The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1855-05-26
in the South Abolition in the North, and

For each Of these points, you will find the
people of Maryland, whether Wings or Dem
ocrats, inquiring about, before the next
autumnal election. | must confess heartily
wish the task of making this exposition had
fallen into other and ADLER hands, but | too
owe duty to truth and if I bring to the .
undertaking no considerable talents, I shall
at least represent the subject fairly as find
it recorded in the history of the past.
have said that the effect Of the American
successes had not yet been felt by the coun-
try. The impression however made upon
the old parties whether Wing or Democrat,
is very distinct and not little amusing.
The ancient and cherished luminosity be-
tween these great rivals, which, for five and
twenty years past, in every succeeding polt-
ical crisis. has threatened to bring the frame
work and timbers of Government, tumbling
about our cars, has become Suddenly extinct,
and bids fair to be succeeded by a sort Of Da-
any sensibility must be quite refreshing. How
long this new love is to last is as yet I'M
known. Every citizen, however who values
the amenities of civil life cannot but feel graf
flied, at the improved manners, the nascent
cvility, with which these ancient foes speak
OF and address each other. | do not wish to
offend, Mr.. Editor, but as gentleman of
candour | think you, tho partizan will
confess, that the standard Of manners and
mo rails which had grown up among our Pub
lie Men of both parties was not such as to
secure them respect at home or consideration
abroad Our Journalists, Orators and Rep
Tesentatiycs were fast losing all regard to
personal comfy and official courtesy. Some
Of them were rapidly dcgcnerating into mere
ruflianiSm, having long since oycrstcppcd the
line of delnarcation which separates the gen
tlelnan from the blackguard. Do you en-
quire for examples Read the debates in
Congress, and do not be startled if you hear
the crack of one Senator's pistol under an
others car The effect of this dcgcneracy
was loss of character abroad, of respect and
confidence at home. Now how great the
change! From Georgia to Maine FRATERNl-
zArIoN is the order of the day, and a proro-
sition to congomeratc the two old parties
into one-(Fuson is the word in use)-pro-
cecding originally from the Democracy. has
been preceded by all the amenities and I'M
banity which are found necessary to conceal
under an ailcctation of friendship antagonism
i'll principles, rivalry in power. and, it may
be, deadly personal hatred. One thing is
certain, whether this new set Of manners be
the effect ef dread Of Ancricanism or hypoc-
risy toward each other, the country will gain
in the opinion of the world BY the tranStor-
nation into decent, orderly citizpns, ii may be
gentlemen, of a set OF men, whose language,
in their reciprocal addresses would have dis
credited st. Giles Or the Fish-mall,et. whilst
their conduct would have diSgraccd the Bear
Garden or Boxing Green. In fine, sir. the
acrimony Of party spirit, the excess Of fiery
party zeal had begun to break down and dcs
~. i'll, l,1
ed against intrusive yulgarty or insidious
RIGHTEOUSNESS of manners, and worse yet.
with these guards had been oblitcrated the
So far, indeed, had tins evil spread as to have
begun to sap the authority of the tribunals
of the land, for permit me to observe. that in
n Republic, authority but seldom survives
that respect and esteem upon which it was
originally founded, and as reward to the
parent virtues Of which it is frequently be-
slowed.
| would not intimate that softcncd man
ners and an improved morality in the old
parties is embraced within the pcrview Of the
principles of the American party. Such is
not the case They are not professors of the
modes, nor masters Of the graces, but simply
Americans. | refer to them simply as an
incidental advantage arising out OF the sudden
appearance of a third party on the field Of
strife, whose Independent creed and formid-
able numbers. served as an object Of mutual
diversion, and if it did not ncutralZc the
malignity of their feelings, at least paralizcd
their powers for reciprocal mischief, and
served as a point against which they could
direct their efforts of hostility. Here might
pause in considering the primary effect of the
American movement, and the contemplated
amalgamation which is now being Matched
for its overthrow. did not the high respect
for both the old parties, and hope a very
pardonable curiosity impel me to inquire what
is to become of the principles which these
parties have from time to time sworn to sup
port! What of their leaders and champi ions
diving and dead. to whose high position and
commanding talents they have yielded
willing homage, and whose principles they
have sworn to ma ntain to the death What
of the legislative and executive patronage of
the General and State Governments which
have so long constituted bone of contention
between them? What disposition is to be
made Of the Fugitive Slave Act and of the
Compromise Act Of 1850? What of the
Nebraska Kansas Bill of 1858? What of
the Tariff and the Public Domain? Ills
but fair, that these managers who have been
coniidcd'in by the masses, should give us
satisfaction and information on these points
Let them clear away the rubbish which they
have heapcd up before they ask a renewal of
confidence-or charter to assail party
whose principles have not been fairly eX-
pounded, if not sadly misrepresentod by
them. AMERICAN.