The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-03-17

redssming pledge c1Ataned in the preceding
number, that the editors would descend from
eeneralitiss ~ pasticuiars-thst, having swept
the whole off in "a mass, they would take of
their heads seyiatim, and they accordingly be.
gan VITA General Butler, Of Kentucky. The
February number OF that Review contains u
grossly personal and abusive article against
General Butler by name, and against the resi-
Of the candidates covsrtly, and even impeaches
General Buffers Democracy, thou IN he was en-.
dorsed by the whole party in lS48, andShas been
q consistent Democrat since and before the con
ductors of the RspieW were born. will moi
descend 10 the details Of that article, and answe
them seriatim. 1t is full Of gross nisrepresen
tations. do not appear especially on behalf Of
any one Of the distinguished members of the
Democratic party; but | say that the party should
be warned that an influence has sprung up in
their midst, under the operation Of which a pc.
rodcal, supposed to represent the interests Of
the whole patty, has been converted into mere
partisan sheet and, under its present conductors
is attempting to promote particular interests by
tIaducing the most honored names in our party
make this statement that the party may under
stand. how much confidence to pluce in Tint Re.
Dieio.
Let me say word now upon this question OF
progress; but | want no wild and visionary
progress that would sweep away all the immor.
tai principles Of our forefathers, hunt up some
imaginary genius, pl CO him on a new policy
give him Young America" for fulcrum, and
let him turn tie world upside down. That is
not the progress ! want want steady and
rational advancement beyond the limits of the
federal Constitution. But am afraid that such
progress as is now talked about would carry us
clear away from that sacred instrument. want
to progress by ameiorating the condition OF
the people by fair, just, and equal laws, and by
simplicity, frugality, and justice marking the
operations of the federal government Above
all, hope to see the Democratic party adhere
with immoyabe fidelity to the ancient and dis.
tinguishing landmarks Of its policy These are
my opinions on progress and think the
sooner we canvass and winnow, and sift away
opposite opinions,the better.
Mr.. Chairman, am here to make no charges !;
am here to make no assaults but am here to
say, in spirit of friendship and warning-not
in behalf of A, b, or G, but in behalf Of nine
teen-twenteths Of the Democratic party--to
those who make these assaults, gentlemen,
this thing must stop.
Now, let me give brief history Of this mat
ter. There was gentleman, able, full of talent,
full Of activity, particular pa rtisan and friend
he had right to bc--of particular gentleman
mentioned in connection with the Presidency.
That gentleman went to the State of Kentucky
upon apolitical pilgrimage last fall, the object
of which was, suppose, to drive Gen Butler
from his own soil--to dshonor him at home
by fastening upon him corrupt political in
lrigue; but meeting there the same fate as befel
those who went to drive the McGregor from
his native heath, he came back and bought up
the Democratic ReUieo for political partisan
paper for the campaign, and, with no names at
the masthead, that Repisw is now pursuing
course AS fatal to the Democratic party as il is
false and unfair.
Mr.. Chairman, every man, whether he be a
Wing or Democrat, has right to be n cand.
didate for every ofce-that being one of the
elements of freedom in this country-and no
man ought to be bla for the misconduct of
his friends, unless he connived at it, The in
dividnals assaiIed in this paper, either covcrtly
or by name, are Cass, Buchanan, Butler, Hous
ton-in fact, all the candidates except the dis
tinguished Senator from Illinois, Mr. Douglass
who seems to be particular favorite.
Mr.. RICHARDSON, (interrupting) | wish
to say in connexion with the remarks which
have been made by the gentleman from Ken
lucky, that, so far as Judge Douglas is con
cerned, he has no interest in, and no control
over, the Democratic Reuiew. He is not re-
sponsiblc for anything that has appeared in its
columns, or that may appear, unless it be over
his own signature
know that Judge Douglas derrecates the
assaults that are made by Democratic papers
upon Democratic men. His object, his DESIRE
his wish, Is, that we may have harmony, peace,
u Wi In l..
leves, as do, thpt the perpetuity of our insti-
buttons depends upon the success of the Demo.
cratic party By division, we cannot promote
that success.
MI. BRECKENRIDGE Mr.. Chairman, am
very much gratif.d to hear that general state
ment But for the purpose of enabling the gen.
tleman from Illinois to remove the i'll feeling
which has undoubtedly been produced by the
appearance of these attacks, | will ask him a
question which will enable him to place Judge
Douglas upon proper ground because what we
want IS the truth. II is known that some gen.
tlemen, members of Congress-, long after the
article in the January number of the Democratic
Review had been printed and circulated -assail-
ing IN language and style known to you all, the
gentlemen whom ! have numerated-signed
paper recommending that periodical to the
Democracy of the country, and many copie. were
sent out for distribution. Among others, Judge
Douglas signed that paper. | ask the gentleman
from Illinois if he is able to state whether it was
signed by Judge Douglas before or after the
leading article of the January number was
printed and circulated.
Mr.. RICHARDSON. 1t was signed previous
to the appearance of the January number, and
not after it. will state for the information of
the gentleman, that so far as Judge Douglas is
concerned in this matter, he knew nothing of
the January number until he saw it in print
Mr.. Peck, from Vermont, formerly distinguish
ed member Of this House, told me that a violent
attack upon General Butler would appear in the
February number. Judge Douglas did all he
could to prevent that assault--his object being
as il is now, and trust ever will be, to promote
harmony in the party
MIR. CARTIER Will the gentleman from
Kentucky permit me to ask him question
Mr.. BRECKENRIDGE. A short one, for
my time is nearly up.
MIR. CARTIER. ! ask the gentleman if we
are to understand him that the principles of