The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-05-01
DE MOCRATIC PRINCIPLES.

etofs nag nUt changed It's principles. IL s IN
favor Of the Independent Treasury, Of the Tariff
Of '46, and the Compromise Of 1850, and would
unite the Democratic Party on the ground of op-
position to Free oilism, and every form Of Anti
Slavery Sentiment.
We cordially concur with the new editor in
his views respecting the mode in which political
controversies should be conducted.
"Our own impression" he remarks, "has always
been that editors should never allow the courte-
sizes of social life to be interrupted by the discus
sions which different views demand, when they
are conducted within the limits of moderation and
personal respect It is by such discussions that
the truth is ELECTED, and that the real and lasting
interests Of our common country become under
stood and are advanced. For ourself we should
scorn to advocate cause which would derive its
success from any other supports than those which
are supplied by reason fair argument, and fact.
On this basis when the editor has made his sp-
peals, his duty is performed; and he should no
more think Of quarrelling with the brother who,
with equal sincerity, demands from the public an
opposing verdict than he should quarrel with his
neighbor because his personal features are diff
ferrent from his own"
The Prospectus Of the paper under its new au-
spices presents brief and not very clear view Of
what it considers Democratic Principles:
"The Union will advocate principles, not men /;
and it will be 80 conducted as to furnish no pre-
text for the imputstion that it will be devoted to
the service Of any political aspirant, or become
the organ of any combination formed for the per-
al Cd NJ ifa mamhpra n
trary to the principles and usages Of the Dem
ocratio party II will be devoted to the service
of this party by rebukipg those who would depart
from its principles, mar the beauty OF its creed
by the introduction Of dangerous doctrines. 1t
will seek to moderate sectional strife it will OPP
pose the formation Of sectional parties, and not
only endeavor to restore harmony to the Demo-
cratic party, but make every effort to renew frater
nal feelings between the various sections of the
Confederacy, by disseminating national senti-
meuts by upholding and defending Constitu-
ton, and by maintaining the rights o. the States
and by placing before the people on all suitable
occasions the blessings which fow from the Ma
tional compact in contrast with tho inevitable
evils Of discordant and bellgerant States In order
to accomplish these importent ends, a strict con-
struction Of the Constitution will be sustained,
and forbearance to exercise doubtful powers
most earnestly insisted on. Revenue duties and
u CouStltuUOHui CuTT0uCy Will bo ssIcuuouoiy au-
vocated, in opposition to protective tariffs, bank
charters, and other similar measures. The waste
full and demoraliang system Of internal improve
ments by the Federal Government will be ear
nestly opposed while every effort will be made to
expose Federal extravaganza, and bring back the
Government to the wholesome principles Of econ
omyn
1t will support Tariff for revenue not protec-
ton. This is all the Wings ask only they have
their own views of a revenue Tariff. It will sd-
vocate constitutional currency in opposition to
bank charters. Does it mean that bank notes are
an unconstitutional currency2 Then the Demo-
cratic party in nearly all the States is guilty Of
sustaining an unconstitutional policy. But, If it
mean merely to declare war against a National
Bank, it is taking ground against what nobody
proposes.
1t goes for strict construction Of the Con-
stitution. What politician ever failed to do pre-
cisely the same thing2 1t will oppose {" the
wasteful and demoralizing system Of internal i'm
provements by the Federal Government or
oourse-and there is no party that would confess
itself In favor Of such system But is il opposed
to all river and harbor improvements by the Fed.
eral Government Nobody approves Of wasteful
expenditures for any purpose - but economical
expenditures, judciously made for legitimate OBJ
jscts, no one can object to. Now, let the Union
say whether any appropriations at all can be le-
Ultimately made for rivers and harbors. The
People want positive, specific statement, not neg
alive generalities
CoNaoDoRK BARRON, who died recently was
the son Of CAptain James Barron of Virainia