Washington sentinel., 1855-01-09
THE VIRGINIA CONTEST.

hitnouBn at Instance from the scene oil &C
ton, and cut off from an active participation
in the contest, we look with more than ordi-
nary interest to the campaign now progressing
in Virginia. And this deep interest is not
prompted alone by the fact that the Old Do
minion is our birthplace and was long our
home. We look upon this contest as fraught
with the most vital consequences to the Dem
ocratic party. To the continued success of
that party and the triumphant yindication of
its principles, we look hopefully as to strong
tower Of defense. Nor can this success and
triumph be achieved but by determination
on the part of the Democracy to stand firm to
their organization, and to let personal prefer.
ences and personal prejudices yield to the
higher considerations Of party integrity.
In all time OF our prosperity and in all time
Of our adversely, the people Of Virginia have
been unwavering in their devotion to the re-
publican standard The first to snuff from afar
the breath Of federalism in every tainted breeze,
she, early in the history Of our Government
promulged an exposition of the Constitu-
tion, whose highest eulogy is in its adoption
as the cardinal principle of the Democratic
party, and the controlling influence which
it now exerts in the country. A firm and
steady supporter Of the wise policy of Jefferson,
Madison, and Monroe, she opposed the admin
istration Of the younger Adams, which had de-
scended from the federal father to the federal
son. She hailed the advent of Andrew Jack
son, the rigid republican Of the Jefersonian
school, as another triumph Of her principles
and true to the same republican tests, she sup
ported the administration of John Tyler who,
abused and derided by his foes, is worthy Of all
commendation for his faithful adherence to the
principles Of the republican party, whose ad-
ministration was the reflection of those princi.
pies alone, and whose record as the only mega
tive in opposition to the federal force bill is
fame of which the proudest might be proud.
In accordance with the same consistent course,
she resisted the claims and eloquence Of her
own brilliant son, and in 1874 advocated and
aided the election of James X. Polk. And
when again in the two succeeding campaigns,
the passion and admiration for military glory
swayed the judgments Of others, she remained
steadfast in her adherence to the same chart
which had always governed her political career
Such is the brief record of the unwavering
devotion Of Virginia to the principles Of the
Republican party-a record, which should at
once excite the pride Of her people, and stimu-
late them to noble emulation. We have
all along contended that the factions and isms
which are engendered at the North, are but
new manifestations of the corrupting character
of abolition, which could find no propitious
soil in the South. We have believed that,
based upon the strong rock Of the Constitu-
tion, the Republican party at the South would
successfully resist the storms of faction which
might beat against it. We have been assured
in this belief by the character Of our institu-
tons and by the history of the past. To the
election in Virginia, therefore, we look with
peculiar interest, but with hopeful confidence.
If repelled there, the contagious disease which
has threatened the South will be effectually
checked But If, on the other hand, Virginia
shall yield to its influence, and fall prey to its
violence, we have but little assurance that it
can be eradicated.
The safety of the South is in the triumph Of
the Democracy, and the triumph of the De-
mocracy can only be attained by sacrifice on
the part Of its members Of individual prefer
ences and a forgetfulness Of individual resent
ments. Let the Democracy rally around the
selected leader Of the party, and success must
be theirs. Let not the proud old Common
wealth, that has so successfully repulsed fede-
ralism in all its forms, even when arrayed in its
most attractive guise, when masked in the garb
of republicanism, or when adorned with the
plume Of the victorious warrior, at last yield,
like the giant of the fable, to foe whose only
power is in the invisible cap that it wears.
But if the power and the influence which she has
so long welded must be overcome, if the scep-
ire must depart from Judah, then at least let
the prayer of Virginia be the noble petition Of
the ancient hero:
IL we must perish we thy will obey,
But let us perish in the face Of day."