The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-12-05
CITY OF WASHINGTON.
FRIDAY moRNING. nEo. 5, 1901.

| Ull L VI w ADHINulU
FRIDAY MORNING. DEC. 5, 1851.
And thus the plan arraaged-said is arrang ed--be.
tween Gen. Foote, Mi Toombs and AIr. Ste phsns OF
Georgia. and Major Doneson OF ae Washington Uaion
and MAJOR Polk, of Tennessee, read the church
the souhernrghts party and 10 substitute the Union party
Of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi defeated The
experiment for the time was abandoned but the game is
not yet absolutely given up"
friend has brought to our notice the above extract
from letter 10 the New York Herald, which we trans.
fer 10 columns for the purpose of correcting the err
roneous impression il is calculated TO create. We had
nothing do with the resolution introduced in the demo
cratic caucus referred TO- On the contrary seemed at that
time, it seems to US. that. however desirable the
adoption by the democratic representatives of resolutions
in support ofhe Compromise might be. and however prop
ery such expression of opinion might be sought by
the friends Of that measure yet the introduction OF such
resolutions party test in preliminary proceedings for
the organization of the House necessary, and
not expedient, except it done with almost
tire unanmity ....
Our general idea was, that il was our duty 10 take
facts the people had announced them, and that the
political character OF each member of Congress must be
determined by the sentiment OF the constituency to which
he is responsible. Within these limits caucus could
affirm scarcely anything line of action for the party
which could be expected to have binding obligation not
previously exstngi and beyond these limits caucus
would evidently stand on ground which might become
embarrassing and vexatious. II would be liable 10 the
npuation Of seeking to form issue for the people, in
stead of acknowledging already settled to great
tent by the people,
is the defect of caucuses, where they aim a, anything
than the concert of action proper for the organiza
ton of the particular bodies resorting to them that they
are liable to mistake the popular will and TO degenerate
into attempts to mould instead of ascerainng and fol
lowing, public opinion This defect, than all other
considerations, led to the abandonment Of congressional
caucuses, and originated the TO national
tons safe expression of those political issues
which are formed by the action of parties. But ever
with such conventions the introduction of elements
in the creed of parties has always been deemed
delicate. difficult and solemn question.
1t is Intention however, on this occasion, lt
state the views which seemed TO to be in accord with
those which would most likely influence the democratic
portion of Congress in declining TO consider the prelim
nary organization of the House the proper theatre fol
determining nwhat divisions OF opinion respecting
the Compromise had been settled by the people, coult
democratic party The manner in which the subject was
disposed OF is sufficient evidence that the suggestions
which had occurred 10 really those which con
troed, without previous concert, the action of the bod
when assembled in caucus. ..#ar
We do not believe that the democratic party was eve
better united than it is in support of its ancieD
principles; and we regard It's position on the subec
of the Compromise sound, national, and effective
That there differences of opinion in some local
tiles respecting of the provisions OF that meas
ue, cannot be doubted but that those differences
be healed by the creation of any permanent third party
we cannot admit. They inherent 10 the nature OF on
institutions At various periods OF our history these dill
erences have beea manifested, but they have been
dered harmless whenever they threatened 10 pass beyon
the limits prescribed by the constitution All that ha
been needed time for The niePostion of the people
which was sure to dsarm those who would bring int
collision the State and federal authorities, by giving
| the laws their regular and Just effect. -..E
There has never been time when the democratic part
stood identified with any measure scheme which was il
violation Of the constitution dangerous to the Union
motto has been to preserve both the constitution an
the Union by guarding the principles on which they bo,
rest This is IFS position to-day as firmly as il was il
1900 or in 1892 !, does not alarm itself because Their
may be few claiming TO be in lis ranks who insist upo
abstract righs-whelher OF disunlon notification, o
abolition As long these distractions aim not 10 inter
ere with the practical maintenance and execution OF con
stiutonal compacs, the democratic party is content 4
incucaie lis doctrines, and TO take that no heresy
inconsistent with the integrity OF the Union is nterpo
lated as a creed into its organization divert tn
federal government from its legitimate sphere, III
constitution from its true character as made by on
| fathers.