The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-06-01
THE s.HARD" EXCUSE FOR OPPOSITION TO DEM
oCRATIC PRINCIPLES.

We perceive that Ave gentlemen who came into Congress
from York advertised and ultra friends Of the
rights ofthe South but who by most mysterious process
have been voting with the abolitonss and northern wings
ever since the present session. is
sued manifesto explanatory Of their active and perseveng
hostility 10 the Nebraska bill II is curious composition
and viii be read with strange interest by those for whom
il Is especially intended This manifesto viii recall that
peculiar episode in politics which records the rise and pro-
gress Of the hards Of New York and will present painful
contrast between the loud and osenaous professions
the commencement Of that organization and the sorry
que now visible 10 all There something stri-
kingly defiant the attitude Of these five democrats when
Congress assembled. In than instance they
could have welded potential power Few in number they
had ability and bodne and they appeared TO be ready
sacrifice themselves for their opinions Their creed
tanned IL were but article and that
Atty. This their day-starths the loadstone to
which their affections chung Coming from the North il
was imposing sight TO see so grave an earn
est Of political fortude and dsnteresedness espe-
caly they took their exclusive stand the friends of
the southern States and almost refused to allow others TO
assist in the work of protecting the people Of that part Of
the Union in their constitutional rights These FIVE repre-
senatves had many complaints urge against the admin
isation in regard offices withheld but they declared
their principles be superior to all private gre claiming
only be democrats in all things but democrats in
spite of the alleged prosecutions they had endured 1t
impossible for many TO refuse sympahzng with such
unselfsh patriotism; and it became manifest that,
among those who had been prompt denounce the
exaggerated politics Of disappointed in New York,
strong feeling of respect for the sincerity of the hards in
Congress rapidly taking root. The opportunity of
creating controlling national organization
papable but the in which five representatives
had enlisted themselves required much eldena and
heroism than they could afford to manifest Their
demanded such spirit and if their department in Con-
gress had been accompanied by manly and consistent
record they would have become memorable for their
irmness they have become ridiculous for their
weakness and their incerude.
The New York hards who have signed the address to
which refer the beginning of this article hare mis-
taken their constituents in this they have undertaken
represent passions and preudices, and to do this
at the sacrifice of principles. They came to Wash
ngton indignant because the President had conferred
appointments upon certain gentlemen who voted wrong
in s4s and yet they have not hesitated themselves to
vote with just such men in Congress on the Nebms-
ka bill, if seal their hypocrisy Their de
voton to the South evaporated like the courage of
ord; and their affection for their own peculiar home
ganization formed upon multiplied professions Of Irrational
ty intense enough to keep them from voting with
abolitionists and northern whgs All the five gentle
men who signed the address question have always
been extreme party in New York, and have for
years manifested great regard for the democratic party of
the United States and yet the spectacle of democracy
united in Congress- and in the country upon its nomina-
suffced to prevent these gentlemen from VIGOROUSLY
cutting themselves loose from the organization Of the
party.
Silence would have been much better to the
curiosity excited by their in Congress than such
preex they have given to the world The democracy
of New York be deceived by such logic this
While they will be sure believe TO repudiae those
who principle because they early
predisposed TO abolition associations they will be no less
tain frown down those who noisy prctences of
onaly exc out their congressional record by votes with
the proclaimed of the democracy and of the federal
constitution II will do for Mr. Peckham Mr.. Peck
Mr. Oliver Mr. Maurice and Mr. Wheeler to offer their
nquiring constituents such apologies for their votes
might appropriately belong Joshua Gddings and Charles
Sumner The democracy OF New York, who supported
General Cass in ls4s are far advanced in the science of
adca ana progressive polics ana they Will De deepy
mortified to who profess to speak in their name,
and TO represent them employing the ete and discarded
pretexts for hostility TO radical and thorough legsa-
lion territorial and constitutional questions which
the abolitonists have tired Of using 1t Isl indeed,
thing 10 such progressives these five rep
resentatves have been attempting justify opposi-
ton to the acquisition of Cuba after years Of demon
STATIONS in its favor, by the iteration of conservative
fears and commercial apprehensions but this is not
novelty than their feeble attempt up oppose
ton the settlement of troubles with Mexico by fall
ing back upon the exploded asehoods Of Greeley and Of
Bennett Heretofore they have have said, vaunted
their purity and consistency in contrast with those
who deserted the democratic flag in 1s4s Hereafter IL
will be hard to tell which is the most be condemned
those who bolted in l84s after they had shown their free
soil procvities those who in 1854 publicly unite with
the ecusan whose example they had been holding up to
the condemnation Of the democracy Of the Union,
The democrats OF New York. who now expected to
follow such feeble and disappointed leaders these will
for themselves how difficult IL Is for any politician
maintain himself upon professions alone The promises of
their fine words nothing but lees But if these leaders
failed in their persons make good their pledges
Of fidelity democratic doctrines how utterly their cacua
prophecies in regard to Franklin Pierce have been
disappointed dsproved As they gone down the
scale of duty faith and regard for obligations he has