The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1855-05-02
The Democratic. Party.


tolerance and bigotry, or has yielded itself
captive to this combination Of factions, save
and except the Democracy. Throughout
the entire field, the only flag that waves in
proud defance'o of this combination is that Of
the Democracy. Nor are the numbers that
gather under this flag unworthy of the cause
to which they have dedicated themselves
The rank and file remain; the heroes Of
many hard conflicts have not deserted. A
few corrupt leaders have gOae-"a good rid
dance to them;" but great body of the
progressive party is as full of energy and
hope as It ever was, aud but little shorn of
its noble proportions. From the day that
the fsg of persecution unfurled its dark
wing, we hailed real future of success to
the Democratic party, and of service to the
country by that party, to which all its past
victories and all its past services will prove
to be as nothing. The political fusions and
confusions of the day will soon realize the
truth of this prophecy to their bitter cost
Either way, the cause of truth and equality,
of rational liberty and sound patriotism must
gain. Whether the profigate leaders ofthe
deluded men who have gone into these dens
Of secret shame, failto carry out theirpledg-
es or whether they fulfil them, it will be all
the same in the end--a wide and grand ca
tastrophe will overtaket them. Ifthey fail to
make good their promise, the cheat will be
apparent in all it's corruption. If they 60
on, their votaries will start before the long
procession of persecution, follies and crimes
perpetrated in the name of Amercanism. II
we loved our country less, we should say
let these madmen 90 on. The lesson would
do good through all time if it were not pur-
chased at too great cost. Already an ap-
pealing record has been made up. The
spirit of insane innovation has broken out
wherever the phrensy of intolerance has pen
etrated. 1t seeks to interfere with every po-
litical right and every social obligation. 1t
anuuls the most sacred obligations without
remorse. II strikes at every security for the
well-being of society ;Iand in the name Of re-
fern it inficts countless evils upon the coun-
try. On the one hand, it forces upon re-
luctant communities sumptuary laws that
would have disgraced the reign of the most
dissolute monarch that ever lived; and on
the other, it nullifes those solemn guaran-
tees which protect the states in their cov-
enaRted rights. Here, it strikes down an
eminent citizen for his religion; there, for
the place of his birth. Extravaganza in its
municipal and State administrations, and the
nomination of base, ignorant and corrupt
men for Office, have been conspicuous fea-
lures in its practice, if not in its professions.
In Massachusetts, it insults weak and help.
less women because they have the hardi-
hood to be Catholics; in Ohio it destroys
the ballot-b boxes, with the cry that "Ameri-
cans must rule America" and retires abash-
ed and penitent before its own turbulence;
in New York it buries murder bully with
honors, such as were scarcely bestowed up
on departed Washington; and in Pennsyl-
vania it desecrates Independence Hall by
denunciations of the adopted citizen, breath
ed in wicked contempt of the memories Of
the revolutionary struggle. We say, we
could wish to see these humiliating proceed
ings conducted to close, if the country had
not already "supped full of horrors"
1t is natural that at such time all eyes
. should be turned to the Democratic party
which, unawed by majorities, and unseducet
, by appeals for aid and comfort, filings its de-
fiance into the teeth of these bold bad men
, and dares them to the issue. There is some
thing sublime in this. Honest and clear
, minded men will see in it an opportunity tt
, cut loose from the trammels of the whig par
y. The prosecuted will see in the Demo
cratic ranks refuge and rescue from theil
foes. Those derided for their faith will fine
in that party fortress that will laugh ,
seige to scorn. Now as ever, the Democra
cy opens its arms to the oppressed of all ma
tions; and now, as ever, it stands by thu
teachings of the sages Of the past. Not one
, tenet of its creed has it yielded; not one syl
} able of its pledges; but the more it is assail
: ed the more strongly it adheres to its prnci
pies. Let factions exult over temporar,
success; there is in store for the Democrat,
party higher glory than it has ever yet at
; tained--the glory of rescuing our country
from the hands of the worst conspiracy tina
has ever been organized against civilization
and freedom since the foreign foe invade'
our haDpY shore,