Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1852-08-30
THE pLATPoR1Is.l

essential differences Of the Wing and Dem
ocratic Platforms, and though we have not
been able to give to the subject that amount
of attention which its importance requires,
yet we submit a few remarks now, and shall
hereafter proceed more at leisure, TO full
examination. We shall first call up the
Democratic platform, and endeavor to I'M
derstand its meaning, SO far as is possible,
amid the mass of high sounding unmeaning
and "high feleutin" verbiage, in which it is
clothed. The first article ofthe Democrat
ic faith reads as follows: "Resolved, that
the American Democracy place their trust
in the Intelligence, the patriotism, and the
discriminating justice of the American PEG.
ple." Why this resolution was introduced
into platform we are at loss TO deter
mine, unless it was that its author MIR.
Hallett, wished to introduce some kind Of
sauce, with which to palliate the feelings
of the whole people whom he had disgust
ed by his free soil resolution, "Ihat zoe are
opposed TO Slqoeryin any form and color,
and in favor Of Freedom and Free Soil
itqge." In unneaning and high wrought
expression these resolutions are nearly alike
and bear the impress Of the same author
That this resolution was intended for clap
trap is apparent, and we only wonder that
its author did notia once say, "Resolved,
that all men are free and equal and capa.
bic ofselfgovernment," and he would then
have covered the whole ground more broad
ly, and occupied the position upon which
our revolution and declaration were based,
and upon which rest all the constitutions,
laws, and rights of our people. The at
tempt to arrogate to the Democratic party
alone, the fundamental principle of self.
government upon which our whole fabric
is based; under the influence of which our
people sprang forth from the jaws Of the
British lion; took their stand among the ma.
tions of the earth, and have since been pro-
crossing with giant strides in the paths Of
freedom and prosperity; is unworthy the in.
tegrity of great party Of the country, desi-
rous as we trust they are, for the advance
ment and perpetuity of our institutions; and
comports only with the character and po-
litical history ofits author, endeavoring ev-
er 10 trim his sails to suit the popular
breeze and attempting by the force of fiat
terry to open again the ears of those, whom
he had previously. by his disorganizing and
disunionizing efforts; sealed against him.
In order to commend himself and to ac-
complsh his aim he had to attempt to appro-'
PIRATE as a party principle, that fundamental
ruth upon which alike rest our Union, our
people, our parties and our national exis-
tence. D.. +. D
We come now to the I'd resolution, as
follows: "Resolved, That we regard this as
a distinctive feature in our political creed,
which we are proud to maintain before the
world, rs the great moral element in form
of government sprining from, and upheld by
the popular WILL and we contrast it with
the creed and practice of Federalism, under
whatever name or form, which seeks TO pal
sy the will of the constituents, and which
conceives no imposture too nionstrous for
the public credulity." The first half Of this
resolution was first adopted in substance
about 1776, and has from that day to this
been the great differen,ial element, .distin-
gushing our government from that OF all
others. Clap-trap again, Mr.. Hallett.-
As to the second half of this resolution, we
frankly confess we are somewhat puzzled.
Never having been Federalist, and not
being acquainted with any party, according
with the definition here given of Federalism
by the Hon. Free Soil Chairman ofthe Ma
tional Democratic Committee, we are led
to believe that the adroit Chairman has
orer.reached entirely las Southern co.adlu u
tors, and has here made them sign the
death ,parrant Of the veto potter; for what 7.
is the exercise Of that power but palsy OF
the will of the constituents, as expressed
through his representative? Had the plat.
form been adopted before the nomination
was made, Southern gentlemen would have
perceived the wooden nutmeg, cunningly
fashioned, though it was by its parent Yam
kee, and haze paused long ere they surreni
dered the principle for which they have SO
long contended, in the maintenance 81
which they imagine their safety is SO emf Z
nently involved. tits true that the 18th res res
olution .'covers mp this question little, I
but we shall attempt to show, when we ar.
rive at that resolution, that it is so involved
with words and restrictions that can new
er practically mean anything, or be Of any
effect whatever. AS 10 the latter clause, of
this resolution, which relates to "oonceiv-i
ing no imposture too monstrous for the pub.