The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-20
SATURDAY. DECEMBER 20, 1851.
The Unions Proclamation Of Federal Frin.
eIDleS.

eiples.
The political history of this country, it seems,
is to be written, and the true doctrines of pro-
gressive Democracy expounded, not alone by
MIR. Benton, but also by "the private secretary"
of Gen. Jackson, who now edits the Union. A
very curious, if not instructive chapter of that
Forthcoming history appeared in the issue of
Thursday We append it for the benefit of the
States Rights Democrats of the South, few of
whom might see It otherwise, owing TO the linn
tied Southern circulation of that organ. A more
remarkable article, in many respects. never be,
fore appeared in print calling itself Democratic,
nor proceeded from the pen of any political wr-
ter repudiating the name of Federalist The ed
itor of the htelisencer might have written such
an article, so far as the sentiments and the doc
trines are concerned, only he would have done
his work in more artistical manner, and blum
dered and boggled less in wading through the
great expounder" of Federalism, might endorse
that editorial, though the confusion of ideas, and
mistness of meaning which characterize it.
might render even bis own pet doctrines dis
tasteful to him. The political heresies of the
Proclamation Of Gen. JACKSON, Indignantly dis
owned by many of his strongest partizans on
the appearance of that document denounced
by the Richmond Enquirer, then the strongest
Democratic organ at the Southland which
finally that man of iron will was compelled to
have explained away by his organ the Globe
these are revived and advocated by his private
secretary-and adherence to them made the test
of genuine Democracy. What Cen Jackson
with all his popularity in the palmy day of his
power, while seated in the Presidential chair
could not do, his ex secretary, perched on the
uneasy seat Of the editorial tripod, hopes to az.
complish
II any additional testimony were needed to
satisfy Southern men as to the rapid strides that
Capitalization and consolidation are making at
This seat Of government, this editorial of the
Union would alone suffice to convince the most
sceptical. None but the most bigotted and
blind partizan can shut his eyes to such proofs
as are presented here.
That we may fix this thing conclusiveIy on
the Union, and leave no loophole for equvoca.
ton or evasion, or pretext Of our having mis-
represented its meaning, we give the editorial
entire-a compliment which its intrinsic merits
would by no means justify it not for the
testimony it gives Of the federal proclvities
and consolidation doctrines of that print.
In this article, it will be seen, that Mr. RHtr1's
speech has been made the pretext ard apology
for the political exposition which is hung upon
it, The real object of the writer is apparent
and to that main point we shall direct the at
tention Of our readers. tits not our purpose to
take up the cudgels for Mr.. RnErT Tina.
gentleman has already spoken for himself on
the floor Of the Senate. with marked ability and
fearless frankness That speech, when revised,
shall appear in our columns
Its puerilities about the relative positions of
Mr.. RHETT and this paper We vii also pass by,
as unworthy OF more than casual notice The
Union takes it, invec'ves and its inuendoes. %
il does its arguments, all at second hand Any
parrot can repeat by role the lessons learnt
from passers.by-any organ can grind out the
same screeching sounds, while its machinery
lasts-but public patience will at last weary OF
the dull repetition
We had hogsa, however, that the can. Of o.,
compromis campaign would have been dfoPre5,
alter new ore had bscn entered into BY tbt-e
patriots, who never weary in sewing fts~coJo.
try" tide chief plans Of which wore couaecte8
wit lhg Presidency aud lnc public printing
the triumph Of the party and the :poils thereof
In this we have been disappoin.ed-bu in re-
Spouse would only again reitcrate what We have
80 often repeatcd-and what every one knows
that the Southern Press is hat its name indi.
cates-.he special organ Of no particular man,
or cique-the creature of no little caLal OF
intriguing politicians aiming at federal Office
place, or pay-but devoted TO the great cause Of
Southern rights, and the maintenance Of al,
constitutional guarantees on which the peace
and prosperity Of the South depends
Those N and those measures that come
up to our standard, We will sustain--but we are
pledged to support the peculiar policy Of no in.
dividual-to obey the words of no master, bat
70 adopt that course which, in our judgment,
seems best adapted 10 promote the great ends
we have at heart, in common with every citizen
who knows his rights, and has the spirit 10 pro.
claim and maintain them. The attempt 10 make
the Southern Press responsible for the speech
Of Mr.. RHETT, (Which We have not had the
pleasure Of reading, and heard but IN part is
disingenuous in the extreme II is paltry at
tempt to excite prejudice against the Press,
which 1t supposes 70 exist in reference 60 the
opinions Of that gentleman The trick il too
shallow, it only shows the desperate straits 10
which the organ is reduced
Before putting an extinguisber on the doe.
trine embodied in the article, which VIC shall
very briefly do, by the production Of an authority
little higher than the dicta of :" the private sc