Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-05-27
Who are the Democrats /?

Who are the Democrats?
| At the present time-on the eve of nation
al acknowledgements millions of people
about to choose for four years, their Chief
Magistrate, and give direction to the course Of
national policy to be pursued-this all to be
done by the silent, yet effective power of the
ballot box, amidst conflicting interests and diff
ferent parties, it is well for the democratic par
ty who can Justly claim to be the majority par
tn, TO cast about and ascertain who are with
them, and from whence they may expect to en-
counter opposition, or what is worse, treachery.
under the disguise of friendship. There is
something SO magical, so alluring, SO popular,
in the very word democrat, that vast numbers
are found ever ready to enrol their names on
its banner, and unfurl it boldly to the popular
breeze-rush to the contest and fight under it,
not for the real principles the name assumes,
but for plumber, for power and for place, re-
gardless of in:egrity-willing to sacrifice the
nations cause for individual interest. That
there are many who play this desperate game
under the assumed and stolen name of demo-
Gratis, the past political history of our country,
as well as the present state of things clearly
demonstrates. "" f''t
As party embracing democracy, Eve mean
the old Jeffersonian, the ''true blue democra-
cyl it becomes US to watch narrowly our own
ranks, as well as to reconnoitre those of our
opponents. There are traitors in the camp
An Arnold. or Gorgey may be there plotting
schemes for the destruction of the many,
and laying deep and dark plans for per-
sonal aggrandizement only. We cannot be too
cautious. We cannot be too jealous. We
must be ever watehful, as well as prudent.
The democracy need suffer no injury from
deception or treachery, if they will but exer-
else due caution. Pure democracy is of so plain
stamp, that it carries upon its very face un-
doubted evidence of its genuineness. When
we find an individual belonging to the demo-
cratic party, always straightforward, manly.
and open, in the avowal Of his political opin-
ions; never finching on any ISSUE let the
pressure be what it Undetermined, though
lowly and humble may be his situation in life,
to express. advocate and pote his opinions, re-
CARELESS of threats, unawed by money, unterri-
fed by any circumstances bearing upon his po-
sition in society, we find and recognize true
democrat-a man who will stand by his coun-
try, its Institutions, and all that will beet pro-
mote the welfare of mankind generally. pr..
We have known some men who profsssed
democracy, and made loud pretensons of their
devotedness to the public good-who were ar
dent admirers and jealous supporters of the
peoples rights-who sympathized with the
''dear people" sincerely. just SO long as the
"dear people" would keep them in Office, and
permit them to feed at the public crib-just so
long as they could occupy this or that place,
and enjoy the privilege of fattening at public
expense, and thus be supported in Incidence
and iaziness-so long, and only SO long. they
were democrats, and nightly loved the peo-
pie. But when the people refused longer to
support them, but chose to divide their favors
with others, whose claims were fully equal,
then their democracy vanished. and in lieu of
this great affection for the people, and deep
and abiding interest in the general welfare,
cam anathem as in thunder tones, and curses
loud, and continued, poured down the
heads of the very individuals, who had helped
them to place, and afforded them an opportunity
and supplied them with means, to take honor
able rank and position in society. Of such
men it may we'll be said erf 9al 90
"Their friendship is lurking snare,
Their honor but an idle breath;
Their smile, the smile that traitors wear,
Their love is hate, their life is DEATH"
The common adage that prosperity makes
friends, and adversely proves them is no less
true with parties than with individuals; and
this maxim will apply with much force to the
political parties of the present day. We have
should be cautious as to the confidence we re-
pose. Let us be satisfied who are with us in
spirit, as well as act, before we endorse them.
In the approaching campaign, the flag of gen.
uine democracy, having inscribed on it . Union
and the public pe!fare," will be nailed to the
mast, and whoever enlists and fights under
that banner fights for the cause, not for them
selves. Let us beware of willy, su bile, ever
changing, hackneyed politicians, who are al
ways ready to mount the most popular hobby
of the times, and put our trust in the real, sub
stantial bone and muscle force of the sovereign
people themselves /; and we have a reliance
firm as the rock-sure as the we'll directed
arrow and as effective in lis result hns .yu.h