The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-03-03

Missouri line, because he advocated opposed the
enactment OF the compromise measures BY common
consent there virtual truce between the two par
ties. The enactment OF the compromise measures
the result OF the deliberations and negotiations which
took place during the suspension of party hoslites
Some deceived into the belief that The two parties
were permanently broken up, and some sought 10 effect
such result But this idea based upon mscon-
cepon OF the real character of the principles which
the two parties stand In the very nature OF things there
must be Two opposing parties in government and in
our judgment they essential 10 the preservation OF
free Institutions. When the compromise measures
passed II was 10 be expected that the members of the
parties would again their positions, and put on
their party armor II was TO be expected too that each
party would seek TO make the most out OF the compro-
mise measures. The elections which followed showed
that with few exceptions the old party lines were drawn
and the great question at issue which party stood in
the best position in regard 10 the compromise
command the confidence and support OF the popular
mind. The general triumph OF democrats throughout the
Union was the result. That triumph was achieved upon
the doctrine OF acquiescence the compromise measures
final adjustment OF the slavery question
How does il happen that in the short space OF three
months, we find Mr. Buchanan constrained 10 declare
that "the democratic party in greater peril
than al preseat 1t is no, less true now than it in
the late elections that the democracy standing upon the
fnalily" Of the compromise No proposition
has been made or will be made to disturb those meas.
ures. Congressional non Intervention to the question
of slavery in strict accordance with that fundamental
democratic principle which declares that strict adherence
guarantee Of the rights OF the States II the compromise
hal tha dam hav
asked nothing better than that Congress should abstain
from any interference with. the subject OF slavery.
Our party stands firmly this ground as i, ever
did. But the misfortune is that we have not per-
mil,ed bygones to be bygones In the fullness of
our numerical strength, have allowed our feel
ings TO hurry us into revival, to some extent,
Of the peculiar diversities OF sentiment which marked
our course on the compromise measures. Whilst
all agree that the true position is the hnalty
of the Compromise" we are not satisfied to rest to-
geher on our common conclusion We commit the
mistake of opening affesh the discussion of our Pc
culiar views of the compromise, as if il were an
original measure; and, in SO doing, we present to
enemies the appearance OF dssensons, which resus-
ctate their hopes and inspire them with confidence.
The revival of these discussions unayodably runs into
the current business of Congress- prevents that harmony
and of counsel and Of action without which NO
party maintain its strength, and, whilst il renders
our majority poweress, il threatens TO become danger
Gus elemen, in the for the presidential nomna
ton, which is now overshadowng all other subjects.
These the dangers which threaten 10 overwhem us
with defeat and unless friends look promptly 10 the
consequences, have right TO calculate upon demo-
cratic triumph. The remedy is TOO obvious TO be mis-.
taken and unless promptly resored to- shall have
committed political suicide