Washington sentinel., 1854-06-21
THE NEW PARTY.

THE NEW PARTy.
The movement both at the north and the
south, suggesting division of the national
whig party into two sectional organizations,
has been so fully circulated and so freely COM
mented upon, that most of our readers must
already have seen and considered it. The very
nature of the whig organism might long ago
Indeed it never existed as party, since the
time Of its conception in the administration of
General jackson, but was merely an assoca-
ton Of diverse interests called by common
uame, and united for the one object of defeat
ing that administration. When General Jack
son issued his famous proclamation many OF
the manly and independent sustainers of the
administration withdrew themselves from its
support, and united with the broken remnant
Of the federal party in its opposition, under the
vain hope that they could mould and direct it.
From this alliance of decrepit federalism, and
pure State rights, sprung the rnongrel progeny,
which was christened "whig,' by James Wat
son Webb, of the Courier and Enquirer, while
Henry Clay s'ood sponsor at the baptismal font.
The child grew and waxed strong in spirit but
as it developed into manhood there we're seen
in its aspect the ilfavored features of its fed
eral father, while here and there appeared some
sweet expression Of the pure principles of its
iairer mother. Like the great apostle to the
gentiles, there was thus continually law of
The members warning against the law Of the
mind, and frequently by this intestine discord
bringing it into captivity to the law Of sim"
But we drop the metaphor, which, however
applicable, is not appropriate to serious dis
cussion. The result of these inconsistent and
discordant elements was frequent and entire
defeat; but still, SO tenacious are the members
who compose great national party, that the
wings still dragged on weary existence,
trusting that, although defeated in battle, the
success of the campaign might yet be attained.
principle was established, as false as it be-
came odious, that the rallying point of party
should be q man, and not code Of measures !;
principle which gave to the country two presi-
dents from the field of battle, but none from
the great councils of the nation.
In the meantime the cloud of federalism
which had for time hung impending over the
country, passed away; and many who had merely
sought shelter from the threatening storm,
sought and found again their first association
With the republican party. Ofthese sagacious
statesmen and honest men, but prescribed poll
.icians, the country may well be proud; and
standing on the high position of rectitude |
purpose, and wisdom of forethoughl they may |
hurl back the insinualion Of inconsistency in |
the very teeth Of their opposers. A remnant
of them still remained with their new associ-
ates, but have been struggling homeward from
time to time, in broken parties, like routed
soldiers from battle field. And now we hail
With hearty congratulations the proposition Of
our friend Of the Petersburg Itelligencer, that
they shall forever break off the illjudged allr.]
arce, which has-only rendered them suspected I
BY thsir old, and disgraced BY their new con-
federa.ea.
With the republican party is their natural
alliance, for it was their first alliance. They
are indigenous here and will flourish; they
of federalism, which things gross and rank"
should alone possess.
We do not, however, understand the Latelh,
9encer as urging union with the present
democratic organization. While we would vel |
come them to our ranks, we speak not as par
tizans for the mere accession of our numbers
we exult not in their distress, but we win re
joice in their determination. Let them unite
with US, in strict adherence to the principles |
Of the Constitution, in clear recognition Of
the sovereignty of the States, and in a sincere
and earnest purpose to advance the interests
and achieve the high destiny which awaits our
republic, and we will rejoice that even fanati
cism has been the means of establishing and |
extending truth By its opposition to its princi-
pies