The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-01-05
lFrom "a. Tsmversses Josr~ail'
The Times and our Duties--No. 5.

IL.
Maine irom the center throughout all hei
coasts and borders, The day was bright
and beautiful, aH6rding full and excellent
opportunity to the various conteuding par.
ties to bring out their full strength, and dc
their best. Rarely, since Maine became q
State, had canvass been more thorough, q
campaign more heated, and the principles
at issue more distinctly brought out. To q
superficial observer, the contest might have
seemed triangular, and perhaps irresula,
and chaotic. But, in reality, two ideas
with their Opposites, gave form, direction
and force to the whole campaign. Those
ideas in their influence upon the people, were
more stern and anbending than constitutions
and statutes. Faithfully did the ballot exc
cute the freemcn's viii! and tho result
was, revolution, as much so as though
won by the cannon and the bayonet. True,
as in all similar contests, there were mum
bcrs who were waiting 20 learn which
side should prove strongest, that they might
clearly know where to go. 1t is possible
some decided too hastily. and found too late
that they had run to the wrong side. Sure
we were, when the smoke Of battle had
cleared up, and il could well be told where
the Lightning Of freomen had struck, We
were more numerous than before-every one
claiming to DO veteran in the cause, ready
Tor another struggle, showing conclusivcly
we had lost none in killed and wounded,
but had actually liberated many from the
hands Of the enemy, allowing them to re.
turn to their comrades in arms! The re.
suit was startling to the pro-slavery dough-
faces, the rumsellers, and the whole race oil
fogies. IF the sending OF Fessenden Ia
Washington was the frst broad.side plump
into the camp OF Pierce, Douglas, and the
other conspirators against Freedom, we had
now followed it up with grape and bombs,-
washburn, Benson, Wood, Perry, Knowlton
and Nlilliken. The men in power, who had
violated pledges and compacts, and outraged
the most sacred rights and sypathics Of free.
men, had been brought to the bar Of public
opinion, and this was the verdict Of the
people against them. Never was verde,
more just.
Strange as this Republican triumph may
seem to oil who dwell in foygdom, or in the
,and Of notrhere, It was the result Of cause.
which had been working for years in the
politics OF Maine. Since 1920, the Demo
cratic rarity had been nearly always domin.
ant in the State. It passed into maxim
long since, that parties US they grow old in
,riumphs and power are liable to become
corrupt. Men cannot too long bear pros,
perity in any field of activity. The liability
became the reality in this State. The
power Of the Organization gradually be-
came centralized in the hands Of unsafe
mcn. For the last two or three years the
party under its present leaders had become
nuisance, in the calm Judgment Of an en-
lightencd public opinion There wero thous'
ands Of true and honest men who had act.
ed faithfully in its ranks, for they loved its
name and tho principles that were its lead.
ing issues. They saw that the principles in
the defence Of which they once had rallied,
had ceased to be issues before the people,
and that the name and machinery of the
party were being used for purposes entirely
foreign to their sympathies and convictions
of right, that there was no real harmony
between themselves and another portion oil
the party. As friends Of temperance and
Freedom they could no longer act in the old
Organization, when that was made to work
in favor Of Rum and the aggressions OF
Shareholders and their minions. Years ago
the wilmot had made crack in the party
The compromises of iniquity and despotism
made in 1850, had only filled that cracl
with unbaked dough. The Maine Law
came by the stern, heroic sense Of Nea
Dow. the will Of THE PEOPLE, and under the
sign.manual Of John Hubbard. Since that
event transpired, has there not been music
in the Democratic camp. That stream o
cold water close by the Wilmot crack, wash
ed out oil the compromise dough, and cut a
deep channel between the two wings
Bank, Sub.Treasury. and Tariff. ceasing to
DO issues to bind the party together, new
questions Of graver moment taking their
places, the true men found themselves in
uncong enial society, and somewhat in the
land Of bondage.
But where should they find leader to
conduct them out Of Egypt, to land oil
larger freedom and to consenial allies. Most
Of the old leaders were so fastened TO the
old machinery, whom could they trust -
True mon. seeking n-bouorsbls -sssolution,
seldom fail to have the right time. The
man stood forth. Ho had been on tho right
side OF the wilmot. The compromises had
not robbed him Of his conscience, nor eua-
blcd him to conquer his prejudices in favor
Of freedom. lie was tried friend Of tom
perance. He had sefore declared that,
should tho Democratic leaders give the cold
shoulder to their Maine Law and practically
make rum issue, no would ignore them
and stump tho State against their candidates.
The honest Dcmoornts sa;d nj once. uhe is