The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-25

OHN VI OsiiCt VI O'u1ci uuCo VI utstSlOU,
is but the last appeal of the old priests of the
de6lsd temples Of party, who feel that they are
about to lose their livelihood In making images
of false deites for the people to worship. Hence
their lusty shouts of" Great is Diana Of the
Ephesians -" great is the power of party !" and
great is the virtue of old issues!
This cry has been unavailing in the past, and
it will be unavailing in the future, wherever the
question shall be made and met. Let our friends
not doubt too soon No occasion has yet arisen
for an appeal to the whole people of the United
States upon the principles of our organization.
Whether such an occasion shall arise may de-
pend upon the action of this Baltimore conven-
tion. Alabama has already called II national
convention on our principles, to assemble in this
city after the Baltimore convention. To this
latter convention we should not fail to send
delegates. Should such state of things then
exist to render new national organization
necessary and proper to carry out our principles,
feel assured that the late results in Georgia,
Alabama, and Mississippi, are but proofs Of
what may be expected in other sections Of the
country, when similar efforts may be made for
similar objects. And in this connection will
add that the idea of reorganSing either Of the
old parties in this country upon sound national
principles is, in my opinion n result not to be
tons, these parties are both cilete and corrupt.
They both make professions in "platforms"
which they never carry out in practice. These
platforms or programmes have become nothing
but artful devices, by which demagogues are
enabled to delude and cheat the people. "New
wine is not to be put into old bottles, else they
burst" And il the effort to nfuse new and
sound principles into either of those worn out
parties should be successful, like result may
be expected 1t is quite improbable that it
should be otherwise, for the elements in each
are discordant, conflicting, and hostile.
| How, for instance, can those men in Georgia
who looked upon the eighteen thousand majority
against them in their own State at the late cleo
ton us unirustworthy upon the question of
Southern rights, be expected to act in harmony
with the Wilmots, the Rantouls, the Preston
Kings and the Van Burens at the North The
very idea of such possibility is suggestive of
infmy. | take it for granted, then, that har-
monious action amongst men holding such an
tagonistical opinions and principles, is out of
the question. And it should be- borne in mind
that Mr.. ,Rantoul declared the other day, in the
House, that if he were not good Democrat,
there was not one in New England But apart
from considerations growing out of the present
condition of the slavery question, and other
HucStOuo VI doHOobiC pOifCy, VII Whloi 1hcto 10
equally as wide difference of opinion between
! the two great wings of these old parties there
are still other and new questions arising, upon
which most probably still wider differences of
opinion will exist. TAe question of interfering
with and taking part in European politics will
soon be upon us. "Coming events cast their
shadows before" At this time we see man,
of unusual address aud great ability, traversing
the Northern States of the Union, and urging
upon the people the abandonment of those prin-
cpes which have been coeval with the exist
ence of our government in our relations with
the various monarchies and dynasties of the old
world His object evidently is, to implant in
the public mind the principle that it is our duty
to Join ia general crusade for the liberties of
mankind These wild and disorganizing doc
trines have been embodied in resolutions and
adopted with enthusiasm by large and respecta
BILE meetings in divers places. The day is not
distant when the questions involved in these
doctrines will become practical issues. They
will present subjects of vast magnitude and mo.
mentous Importance for the consideration of the
American people. And upon them, as well as
upon those other kindred questions to which |
have alluded, men in all sections who think alike
must organize and act together, without respect
to past differences of opinion other points, or
! Itl carly uOOUl VIII Dc OuT ucSIiny, lHStCdu VI
| that full measure of true greatness which it is
our real emission" to attain, and which nothing
short of the united patriotism of the whole
country can secure.
This is no time therefore, to look to old is
sues with prospect of reorganiSing parties
upon them. But have said much more than
intended. In conclusion, will add that our
policy is to hold our position. We should unite
with no party that fails as condition precedent
to incorporate in its creed those principles which
we consider as essential TO the maintenance of
our rights and the preservation of the union
of the States. We should stand aloof from all
parties that do not purge themselves from ali
afiiation and association with Free soilism
Whatever may be the course of future events,
we should stand by our principles wherever they
may lead US, through woe" as we'll as through
veal" and nAintain them now. and always, il
need be, until they, we, and the republic perish
together in n common ruin. Yours, respect
fully
ALEXANDER II. STEPHENS.