The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1852-09-24
More About Parties.

1.-THE doctrine which formed the essence o
Federalism, and which gave to the Fedora
Irarty both its origin and name, there is 4
lperfect identity between il and the presen
lwhig party. Let us now glance hastily. al
1.-THE history of parties in this country.
The old Federal party, having become
iodious. by the adoption Of the Alien and
lSedhion Laws, and the general illiberality
of its policy, was defeated by the Republi.
cans under the lead Of Mr.. Jefferson, who
was thus elevated 10 the Presidency. II
never Egained power under its then exist
ing name and organization. Fol consid-
erable time, il made strong opposition to
the several successive Republican admins
trations- particularly those Of Presidents
Jefferson and Madison. Indeed, the policy
Tof President Madison, especially in regard
to the war with Great Britain, was most
strenuously anil factiously opposed by it,
But the triumphant success of the princi-
plies and policy OF The Republicans, as illus
trated and developed by The administrations
of those great men, and that Of Mi. Monroe,
gradually disarmed and dishsartened their
opponents, and the Federal party gradually
fell into decay; until, at the close of Mr..
Monroe's second term, party lines had al
most become obiiterated, although the opin-
ions which lay at the foundation of those
parties, were, of course, as antagonistical
and irreeoncilable as ever, and doubtless, as
unabatedly entertained by those who respec-
lively held them.
Such was the condition Of things under
which the Presidential contest of 1924, oc-
CURED. There were, in that contest, four
eandidateslor the Presidency, ,--Gen. Jack
son. John Q. Adams, William H. Crawford,
and Henry Clay-eyery one Of whom, we be.
lieve, professed to belong to the Republican
party. Mr.. Adams, however, received
the support Of the great majority of ultra
conservatives, or fedenIists; Gen. jackson
and Henry Clay divided between them,
those who might be termed the moderate
men; while MIR. Crawford was supported
BY the State Rights men. par ercsllsncs. AS
!s well known, no choice was made by the
popular vote, the election went into the
House Of Representatives, and Mr.. Adlms
was chosen. His administration showed.
that, whatever he might clam to be. or
might be called, he soas, to all intents and
purposes, a Federalist, and, as such, was
opposed by the Republicans, who, at the
close Of his term, united upon Gen. Jackson,
and triumphantly elected him.
Up to the time when Gen. Jackson assum
ed the duties Of the Presidential office, and
even after, some doubts were entertained as
TO his opinions, and as to what would be
the precise character OF his administration.
That doubt, however, was soon dispelled.-
He began gradually 10 unfold course of
policy based upon the idea OF the strictest
construction of The Constitution. He re-
commended revision and reduction of the
tariff; he attacked the Bank of the United
States, and vetoed bills making appropria-
tions for internal Improvements. Instantly,
the entire body of free constructionits array
I'd themselves in hostility against him.
They organized powerful opposition, and
assumed the name Of Wings. That name
hey have retained, under the very same or
,anization, TO the present moment. On
he other hand, the policy which General
Jackson thus unfolded. enlisted the enthusi-
lstic support of those who favored strict
construction Of the Constitution, and theu
likewise organized themselves into com
pact and united party which has also con-
.inued under the same organization Of this
present time, and is now most generally
styled The Democratic party, though many
Of its members, especially those of the older
ort, still cling to the old Republican name.
Such isa brier, but truthful history of the
parties in this country. How silly is it,
hen, for cur opponents to claim descent
rom the old Republican party, and even
political kindred with Andrew Jackson
We have some more remarks 10 make in
eierence 10 particul ar measures and men of
he two parties.