Washington sentinel., 1855-02-15
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.


THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
One of the strongest proofs of the purity of
the Democratic party, of its efficiency to pro-
vide for the complex wants Of our government,
is to be found in the fact that it is free from the
one-ideaism which pervades the various fac
tons with which republics are SO rife. When
we look around upon the present political his
tory of our country We cannot fail to be struck
with the fact that, with this single exception,
each party proposes solitary idea of reforma.
tons, or wilfully ignoring them. Thus, for
example, we may take the temperance organi-
zation, which unites beneath the ample folds
Of its widespread banner men of every party
and Of every persuasion. Again, we may cite
the Abolition party of the North, an organism
which cares but little for the political sent.
ments of its members in other respects, pro-
vided they are united in the grand one-idea of
hostility to slavery in its existence and exten-
sion. And yet, again, the American party, as
they prefer par excellence to be called, which
is willing to recognize the orthodoxy Of any
man, and to ignore entirely his political antece.
dents, provided he unites in the existing cru
sade in prescription of foreigners and in de
uunciation Of particular creed.
Now, how much more effective, how infiutely
more consistent with the true character of
republican form of government is that party,
which, forming its code of principles upon the
broad basis Of the constitution, remains firm in
its integrity, unaffected by the gales Of heresy,
which, in republic more than in any other
form Of government prevail. The adminstra.
ton of our government can only be safe from
these influences, when it rests upon the princi-
pies contained in our federal Constitution. All
other organizations are founded upon the sand,
and can not even survive the accomplishment
Of the one idea involved in their establishment.
Let us take as an illustration Of the idea which
we intend to convey, the three parties to which
we have alluded. Does the political organiza-
ton, which has for its object the formation or
temperance at the sacrifice Of individual liberty,
derive its patent from the Constitution ? Does
the Abolition faction Of the north, which would
crush the rights and power of one half Of the
confederacy, look TO that instrument for the
charter Of its incorporation? Does the Ameri.
can party, which by general acquiescence has
obtained soubriquet, which is fit commentary
upon its own ignorance Of political government,
rest upon the Constitution, that contemplates the
immigration Of foreigners, and recognizes the
entire freedom Of religion? Even the advocates
Of these several factions dare not claim so holy
an origin for their existence.
In these factions the whilome whig party Of
the country whose origin was in the forced
union Of discordant elements, has been almost
entirely absorbed. Wings, who are untainted
with these factious principles, are like angels
visits, few and far between; but there, alas, the
resemblance ceases between angels and them.
selves. The only party that remains founded
upon the Constitution as its basis, is the Demo.
cratic Republican party and the very fact Of
its surviving the disastrous wreck, is the
strongest evidence Of its solid worth No man
however decided may be his sentiments in favor
of democratic measures, can be recognized by
the Democratic party as worthy Of their endorse
rnent and confidence, if in any one respect be
be inimical to the constitutional rights Of any
section, or the constitutional rights Of any man.
II is from this view Of the character Of the
Democratic party, that we argue its ultimate
triumph and its permanent success. II is like
the edi6ce Of the wise man Of the Scriptures.
1t is founded upon rock. The rains Of
sectional discord may descend, the foods Of
party strife may come, the tempest Of faction
may blew and beat upon that house, and il
falls not--for it is founded upon the solid and
immutable rock Of the Constitution.