Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1853-10-18
PARTY INDEPENDENTS.

Among lie noticeable tendencies Of The time not The least
remarkable the gradual relaxation OF party d5cipe ana
the growing disposition Of men 10 assert an Independence o.
Judgment on political aars The day is past when The
slightest suspicion Of dsuect!on or the bare nPntati6n 81
rebellion against patty organization, was sufficient 10 io
press the energies felter the genn aud blast the fortune
Of The ambitious politician Then distinction was
made between fidelity 10 principle and loyalty TO men, bh'
eachey lG creed or candidate equally fatal blight
on political character But this discipline ind This re-
lenlIess punishment we're the consequences OF Crisis
in which absolutely Indispensable 10 enforce Peec
party organization la The presence OF ~atchui aud Pc"
eul foe the pressure al martial law IS essential 10 e safe
" Of the army bu, rebel against the severe RESTRAINT
when the eaemy is beaten and his forces d5sipalrd. 10
presence Of the compact and formidable array winch 'he
Whp par,y presented The day OF It's power the Democracy
could tolerate no license in opinion and treachfry IN con-
duct Indifference and cowardce suffered the SAME penalty
with fsgranl treason But the crisis is past the wing
party no longer formidable Its cause is dsctedl'ed
is anphilsled 1t will strike another bio"
for victory The danger over begin TO resume inc
privileges of ordinary times think as they please anu 10
act as they please They do not hesitate 10 fephaa'e at"
unpalatable dogma. Or an unworthy Candidate !" u
even Of purity platforms and caucus nominations ne a
OF the whipper ill., the threats oi organs afe eqaS W
eeciu Men "bo with psr!ec consciousness oil n'P""
~ and "scratch without The least dread o ultimate re'f'
button.
This strange condition OF lhngs s The cause OF lnch
| concern the breasts oil many honest Democrats ba'
they do properly appreciate the crisis. they LOOK Only
10 tn. past they do comprehend The bold progress
siye spin. OF present day Ordinary Landmarks are OF"
liberated the out and cannot stop them no"
by paper barriers We prepare for present exgences
we must take counsel OF The spirit OF the age The Demo-
cratic party party Of progress in principle and oil toe
rance for individual freedom lts cause has nothing ~
lose by the liberty in speculation liz principles
rest not on prescription ba, reason; aud ey appeal not
| 10 The preudces, but 10 The judgment oil men,
II must not be understood that mean 10 encourage M
suboldnation or dsaticcon in the Democratic party On
the contrary wsh prevent nsubordnaton aud dlSa
fecon by adapting the organization OF the party To The
more Independent, Of public OPTION, and by concc'
ding something To the demands of the day. Traitors and
deserers should still suffer the penalty of DEATH but respect
should be paid the honest convictions OF honest men, al.
belt they are not in and entire accordance with ooso
lete formulas II necessary, mmaiea issues we must
agree 10 disagree The organization OF the Democratic par
~ consists allegiance to essential principle in supper! OF
chosen leaders, and in devotion TO common cause. Be-
yond Ibis il has claim on any