Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-07-31

gentleman, we have been forcibly struck with
the extreme singularity Of his course, not only
as pretended partizan, but as leader, claim
ing to be the head and front Of the Democratic
party of this Territory.
His leadership never has,been characterized
by political honesty-he has never been faithful
to the party whose principles he processes to
advocate, and how in heavens name, he has
been or can be sustained by that party, if con-
sistency be the "jewel' we hear of, is an
anomaly to our mode Of thinking. Mr.. Rice
has not the slightest right to what is denomina-
ted "party claims" 1t is true, that to his en-
ergy in connection with other men equally en-
ergetic, much is due for the rapid advancement
of St. Paul and perhaps the Territory, but
when we consider that all the pecuniary inter-
ests of these persons were absolutely and COM
plctcly involved in the success Of their dearly
beloved project, we have at once the key to
their movements.
The grand motive power which drove the
machinery ofther operations, was the very ex-
cusable one Of /" ACKNOWLEDGEMENT" and
well indeed have they maneuyered upon the
chess.toard of speculation, not only for the ad-
vancement of ST. Paul, but for the interests OF GER
tain Lake Superior operations. That Mr. Rice
is fearless, daring speculator-that he never
hesitatcs or pauses at obstacles, however mo-
mentous or imposing, is a sel(-evident fact
That he has always used his political strength
and position for private PURPOSES, is equally ev-
ident-hut does that fact make him proper
subject for the confidence OF the peorlel On
the contrary, we consider, aside from the PARTY
prejudices Of the day, for that reason alone,
he is, and never was, a firm, honorable or relia-
bic politician, and into whose power the safety
Of this Territory ought not to pass, or tie be-
rayed. The Democratic party, who have ever
vaunted so loudly of their undying faith
whose banners are always given to the breeze
with so much devotion to their cause, have never
in all their movements, and with all their errors,
pros,ituted their principles more completely than
when they march out to battle with leader
like Mr.. Rice.
They cannot fight for principle for their gen.
eral h1s none, nor ever will have. They cam
not expect the people to endorse fraud and COR
ruption, speculation and individual interests, for
that would be I" coming it a little too strong"
over an intelligent community. Hirelings and
mounting demagogues may take the stump, and
pirate loudly and ingeniously for their cause
They may gull and deceive few individuals
by their cunning devices; Tut we have every
confidence in the intelligence of our citizens,
and believe that such things cannot be.
Let us look back to the campaign of 1850,
and see how loosely the. party coat set upon the
shoulders Of Mr.. Rice.
AT that time, and it is well known to many of
our citizens, there was a deadly enmity exist
ing between Mr.. Rice and Mr.. Sibley the then
delegate in Congress, originating in private Pc
cuniary differences, the merits of which it be-
hooves us not to speak of here. This feeling
was carried so far, that it even crcpt into the
families Of their mutual friends. Mems wives
were ininlical to each other, and even innocent
children were taught to cherish this cnn,ity at
school and abroad. AT that time everything
was individualized, and the population being
small, the cliques ruled current events, regard
less of party principles and usages
The campaign for the election Of delegate,
"cane to pass" as it nov is before lis. Th.
friends Of Mr.. Sibley, in his absence, for Mr..
Sibley was at his post in Washington, pressed
II a.
came out in an address to the people, openly
avowing Democratic principles. Opposed to
Mr.. Siblcy, was arrayed Alexander Mitchell,
the Wig incumbent Of the Z. S. Marshaship,
and who openly avowed his predictions in
favor OF Wing principles.
Mr.. Rice, the present nominee Of portion
Of the great Democratic party, then, ard there
played traitor TO his principles, and with his
own money, and the combined efforts of his
friends, turned every stone for Mitchell's cleo
ton. The filthy lucre was launched forth like
running water, to accomplish the defeat of
Sibley, but the great object for which Mr.. Rice
strove, 4" The qualification Of a personal spite
against Mh16ibley, to which every thing in the
nature of party faith and political honesty was
sacrificed" was forcsalled and defeated by the
people. These are facts, and cannot he de.
MED.
How beautifully charitable, and rquisitely
.torgiuing the Democratic party have since prov.
ed! In 1853, they sent him TO Congress as
reUard for his pecadilloes, and Sibley, too-the
man that had received the benefit of the Iscar-
riot acts Of Rice, supported his election, because
of party faith.
We shall take occasion shortly to review the
actions of Mr. Rice, while in Congress-how
he operated on grand scale of skullduggery
and speculation-how he winked at certain
railroad frauds-how the very honorable Sena-
tor George w. Jones, of Iowa, befriended
these very ercusable little operations-for all
which we invite the attention Of our readers in
future. As Mr.. Rice is now the nominee of
the Rice-dcmocracy, we presume he is open to
review by the people; as Mr.. Mashall is tie
nominee of our faith, we invite similar review !;