The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1855-05-05
CLINTON, La. SATURDAY MORNING, MAY 5, 1855.
Gbe ftlitiana Democrat.
The Democratic Party. .

struggle with intolerance and bigotry, or
has yielded itself lfcaptive to this combination
OF factions, save and except the democracy
Throughout the entire field, the only flag
that waves in proud defiance in this combi.
nation is that Of the democracy. Nor are
the numbers that gather under this flag un-
worthy of the cause to which they have
dedicated themselves. The rank and file
remain; the heroes of many hard conflicts
have not deserted. A few corrupt leaders
have gone-"a good riddancc to them" but
the great body of the progressive part is as
full of energy and hope as ever it was and
but little sborn of its noble propor,ions.-
From the day that the flag of prescription
unfnrled its dark wing, we hailed a real fil-
turc OF success to the democratic party and
OF service to the country by that party, to
which all it's past victories and all its past
services will prove TO be as nothing. The
political fusions and confusions of the day
will soon realize the truth of this prophecy
to their bitter cost Either way, the cause
of truth and equality. of rational liberty
and sound patriotism must gain. Whether
the profigate leaders of the dcluded men
who have gone into these dens of secret
shame fail to carry out their pledges or
whether they fulfill them, it will he all the
same in the end-a wide and general catas
trophc will ovcrtakc them. If they fail to
make good their promises. the cheat will
he apparent in all its corruption. IF they
go on, their votaries will start before the
long procession Of prosecutions, follies and
crimes perpetrated in the name of Ameri-
canism. If we loved our country less we
should say let these madmcn go on. The
lesson would do good through all time if it
were not purchased at two great COST
Already an appalling record has been made
up. The spirit of insane innovation has
broken out wherever the phrcnsy of intol.
erance has penetrated. 1t seeks to inter-
fcrc with every political right and every So
cial obligation. 1t annuls the most sacred
obligations without remorse It strikes at
every security for the well-bcinr of society:
and in the name of reform it inhcts aount-
less evils upon the country. On the one
hand, it forces upon reluctant communities
sumptnary laws that would have disgraccd
the reign of the most dissolute monarch
that ever lived: on the other it mIlfies
those solemn guarantees which protect the
States in their covenanted rights. Here,
it strikes down nm eminent citizen for his
religion: there for the place of his birth.
Extravaganza in its municipal and State
administrations and the nomination of hase.
ignorant and corrupt men for office. have
heen conspicuous features in it's practice. If
not in the professions. Tn Massachusetts,
it insults weak and helpless women because
they have the hardihood to be Catholics:
in Ohio it DESTROYS the hallot.hoyes. with
the cry of Americans must rule America"
and retires abashed and rcnitcnt before its
own tnrbulence in New York it burics a
murdered bully with honors, such as were
scarcely bestowed upon departed Wash
lngton: and in Pennsylvania it desecr ties
Independence Hall by denunciations of the
adop' ed citizens, brcathed in wicked con-
tempt of the memories of the revolutionary
struggle. We say we could wish to see
these humiliating proceedings conducted to
the close if the country had not already
"supped full of horrors"
1t is natural that at such a time all ewes
should be turned to the democratic partv.
which, unawed by majorties and nnseduccd
by appeals for aid and comfort, fingsits de-
fiance into the teeth of these hold bad men
and dares them to the Issue. There is some
thing sublime in this. Honest and clear
minded men will see in it an opportunity to
cut loose from the trammes of the wbig
party. The prosecuted will see in the de-
mocratic ranks refuge and rescue from
their foes. Those dcrided for their faith
will find in that party fortress that will
laugh siege to scorn. Now, as ever, the
democracy opens its arm to the oppressed
of all nations; now, as ever, it stands by
the teachings of the sages of the past
Not one tenet of its creed has it yielded:
not one syllable of its pledges; but the more
it is assailed the more strongly it adhercs
to its principles. Let factions exuIt over
temporary success; there is in store for the
democratic party higher glory than it has
ever yet attained-the glory of rescuing
our country from the hands of the worst
conspiracy that has ever been organized
against civilization and freedom since the
foreign foe invaded our happy shores.
Ee1% Daniel Websters carriage was sold
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