The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-03-18


ly define its position in favor of it. 1t has done
so in several of the free States-and its repre-
sentatives in Congress from the North under
took to pursue a similar course but they were
promptly checked by the Shareholders. We
recollect with what memorable purpose these
gentlemen resisted all movements intended to
honor Kossuth as the representative of the
cause of Freedom in the Old World, and re-
buke its enemies and encourage its supporters
abroad-with what dread and adherence they
regarded every step pointing towards ultimate
Intervention in behalfof the Worlds Liberties;
and we know, too, that in all this struggle
they stood upon one side the Democracy upon
the other There was, there could be. no SYM
pathy, no harmony between them ON such
question. All the principles and instincts of
Democracy were on the side of Freedom and
its advocates; while the instinct of the Slave
holding class warned it against the application
of Principles intrnsically hostile to its preten-
slons, and against interference with foreign Des-
potsm, identical as it was in its central element
with American Slavery, especially as such in
reference might produce commissions danger
GUS to the stability of its own peculiar system.
How can theleaders of theD Democratic party
of the North shut their eyes to these facts
Do they mean forever to sacrifice Democratic
Principles for the sake of keeping up politi-
cal connection with men, who scout their ap-
pcation to every practical question of the day.
who laugh to scOrn every movement having its
origin in devout regard to the rights of the
masses, involving the Idea of Human Brother
hood, and designed at once to elevate and
equalize social conditions? Suppose they sue
coed in getting together Convention at Bal
timore that shall reaffrm the old platform,
re-enact the Compromise, and nominate MIR.
Buchanan for the Presidency; what have they
achieved Announced true doctrines in relation
10 ahsoiDte goestjons false ones on present Qpea-
tons; Principles in regard 10 State Sovereignty
and Federal Powers on which the Democracy
of the North and Southern Shareholders occu-
Ply precisely opposite grounds; and put in
nomination candidate whose views upon the
subject of the Public Domain, upon Interyen-
ton, and other reform movements are, to say
the least, unknown, and whose sole recon-
mendation is, that he has shown himself willing
to grant all that Shareholders mi ht demand.
A beautiful exponent of the Democracy of 1852,
is the man who can see no nobler mission for
his party than the suppression of agitation
against Slavery and the Extradition of Slaves
And is it on this broad, elevated national
ground that the Democratic party of the North
intends to go into the canvass of 1852
"What, then, shall we do J" it may be ask
ed" sectionalize our party? refuse to act with
our Southern brethren on a National platform ~
No-the Democratic Principle is not Sectional;
it is National--nay more than National it is
as broad and deep and high as Humanity itself
Take your stand on that. You know that the
ensavement of human beings, the degradation
of men to the condition of property, to be
worked, bought or Sold for the benefit of those
who have power on their side, is fragrant
violation of the Democratic Principle. Say so.
Be honest and outspoken. Follow the Prnci-
pie wheresoever it may logically lead you.
The same Principle respects State Sovereignty,
and is no charter-breaker. 1t recognises the
right of each State of this Union to determine
and regulate it, own institutions
This is enough to satisfy any reasonable
STAKEHOLDER. On this platform he can act with
you Nationally, for National objects If he re-
fuse, because you will not countenance Slavery,
pronounceit tia blessing consent that the Federal
Government shall interfere for its support and
extension, he is sectional not you. He would
denationalize the Democracy, prostituting it to
base sectional purpose you stand upon ba-
sis of Nationality and Humanity.
But it is hardly probable that the Democ
racy of the North will do justice to itself or its
own Principles at the approaching National
Convention. 1t contains too many men gno-
rant of its high mission, too many, trained to
look to the Shareholders for leadership too
many, who regard its organization as an agen-
cy for the acquisition of political power, not
the establishment Of political Truths OBJ
serve, for moment, the Democratic politicians
of Pennsylvania from first to last +" they have
resolved to insist upon the nomination of Mr..
Buchanan and their special claim for their
candidate is, that he is devoted to the Compro-
mise and Fugitive Law, and in favor of arrest
ing the agitation of the Slavery Question. In
fact, these questions and that of the Tariff are
all that they consider of importance. On these,
with Mr. Buchanan as their leader, they would
90 into the next Presidential canvass, against
the present Administration, which occupies pre-
cisely the same ground as they do on the Cues
tons named and attaches to them precisely
the same importance. Nay--it occupies no
other ground, makes no other claim to the con-
idence of the People, than that founded on its
position in relation to these questons-a posi-
ton identical with that of these Pennsylvania
Democrats And yet they would overthrow
il, Turn out MIR. Fillmore and put in Mr.
Buchanan, though both are pledged to the
same policy
Such struggle would be palpaby one for
plumber, not principle. They would labor to
make James Buchanan, President not to change
or in any respect modify the policy of the Fed
eral Government, but to obtain new dispen-
sation Of Federal patronage Needy or gree
dy, they seek to bestow power on man
pledged in return to minister to their wants.
That is the whole of it; and the great business
Of the Baltimore Convention is, the selection
of Spols- The special friends of
the other Democratic candidates for nomina-
tion occupy no more elevated position.
Is there no faith in the Democracy
Have all its leaders gone astrayl Are they
all willing to sacrifice Principle to Savehold-
i l.. Al.