Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-07-25
Hear an old Democrat.


John G. Records, Esq, of Falmouth, KY,
leading Democrat of that State in letter to the
Frankfort Commonwealth, gives his reasons for
joining the American party, as follows:
/ In the year ls48 was elected TO represent this
county in the lower branch OF the Legislature.
was then staunch and unwayeiing Democrat. II
was this year that the noble Cass as the standard
bearer OF the national Democracy fell in the strug
gle for the Presidency by the combined efforts OF
the friends Of General Taylor and of Mr.. Van Blu
rem During the administration of Mr. Fillmore,
| (Which, by the by, was a very good one, re-
| manned firm adherent to the Democratic party,
though causes OF difference between the two great
parties had, to considerable extent, ceased to ex-
list. In the greet struggle of 1885, on the Com
promise measures perceived that the noblest OF
| the Wings and Democrats united together on one
common battlefield, and performed valiant SER
vices for the Union. At the head and front OF
these champions stood Clay, Webster, Cass, Dick.
inson and Foote. Both Wings and Democrats
cordially united in this great work of peace, har-
mony, and Cancellation. But thought could
| perceive that the Democratic party stood promi-
nent A large number of the Democratic mem
bers of Congress- north of Masons and Dixon's
line, voted for these measures while but very few
| of the Wings in that quarter ventured to do 80.
| For this reason and others which it is not neces-
sary to MENTION my attachment to the Democratic
party remained unimpaired. In the great political
contest of 1852, stood square up to the mark for
| General Pierce.
/ had great faith in his integrity and capacity.
But when he assumed the reins of government,
and called around him the motley cabinet which
he did, the strength Of my confidence and antci-
pations was considerably impaired. The character
of his appointments, as one after another they
were developed, tended to lessen my confidence
in his administration. Genuine national Demo
Gratis, the very bone and sinew of the party, were
passed over to give place to Free-Soilers, Adolf
tionists, Secessionsts Filibustcrs, and even for
eigners by birth, who had scarcely had time to
form even slight acquaintance with our political
institutions To crown all this Judge Bronson
was removed from his responsible position because
he desired in the discharge of his official duties,
| to discountenance Free-Soilism and Van Burenism,
and to advance the interest of the National De-
mocracy. All this, combined with many subse-
quent acts which | could not approve, greatly
weakened my attachment to the administration.
But still my love of Democratic principles remain
ed unimpared; that is, purely conservative, ma
tional and Union Democratic principles
AT this juncture the American party sprung
into existence. Its infancy and youth were pro-
tected by the mantle of secrecy. For long time
my prejudices against it were very strong. Many
things transpired which received as developments
of its principles, which | could by no means ap-
prove especially the action of the Massachusetts
Legislature and the various indications of political
and religious prescription. / concluded, however,
to wait with patience the developments of time.
watched the action Of the National Convention
which assembled at Philadelphia with deep con-
Germ. When its declaration OF principles was pub
| lished, and the veil of secrecy withdrawn, could
see nothing to which genuine, conservative Ame-
rcan citizen and Democrat, could object; but on
the other hand much that he was bound to ap-
prove. Feeling that he was bound, either to sup
port or oppose the party, concluded to pursue
the line which duty Dictated and to cast my lot
with those whom conceived to be the true friends
OF their country.
In doing so, have no doubt there are many
who are ready to charge me with having aposta-
| tized from the true Democratic faith Ny opinions
are radically different. They may enjoy theirs,
and will take the liberty to enjoy mine. If it is
true Democracy to vilify and misrepresent the
American party TO adhere to foreign rather than
to American principles--to Catholic rather than to
Protestant insttutions--then | wash my hands of
| it from this time henceforth and forever. But
such course is not true Democracy. In the sa-
cred name Of Democracy the most atrocious
crimes have been committed. 1t is not the name,
but the substance, which constitutes true Demo-
cracy. The opposers, and the vilfers of the Am
erican party, may bawl out Democracy Democra-
cyi until they blow away their lungs, and they will
never Dt hUie 10 cOnVlHCc u Ialr anu TtasoninB
mind that they are its true friends in this country,
as parties now stand. The American party is the
true Democratic Republican party; and the vota-
res OF foreign influence, Catholicism, and of the
loves and fishes had better cease their vifying
clamors, and enlist on the side of their country,
before il is too late.
But it is said, this new party is all Wing trick.
If It be so, all can say is that it is far the best
Wbig trick ever yet played upon the country. II
Ia IL D,..s 4. 4
no Wing trick. The new party has arisen who'll
ly independent of the old party lines and die
tinctions. The best men Of both parties, are
among its ardent supporters. II Ia true a large
fragment Of the Democratic party has, by party
trammes and tactics, attempted to make IL
party matter. This can be accounted for without
the least difficulty. This party Is in power. II holds
within Its grasp all the vast patronage of the Fed
eral Government This Ia a tremendous engine of
power and influence. Ii was natural for the party
to regard any counter movement in the political
sphere, as being leveled at its own existence. 1t
so regarded the American movement, and not
without some show of reason. II therefore en-
deavored to concentrate all its forces, in order to
crush this enterprise in its infancy.
The oficeholders and their friends, the editors
OF papers, and the demagogical politicians, who
wish to fatten on the spols Of Office, in one con-
centrated phalanx, raised the cry OF Whiggeryi
Whiggeryi from one end Of the Union to the other.
This was, and still is, Democratic trick. II is
well understood. It's merits have been thoroughly
canvassed. 1t is treated with scorn and contempt
by every one who is not disposed TO wrap himself
up in his old tattered party cloak, and to draw
over his eyes the scurvy film Of old party preju-
dces.
In conclusion, appeal to all, Wings and Demo
Gratis to lay aside all old party predictions, which
are antagonstic to the principles Of the American
party, and to enlist during the war, against the
introduction into lovely country, of foreign in
fuence, pauperism, and crime-against the politi-
cal influences of Catholicism, and in favor Of our
political union and institutions, established and
sustained by the wisest and noblest statesmen the
world ever beheld.
Vnura TRULY Two H. Rrrnpna