The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-09-03

age, or under any mans observation, been
characterized by christian equality! For
whom is il instituted, if not for the good Of
alla And how happens it that there are
classes in community .surfeited with wealth.
and yet other classes. stricken with pow.
erty! You must not say that it is all ow.
ing to their individual enterprise. There
are thousands OF the poor, nay as gener-
al rule, who are industrious and frugal
while idleness ard in action characterize
a majority Of the wealthy; while most who
pretend to exertion. are seen in their Office.
palaces, but four hours during the day.
II this be not the fruit Of political institu.
tons, why do men want charters for their
companies, and why do they ask for the
abolition Of stay.laws. No man can
doubt that government, has from time i'm
memorial played the part Of a partial step.
mother, TO her petted children of fortune,
and irowned the toiling millions out Of all
favorable consideration.
All over the world where these political
inequalities exist, there must come change
there must be reiorm-there must be
revolution. Human affairs never stand
still. Though even the face OF the COM
munity be smooth. there are motives in the
heart. which will find their way to the hands.
We say. in Ohio, since the movement for
constitutional reform commenced, revo-
luton has been writing its lineaments up
on the canvass of our history. We have
accomplished long stage Of progress in
the ratification Of our New Constitution.
The principles Of that reform are but the
embodiment Of the spirit of the day. and
the popular temper. 1t is this Inevitable
moral progress which has wrought so much
of popular redemption as has been ac-
chieved 1t is owing to the successful par
ty in the struggle only as agents The
democracy have yielded to the loud de-
mand OF Right for advancement, and they
have helped on the great work Who does
not know-who has not felt that the posi-.
ton Of the true democracy has not been
that of mighty helper to the cause ofpop-
ular success!
And yet we have been opposed. The
wings Of Ohio have called out to things to
stand still. They desire to heap up noun
tains Of selfish aggrandizement, and they
must oppose progress 10 the death, as the
only agent of the free distribution Of pub.
lie blessings and popular rights. They,
therefore, swore on the alter Of party, that
the New Constitution should he either de.
feated before the people, or if ratified ii
should be frustrated in its legitimate ope
ration. They found in that great chart OF
popular progress, the right of universal
suffrage-and they opposed ratification.
They found a sure method of freeing Us
from public debt, and they resisted rali-
fication. They found safe provisions
against the enslavement of posterty by iu
ture State and county Indebtedness. and
they resisted ratification. They found
there the honest endorsement and enforce
ment of the principles of equal taxation
and they raise the old. stale, agonizinp
howl Of vested rights. Now they again
ask power--with no change of position, no |
avowal of principle, and no pledge Of &C
ton, save in their former invariable favor
itism Of monopoly and unequal taxation
'i o'NSi tut NV thS S'S'" |
reforms of the New Constitution in their
very birth and infancy.
Is it not time for the democracy to arouse
once againl We yesterday published
what was intended as the secret plan oi a
whig organization. Let our triends-aN
our iriends-in every part Of Ohio-rally |
once more. The contest is not over. Our
enemies are in the field-playing the game
,f masquerade and secrecy. They see in
heir defeat the downfall OF their accursed
principles of partialism 10 wealth and
public debt. Let the democracy
II the highways and by-ways come up 10
he great work. We must bring every
nan into thorough organization-strain
very nerve-strelch every muscle-crack
very sinew-let no stone be nnturned-
10 honorable means Of success be unem-
'loyed. Reduced TO two words, the con-
est is between Right and Wrong. Dem
crats, the Right is yours-you fight for
principles that must be your sceptre--de-
Gated. your cause goes to its grave! No
nan should be idle-every voter is host.
t is to the peoples rights, literally crisis
f death or victory-and victory will be
,ers if every soldier but does his duty
statesman.
FOR SUPREME JUDGE.