Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-22

gives full and free scope to the expression Of
individual opinion ON all matters not compre-
hended in the party creed. Servile subservi-
ency to men in power is not and cannot be
made requirement Of party fidelity; because
servile subserviency to men in power is not
recognised as motive to party fealty.
Having said thus much, we say now that we
are true and faithful, and mean to continue
true and faithful to the regular democratic
organization. We stand, and mean to stand
with unfinching courage by the principles and
usages, and traditions Of the democratic party.
Whilst we say this, we know well enough that
contemplate hirelings have been roaming the
country, seeking to convince the people that we
are in violent opposition TO the administration.
We do not know, at the present writing, but it
is probable that we will soon know, the names
of those miserable reptiles who have been
striving to sting US in the heel. When we do
discover their names we viii hold them up for
the execration Of all honorable men; we will
carry out and execute the primal injunction to
bruise the head Of the serpent, and to destroy
the prolific seed of the serpent's nest.
With undertaking consistency we sustained
the national democracy of New York when
wise men foretold their overthrow. The ma
tional democrats gained the victory, when
brave men thought that disaster and defeat
lowered over them. Victory was most CRATE
full to us; but defeat would not have unstrung
our nerves. In our hearts we felt that the sal
walton Of the democratic party, and the purity
of democratic principles, were involved in the
friends were waging against John Van Buren,
and his moss trooper associates. On that hint
we spoke. On that hint we speak now-saying
that the Washington Union shall not drive
sury-fed satellites shall not ostracise us. We
stand firmly on the Baltimore platform. We
not only acquiesce in, but we approve Of that
platform; and we do not mean ever to depart
from its requirements. The administration
that sustains the principles Of that platform
will always command our support-will always
command our most earnest wishes-will always
command our most earnest exertions to sus-
tain it.
But whilst we sustain such an administra
ton, we would see our right arm wither before
we would become its servile and obedient
tool--its fulsome and sycophantic organ. It
is due to our selfrespect and it is due to the
party which we serve, to speak freely and
l t
frankly Of the mistakes of democratic admin
istration. Thus far we have been true to our
selves and true to the democratic party and
by pursuing the straightforward and manly
course, we have brought upon us the execra-
tons Of government stipendiaries. They give
us no trouble, however. We can brush them
away like cobwebs.
The purity of the democratic party requires
the expression of honest opinion. Pampered
officials may require implicit obedience; but
we will pay no respect to the command. Pam
pered officials may strive to drive us out Of the
democratic party, but their efforts will be all
in vain. We will stand where we have ever
stood. With firm and resolute determine
ton we will uphold the democratic party, aud
democratic principles, and democratic usages.
Nor will we ever consent to the admission Of a
band of freesoil factionists into the democratic
ranks. If this be treason, let the Washington
Union, and the Richmond Eaqu,er, and the
Albany atlas, and the New York Evening
Post, make the most of it.
NJ.