Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-11-24
POSITIONS OF PARTIES.

| ~ e POSITIONS OF PARTIES. llHs
There are certain diseases that to the superficial
observer, present outward manifestations Of their
rayages. The skillful physician can alone detect
their existence. To others they reveal themselves
only in the extinction of lifethe deceptive hue of
health suddenly giving way to the palor of death.
Such was the nature of the disease which has
terminated the existence of the Wing party. While
the skillful eyes of such men as Clay and Webster
and others perceived the seeds of dissolution ger
rninatng in its bosom, to the common observer it
presented the appearance of health and vigor-the
cause of its downfall being revealed only in the
effect.
In the first place it never was party with which
the heart of the masses beat in unison. Its princ-
pies (when it had any were not those calculated
to elevate the condition of the people not those
OF that warmth and sympathy which enlist the
affections and appeal to the honest pride of the
toiling millions. 1t never gained power except by
throwing its principles in the background and re-
sorting to ad captanduna arguments and deceptive
pageants. Its principles cold aristocratic and
repulsive; and their partial concealment was ne
cessary to the success of the party. In 1910 they
rode into the ascendency on log cabins filled with
hard cider and decorated with coon SKINS gourds,
strings of red pepper and young 'possums. In
1s4s they triumphed by hiding behind the mill
tary glory of Gen. Taylor, dazzling the eye and
smothering the Judgment with the splendor of his
recent achievements at the head of our armies in
Mexico. Thus was the nation twice deluded ; but
thanks to its wisdom bought by dear experience
"a third attempt to play the same game has re-
suited in utter defeat, the completeness of which is
only equalled by that of the triumph of democratic
principles.
The Wing party has for several years presented
the curious anomaly of party without principles,
that is, without any marked distinctive features.
The principles on which it first formed long since
became obsolete and were abandoned; and it has
been held together mainly by the force of former
association its leaders endeavorng to rally it to
their support as men, and not as the embodiment
of principles. In its downfall they saw the death
of their hopes of political preferment and knowing
the force of association they appealed to it, making
the name of Wing answer the place of principles.
This has proved potent in holding together the old
members of that party, but it has received but few
accessions from the ranks of young men who grow
principles, uninfuenced by the restraints of assoca-
ton, and failing to find them in the Wing party
failing to find any thing there in unison with the
warm and generous impulses of youth, they have
just naturally fallen into the democratic ranks.
The dissolution of the Wing party has been sud-
denly manifested, but the causes of that dissolution
have been silently progressing for years, and the
y fba ofl
those causes. Its opposition to the war with Mex
leo, by which that greatly prolonged and
thousands of lives sacrificed has left stain of blood
and a stigma of disgrace upon its memory, that
time can never obliterate. Its more recent pusi-
luminous trucking to Spanish arrogance has left a
blotch upon our national flag; and Wing prophets,
conscious of having plunged the country into
depth of humility from which the stout heart of
Democracy will rescue it. are now prophesying war
as the consequence of Gen. Pierce's election. War
may follow during the incoming Democratic adj
but if it does it will only be the con-
sequence of the pusianimity of the outgoing Wing
We do not believe a war will
ensue; for Spain, knowing that the voice of the
American people will speak through their Chief
Magistrate after the 4th of next March, and that
that voice will be in calm determined tones will
desist from her arrogance and behave herself with
out chastsement.
The triumph Of the Democratic party has been
triumph of prneiple-a triumph of ma
over sectionasm-,a triumph of the hon
est masses corrupt leaders The prestige of
military glory has not been able to overcome the
sound conservative views and feelings of our peo-
pie; and in the ascendency of those views and
feelings, so signally manifested the honor, glory
and grandeur of our country are secured, and the
foundations of our Republic strengthened.
The RECENT SLAVE CASE IN NEW YoRK. A man
named Lemon, residing in Virginia, intending moving
to Texas, and this end, shipped himself and wife,
and eight negroes, on board the Z" City of Rich
mond " steamer bound for New Y ork, with the view