The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1852-05-21
aTHE SECEDERS."

Washington, because they were not allowed
to do a thing that was out of time and
place, and for which there was no necessity,
has been sent out and published in most of
the papers of the country. Whether it has
been generally read we are unable to tell
We have not published it, for the simple rea-
son that, after 4 careful perusal, we did not
believe it was calculated to do any good
that it was neither instructive nor entertain
ing, and was, and meant, nothing but mere
attempt at justification of step evidently
regretted as soon as taken by those concern
ed in it. Viewing it in such light, and believ-
ing that it would eventually injure its au-
thors, we did not feel disposed to fill our
columns with it, to the exclusion of other
matters quite rs interesting to the majority of
our readers. Whenit was first proclaimed that
such an address would be put forth, knowing
democrats and those keen-sighted wings who
are always nosing out and proclaiming trou-
Bile among friends, predicted most terrible
smashing up of whiggery Immediately on its
appearance was not only to denationalize
the party, but break it up, destroy it root and
branch, and dissolve the whole concern into
its original clements. IT was nuts for demo-
crazy to crack, while disalfected whiggery
fairly danced in its boots. Well, after pro-
per time for public expectation to get up a
little, the much Wanted address was sent out
to the country, has been extensively circu-
lated, and, no doubt, read by great many
persons and what has been the dreadful re-
suit! Just nothing at all! The public mind
has not been moved to any great extent or
startled out of its propriety by this document.
True, democracy seized upon the nut and
cracked it, but not finding any kernel, are
now very industriously engaged in throwing
the shell in the teeth of the gentlemen who
presented it to them. A few openly profess
to approve the step, but nine-tenths condemn
it as being uncalled for, indiscreet, and I'M
polite. The wing party stands in just as
good position rs it did before. There are no
more divisions or greater diversities of senti-
ment in our ranks in respect to asprants for
the nomination than have existed on former
occasions in the history of the party. Prior
to the nominations of 1910 and '4S we heard
the same wild notes Of discord and disaffcc-
ton, sounded, as now, by few individuals,
and taken up and prolonged by others whose
desires for notoriety are continually leading
them to seize upon every thing that may at
tract little attention to themselves. But
the nationality, integrity, and success of the
wing partf have never been jeopardized by
such ill-timed efforts. We see no good rea-
son why they should be now. We suspect
the disafIection is neither deep nor incurable,
notwithstanding the mighty efforts made to
make it appear so. The permanent withdrawal
of ten sr twelve Congressman could not Sc
riously or lastingly impair the unity of the
wing party, or destroy it. We trust that it is
held together by no such feeble ties. All par
ties have members whose vaulting ambition
sometimes leads them in the wrong direction
Men reputed wise, distinguished and far-see-
lug, occasionally commit gross bunders, but
generally discover their error before it is too
late for repentance, and in time to repair all
the mischief which their erratic wanderings
had created Such things have frequently
occurred in the history of parties-why
shouldn't they again. One man, in his zeal
for his favorite, declares if another is nominal
ted he will not support him. Well-his par
ty get together and after consultation deem
it expedient to select that other one. -
What can our disaffected friend do? He must
either come round, or go over to the enemy
He cannot adopt the latter course, without
proving to the world that his whole political
profession has been lie and cheat. An
"armed neutrality" and "masterly inactivity"
are senseless terms in politics. Rash decla-
rations and hasty action get politicians into
very awkward positions sometimes, while
prudence and discretion seldom do harm.
As far as we have been able to learn, the
withdrawal from the Caucus of the authors
of the address to the Wings of the United
States" has not seriously impaired the pros
poets of the party in the Presidential contest
now approaching. The people generally
seem willing to wait and abide the action
of the Wing National Convention, soon to
assemble. They believe their delegates will
nominate good and reliable men for President
and jVico President. They are paying no
attention whatever to the jeseuitical appeals
from the other side, and as to there being
any serious disaflection, or "bolting," in the
event of this or that favorite being nomina
ted or defeated, those who make such state
ments are grossly ignorant of the feelings Of
the masses on the subject. If Mr.. Fillmore
is nominated they will cheerfully rally to his
support. Should the nomination fall on any
other good and true man, they will be very
apt to be about on the day of the election.