The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-05-23
The Democratic PARTY.

The Democratic Party.
Every other party has retired from the
struggle with intolerance and bigotry. or
| has syielded itself captive to this combina.
! ton Of factions, save and except the DEM
/ ocracy. Throughout the entire field, the
only flag that waves in proud defiance 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
hardfought conflicts have not deserted.
| few corrupt leaders have gone-'a good
riddance to them;' but the grea, body OF
the progressive party is as full Of energy
and hope as ever il was, and but little
shorn oi its noble proportions. From the
day that the flag Of prescription 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 it's 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 Of equality, Of ra.
tional liberty and sound patriotism, must
gain. Whether the profligate leaders oi
the deluded men who have gone into
these dens OF secret shame fail to carry
out their pledges. or whether they fulfil
them, it will be all the same. in the end
a wide and general catastrophe will over.
take them. II they fail to make good
their promises. the cheat will be apparent
in all its corruption. If they 60 on, their
votares will start before the long process
sion Of prosecutions, follies and crimes
perpetrated in the name Of Americsnism.
II we loved our country less, we should
say let these ma timen 60 on. The lesson
would do good through all time if j, were
not purchased at too great cost. Al
ready an appalling record has been made
up. The spirit OF insane innovation has
broken ont wherever the phrensy of intol-
erance has penetrated. 1t seeks to inter
Iere with every political obligation. |,
annuls the most sacred obligations with
out remorse. 1t strikes at every security
for the well being Of society; and in the
name OF reform it infficts countless evils
upon the country. On the one hand, il
forces upon reluctant communities sump-
tuary laws that would have disgracsd the
reign of the most dissolute monarch that
ever lived; on the other. it nullifias those
solemn guarantees which protect the states
in their coven anted rights. Here, it strikes
down an eminent citizen for his religion;
there, for the place OF his birth. Ex,rav-
agance in its municipal and state admin.
istra,ions, and the nomin alton Of base
ignorant and corrupt men for office, have
been conspicuous features in its practice
il not in its professions. In Massachu.
sets it insults weak and helpless women
because they have the .hardihood TO be
Catholics; in Ohio it destroys the ballot
boxes, with the cry OF Americans must
rule America, and reiires abashed and
penitent before its own turbulence; in N
York it buries murdered bully with hon
ors, such as were scarcely bestowed upon
departed Washington; and in Pennsyl
vania it desecrates Independence Hall by
denunciations Of the adopted citizens
brea,hed in wicked contempt Of the mem
cries Of the revolutionary struggle. We
saw we could wish to see these humiliatine g
proceedings conducted to the close if the
country had not already 'suppsd full o
horrors ,..--..
! Ii is natural that at such time all eyes
should be turned to the democratic party
which, unawed by majorities, and unse
duced by appeals for aid and comfort
fiings its defiance into the teeth Of these
bold, bad men, and dares them to the is
sue. There is something sublime in this
Honest and clear minded men will see ir
it an opportunity to cut loose from the
trammels Of the whig party. The perse
cuted will see in the democratic ranks {
refuge and a rescue from their foes.-
Those derided for their faith will find ir
that party fortress that will laugh siegt
to scorn. Now, as ever, the democracy
4 opens its srms to the oppressed OF all ma
tions; now. as ever, it stands by the teach
ings Of the sages of the past. Not on
tenet of its creed has j, yielded; moi ont
syllable Of its pledges; but the more it i
assailed the more strongly it adherss t.
its principles. Let factions exult ove
temporary success; there is in store 70
the democratic party. higher glory thar
i, has ever yet attained--the glory Of hav
ing rescued our country from the hand
Of the worst conspiracy that has eve
been organized against civilization ant
! freedom since the foreign Zoe invaded ou
happy shores Washington Union.