The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-07-11
A Peep Behind the Curtain

The Hon. John M. Clayton, in describing the erec-
lion Of the wing platform a, Scott ratification meeting
recently held in Delaware said
The frst thing TO be decided was, What SHIN b. said
by the wings with regard the compromise m, a.uee Of
1850 Secondly, What shalt be said in rela encc 20 so.
eclive tariff And thirdly aud one Il the mo.t mpo,,
ant hat shall be said in reference To np owing a y.
ers and harbors of the country r.
This is doubtless faithful and accurate description
The exgencies OF the Scott men made il that
they should consent 10 the erection of platform which
they did not approve. There seems to have been
no inquiry as to the actual principles and ruypos,
OF the wings; but The real question was. Uaot shsn
the rhigs say with regard 10 leading measures On
suitable understanding and for an adequate consd.
eraiion the northern supporters OF General Scott
were willing TO say anything with regard TO the CON-
promise, inasmuch as the higher law whose
marvellous virtues absolve them from an oath to support
the constitution would recognise hut little sancty in
simple declaration made TO accomplish particular re.
sult Many Of the southern wings had acted with the
abolition wings Of the North long that, for hollow
and deceptive speech which would save them At home
they were willing 10 do anything which nigh, be re.
quired OF them-even take The nominee whose posi-
lion and associations made a pledge necessary Had
the Wing Convention been soliciious to announce
clearly and distinctly the views Of the wing party in
regard to the great questions which divide the coun
Try, the wing platform would have assume a differ
ent shape and appearance But The real question was
what shall the wings say What form OF words shall
be presented TO the peope What phrases can be found
which will contain protective idea and yet sound like
reeirade doctrine, and give TO federal platform
democratic appearance disguise the thing need
.d-tae wolf wanted sleeps clothing. There was no
difficulty in stating what The iohigs woud do II in
trusted with power TO work their will, any more
han in stating what ravenous wolf would do If
trick TO enirsp the lamb-was the subject Of ankle
iy The wings would destroy the democratic poll.
cy, restore the connection between the banks and The
government, enter wasteful scheme OF internal i'm.
provemens, and by ex,ravagsnt and proaga,e expepd
lures create the necessity for receipts which
would be urged for high dolies 10 be levied
and arranged TO build up monopolies and add 10 the
advantages which capital already has over labor The
task before the platform committee of the Whis Conyen.
ton was to announce these purposes in words which
would sound TO the unnitiaed like reputation OF them
Otherwise, why oppose the democratic paryi The wings
will confess that they ac,uated by nothing but
mercenary love for the spos Of ofce-a rabd ,hsi for
placewhsH they deny their wish to expunge democratic
from the statute book and establish an opposing
policy and at the same time maintain their party oeanza
ton and all the rancor Of their party feelings Hypocrisy
is the homage which vice pays 10 virtue" The desire
manifested by The whg party to avoid direct iasue with
democratic principles their nomination Of military
cheilain, their efforts to disguise their purposes undsa