Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-01-23
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THE UNION PARTY,


strong conviction of the possibility and expedien-
cy reorganization of political parties, and the
formation out the conservative elements of the
Wing and Democratic parties, of new party,
whose great object it should be to preserve the
Union by upholding the Constitution against the
public. We did not venture upon the suggestion
of so grave a revolution, without being advised
that it was thing seriously entertained by lead
ing minds, able and prepared to give impetus TO
great popular movement. During the recess of
Congress, the momentous issue of Union or Dis
union, of acquescence in the Compromise meas
ures OF Congress or resistance to them, was dis
nnctly made in Georgia, in the election of dele
gates to a Convention called under an act of the
Legislature of that State, to consider what course
she should take in consequence of the legislation
OF Congress. The popular canvass preliminary
to the meeting of the Convention was one
OF the most remarkable that ever occurred
in our country. Former political afinities
were entirely dsregarded, and tickets were
formed throughout the State, of Union candidates
on one side, and Resistance candidates on the
other. The Union party with this distinct or
ganzatlon, prevailed by an overwhelming major
lty OF the popular vote. The Convention, consist
ing of some three hundred members, contain
ed not more than twenty Disunonists. minor
'y so contemplate In numbers could not seriously
delay the proceedings the body, and its labours
were terminated after session of three or four
days. The report and resolutions adopted bv that
Convention presented platform upon which all
the friends OF constitutional Union whether in
the North or the South, could heartily unite. The
members ofthe Convention who constituted the
majority, were not content with declaring LOYALTY
10 the Union through their official action. They
assembled in several consecutive public meetings
a Milledgeville, and formally organized the Con-
stftnt'onat Union party of tine State of Georgia,
prominent Wings and Democrats uniting cordial
ly together in the whole proceeding.
With commencement so impressive. if has
now become question Of grave public concern
whetherthl slmportant move ment shall be carried
out in other States 1t cannot be denied that there are
serious difficulties in the way The personal as
plrations OF many influential public men have been
so intimately linked with the success of one or
the other OF the present parties, that is hard to
bring them to assent to new arrangements. IF
the Democrats have long enjoyed ascendancv in
STATE as IN Virginia tor example) it is difficult
matter to persuade the leaders to surrender its
advantages. If the Wings generally prevail in
another State, Gas in Kentucky their political
perehclarles are naturally 10th to ad nit strangers
70 the common enjoyment of party rewards
fef we are perfectly convinced that the hearts of
the People are fully prepared for the change. We
believe that IN every State of this Union. unless
Vermont be an exception, the Wings and Demo.
Gratis together, who are DESTROYS to maintain the
Constitution in its original intent, constitute a
majority. If this be true, or approximately So,
there can be no question, that the Constitutional
Union party, once formed on national basis, would
sweep everything before it. The foul fanaticism
oil Northern abolition, which now gains fac
titious force, by throwing its influence alter.
nately On one side or the other of the present
parties, would be subdued. Patriotism would
become the title to popular favour, and not
mere teaty to party. The Union, in short,
would be preserved by building up bulwarks
around the Constitut on
The People we repeat, are ready to Join the
Union Party but whether politicians will permit
it remains to be seen. Much depends on the pa.
trotism of individual statesmen. 1t remains but
for few such now to throw themselves fearless.
iy forward, and they will become the captains of
an nvincible political host. We have no slight
reason for believing, that the National Union mar.
ty Is even now about to be constructed and when.
ever it rearS its form we shall hail it as the ark of
our safety.
We are happy to find our views sustained by
the following admirable article from the Macon
Georgia. journal and Messenger:
The CONSTITUTIONAL UNION PARTy-The coali.
ton between the and the Democrats in The
Massachusetts, and Ohio legislatures demonstrates
beyond all question, the necessity Of Coostjtuona
Union Parry. Following SO closely upon the news of
similar combination between the Wings and Free.
5oers 10 other States, is we'll calculated to cause
uhnklng men everywhere, TO pause and reflect ser-
ousy before going back 10 their old political associa-
tons.
The danger likelyto result from these coalitions is
precisely me one alluded TO in the Farewell Address
OF Gen w ashlngton. 1t will lead inevitably to the
formation OF sectional parties This will shut out the
South from tar participation in the offices and bene-
nus OF the G9Vernment. 1t will engender angry feel
ings, and foster dlscontentment. EXAMINATIONS will
tollow-non- intercourse will be adopted-and finally
bloodshed and civil strife will close the drama OF dis
union.
Our honest, candid opinion is, that the only way to
prevent such catastrophe is to organise party on
some great national issue. That issue should be found
ed upon the Constitution, the Union and the Laws
That Issue wo1ld separate the malcontens the
traitors, and the higheI-law men, both North and
South, from the great body OF conservatves-from the
friends OF order oil peace cohtentment and republican
Institutions The Abolition presses OF the North and
the extfeme ultra presses OF the South seem TO dread
this result and hence they boldly CO. Operating with
each Other in order to break down the new orpsnza
tioa. The New York Globe the Enaancipator and The
Chr0aotgpe arc in full communion with the Southern
Press. aud the whole array OF Fire-eatng organs
throughout the Southern States On the 5th of jan
uary noticed 10 one Of our Savannah contsm-
porares article copied from the New York Globe
appealing 70 Democrats by all their old party as.ocia
lions ana ties, not to give countenance 10 the union
inoyement. That article closed with the memorable
declarauon that If the Democratic party cannot save