to do with supporting slavery,
or defending its usurpatons, the moment it would
rely upon the democratic principle for the least
support, it would gently lay it in its grave so
Deep that thousand earthquakes would not dis
turb its eternal rcpose.
Hear what the noble and true hearted, but yet
monopoly-hated William Leggett said fifteen
years ago. lie was democrat:
L" If desire to abolish slavery, and deep
and earnest adherence for ii, in all its aspects,
are characteristic Of one party more than the
other, We hesitate not TO say that it is of the Dem
ocratic party; since the institution is in mos
positive and utter violation Of the fundamental
article of the creed of democracy, which ack-
nowIedges the political equality and inalienable
rights of freedom for all mankind"
Instead, then, of hearing pratings, bcseech-
ings and winnings abost compromises and the
safety Of the Union, based upon rejection and
deSPisal OF the democratic principle, let US, like
democrats indeed, assert the whole of the truth
as it is written in tho democratic gospel of hui
mainly, and placing our feet upon the neck of
every tyrant that Shall oppose, no matter of
what shape or name, and calling upon Jefferson,
the great apostle Of democracy, for motto, rails
ing our arms with our voice, shout "sic sempcr
tyrannis."