Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-07-03
Letter OF +. p. stanton.

GENTLEMEN: Yours Of the 18th instant, in
viting me TO attend and address the National De-
mocracy OF your city al grand mass meeting to
be Held OH the 9th instant, has been duly re-
ceived.
My business in Washington, at this moment, is
of such character that | cannot hope TO be pre-
sent at your meeting. | regret this more, because,
recently, my name was used in your city without
authority, by party with which | have never
had any connection, and in whose leading prin-
ciples of civil and religious prescription can
never concur.
Approving the general doctrines of the National
Democracy of New York, and heartily admiring
the frmness with which, generally, they have
maintained their avowed principles, could well
desire to mite with them upon any occasion, for
the purpose Of endeavoring. to promote their sue
cess in their own State, and the ascendency OF
their patriotic sentiments throughout the Union
In this day of our country's trouble, when,
after the old elements of ordinary political agta-
ton have, in n great measure, subsidized and be-
come solicited, so no longer to form tho basis
Of party struggles, others of more dangerous and
threatening character have become tho powerful
springs Of movement and Of violent disturbance,
it is impossible that parties can be organized with
out distinct reference TO the real issues which the
exigencies of the times present. All arrange
ments which seek TO conceal or avoid those issues
are essentially false and hollow
Neither the immigration and naturalization OF
foreigners, nor the influence Of the Catholic reli-
gion, nor both of these together are Of sufficient
Importance at the present day to take the place
Of those issues which in former times have en-
listed the energies of great men and of great par
ties The conflict Of opinion which most seri-
ously affects us now, concerns the supremacy and
sanctity of our constitutional compact To en-
gage ourselves seriously, therefore, about those
minor questions have mentioned, would be such
folly as would be displayed by one absorbed in
arranging the mere details and decorations Of his
dwelling, while the very foundations are trem-
bling and endangered beneath him.
The party destined TO achieve permanent sue.
cess in this country viii be the one that shall truly
comprehend tho existing crisis, and shall base t.
self upon that profound sentiment Of loyalty e
the Constitution, which, in the midst of all the
agitations and unsettled convictions of the hour
is still the great Characteristic Of the American
people. ! do not speak of mere sentimental
attachment to the Union Of the States, though
that attachment is undoubtedly one Of the happy
results Of enlightened patriotism; but | speak OF
profounder principle of regard and affection fol
the compact Of union and the rights secured by
it, in the sacred observance Of which alone rests
the permanence of our institutions. No aPgre-
CATION Of dissentent parties or fragments Of par
ties, not penetrated and united by some profound
and homogeneous sentiment, having reference %
| tho actual situation, can ever achieve more thar
an accidental temporary, and cvanescent triumph
The paltry trick Of seeking political power BY
| the avowal Of opposite principles in opposite
quarters, and by secret negotiations for the com
binaton Of these treacherous schemes into th,
| accomplishment Of one general purpose, howeve
| apparently successful for the moment, is doomed
| 10 inevitable defeat and disgrace. The very ele
walton to power by such means, is but the instru
ment Of severer punishment, to be sgnazec
| by the magnitude of the failure, and the fal
/ which must inevitably follow.
II is, gentlemen, because believe the Nationn
! Democrats Of New York 10 be animated by
| profound sentiment Of regard for the constitu
| tional rights Of all the States Of the Union, ant
! because, under all circumstances, and without
| regard TO consequences, they have adhered to th
| principle, and have disdained all arrangements OF
coalitions not having this basis, that ! now ex.
| press my continued confidence in them and m,
/ willingness 10 cooperate with them So long al
they shall be true 10 these professions they will
ever form the strongest column in tho great army
Of patriots, and shall BIO proud in tho ranks Of
the Tennessee Democracy, TO march alongside o.
them and TO participate in the glorious victory
which must ultimately crown their efforts, and
consolidate the foundations Of our liberty and
our Union
have the honor 10 be, very respectfully your
obedieDt servant, FRED. STANTON.
AT the conclusion Of these letters, there were
loud calls for Mr.. James T. Brady and Mr. d. T.
Sickles Mr.. Brady being absent, Mr. Sickle.
came forward, and addressed the meeting az fol-
lows:
Mr. President and Gentlemen: assure you