Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-09-26
THE Old GUARD.

'osSAoho oiO oiiOWcu tHO hOlAu ONCi w
be more reliable than raw levies. Regulars
are allowed to be superior to undisciplined
militia. An old army with tried captains, is
better than new army with new captains. In
the confused and tumultuons masses that now
exhibit themselves on thepohtical arena, there
is nothing but perplexity and disorder to be
seen. Scarcely any seem to know their proper
positions or their destined leaders. The field
presents many banners emblazoned with many
mottos. Uniforms Of every hue and color meet
the eye at every turn. Some are so much alike
as scarce to be distinguishable while others
are marked and peculiar. The whole scene
is full of wildness, disorder, and confusion.
1t would be tedious and difficult task
to enumerate all the various bands and
diversified banners that meet the eye We
only propose to point out the most promi-
nent. The first is the Abolition army, led
on by disappearing saints, red-mouthed phi
lanthropists, and very patriotic demagogues.
Their banners are emblazoned with choice
texts of Scripture, with maledictions of south
ern white men, curses of the Constitution and
pictures of African slaves, dying under the
lash, or suffering in chains. Next come the
Fusionists, motley band, oficered by men
from every party and every faction. They
wear uniform that glows with every color and
banner inscribed with an infnitude of en-
blems, mottos, and devices. Next appears the
great Know-nothing band, with faces masked,
and officers unknown. It's black flag exhibits
mystic devices and cabalstic phrases. They
are dim as ghosts, but terrible as demons.
Next are the Wings, from whose banner are
blotted out all the ancient principles that once
constituted their creed, and in whose place ap-
pear those infamous principles that Webster
abhored, and that Clay denounced. They look
angriIy az the Know-nothings and the Fusion
lists, for they have enticed from them the bulk
of their soldiers. Next appear the Temper
ance forces, whose faces have been washed to
en- unearthly whiteness. They look feeble from
abstemiousness, and totter from long fasting.
They contrast strikingly with the red faced and
registering band that stand just opposite to
them-the ragged regiments of the anthem
perance party.
One spectacle greets the eye, and at once i'm
parts to it proud and a lofty look. 1t is the
spectacle Of large, disciplined, and regular
army, that wears the uniform of the old De-
mocracy." Each officer is is at his post; each
soldier looks brave, confident, and ready for
battle. On its bright banner are inscribed
those simple but inspiring words, "The Con-
stitution and Democracy" It's captains are
tried true, and experienced men; its soldiers
are all regulars. This is the valiant host that
the great jackson led to victory. 1t still re.
tains its name, and still fights under its old
banner 1t has suffered somewhat from de.
sertion, but those who remain are firm, stead.
fast, and incorruptible.
This is the Old Guard" whose proud duty
tits to defend and uphold the Constitution Of our
fathers. They have fearful battle before them
Their enemies are, in these evil times, far more
numerous than they have ever been before, and
are led on by men who heed no principle and
acknowledge no restraint. The old line De
mocracy is composed Of men from every sec
ton Of this extended country. They come from
the North, the South, the East, and the West
True 10 the Constitution and to the examples
of our, early patriots and sages, they have
sworn to defeat treason and to destroy traitors
patriots everywhere to unite with them in ac
complaining that mission. q
Had these various parties that now threaten
the peace Of the country, and the integrity O.
the Constitution, appeared in the good old days
Of the Republic, when the patriots and sages o.
the revolution still fingered upon earth, no one
we presume can doubt to which Of them those
sages and patriots would have given the inau.
enee of their great names. No man could sup
pose that such men as George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander
Hamilton, Roger Sherman, William Livingston
Benjamin Franklin, and their associates, who
made the Constitution, would join party whose
aim IL is to break that Constitution. These mer
could not by possibility have been Knownoth
inrs. Abolitionists and one idea fanatics. There
is quite rs little doubt as to the opinions Of the
great jackson could his life have beenprolonged
10 this period. These bydra-headed factions and
new tangled parties would have found in him
a stern and an implacable foe. He who crushed
that monster bank, would have also crushed
these other and not less dangerous monsters
Were those great patriots now alive, we cannot
doubt that they would be found leading the OLD
line Democrats in their defense Of the Const
tuition.
td~ We have received from Mr.. John Liv
ingston the third part of the fourth volume o.
the american Portrait Gallery. If we may
iudce of the work by the character Of the mum