Washington sentinel., 1854-01-26
From the Albany Argus.
The Response of the Democracy--its Atti-
tude before the Country.

A tude before the country.
Some time since we called the attention OF,
our democratic exchanges to an insidious over
tnre for new political coalition, made on be-
bali OF the freesoiers aud abolitonists to the
democracy of this State. AZ
Whilst we did not withhold distinct express
sion OF opinion adverse to the base proposition,
we invited the response of democratic news
papers throughout the State; aware that their
superior acquaintance with local feeling would
give to theirexpressions a higher authority and
sanction than any words OF ours would carry
with them. Ft sfD
These responses have been coming to us from
all quarters within the last fortnight. There is
scarcely democratic sheet which we have
opened during that period, which has not, in
distinct and manly language worthy of the
cause for which they contend, repudated the
idea of new coalition. We had designed to
transfer these articles in detail TO our columns,
but their number has proved such as to render
this impossible. We are, therefore, compelled
to content ourselves with some illusions to the
tone and spirit they eyince, taken in mass, as
indicative OF the temper, consistency, and firm
ness OF the New York democracy
And, first, let us do our brethren of the de-
mocratic press the justice to say, that in behalf
OF no organized party which ever has existed in
this country, or is likely in the future to exist,
has there ever been u newspaper press con-
Quoted with such ability, such unfaltering in
tegrity, such high and conscientious adhesion
to principle and right, as the class Of papers
which maintains the doctrines of the national
democracy within this State. Conducted al,
most always by men of superior degree Of
political information, discretion, and talent they
merit, without exception, the handsome sup
port ut the hands of the public which we are
glad to learn they are almost everywhere re-
ceiving. The old guard may well be proud
OF It's organs. When such newspapers speak
out III unmistakeable tones, they speak the
united sentiments of strong and confident
party-a party which has, as we do not doubt
it can this day truly boast, the sympathies and
support Of q majority Of the voters Of this
State.
Such is the character of the true democratic
press OF New York, and its language upon the
subject to which we allude has been in every
respect worthy Of it. 1t is proud and con-
temptuous denial of q base and insulting offer
an offer which could only have been made by
men utterly destitute Of political principle It
is expressed Ill such tones as leave no room for
doubt or surmise and, taken in connexion
with the admirable attitude of the democratic
senators and members of assembly in the pres
ent Legislature, leave nothing more to be said.
Such, then, is the final and irrevocable fat Of
the democracy. There is no going back, no
whisper OF retreat into the arms of a yenal and
Experimentation. With the factonists and
sectionalists-the followers of disappointed
tamily-there is to be henceforth no manner Of
association or treaty. Assured in strength,
planted upon principles, and confident of the
future, it remains, without taint or bemish
upon its escutcheon, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
OF THE STATE OF New York.