Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-04-07
The American Party.

Third Ward, J. P. Smith; Fourth Ward, L. B.
Taylor. DID,.
The American Party.
NO II.
For quarter ofa century the American polti-
cal world has been divided int two great parties.
new organization has now appeared in the
country Though of necessity it is composed OF
those who have heretofore belonged to other po-
litical combinations, II is distinct from them all,
and strives to carry out its measures, in
dependent of and even in opposition to, theirs it
stands in an antagonistic position toward them.
1t appeals, however, to the virtue and patriotism
Of the country for decision on the business of its
designs, and asks what, in free country, all have
q right to demand, calm, unbiased, and intelli-
gent judgment upon its principles and conduct.
The Importance of the objects it processes to have
in view are beyond question; for they are moth
ing less than the defence of free institutions,
the security of American liberty, the purity of the
elective franchise and the perpetuty of the Union.
II is not surprising, however that though it APP
peals to the people with such commendable pro-
fessons, it should meet with determined and Bit
ter opposition from some who would condemn
without hearing, or an inquiry, as to its sim
centy.
The acrmony and invective which have been Of
late displayed in certain quarters demonstrate that
more has been in view than merely the free dis
cusson of important public interests. In all free
| countries there are, and will ever be, class Of
citizens who make politics profession, or perhaps
should more justly say, trade; for profession
| implies knowledge Of principles, and those to
whom allude are more adroit and artfu than pro-
found. The individuals of this political genus are,
with US united by ties of interest and by past ire
vocable action to the old parties which have for
many years controlled the destinies of the Com
monwealth; and they are impelled by all the mo-
tves which actuate men of their character to re-
| sst a. movement which threatens by celebrating
the present dividing lines, antipathies and affini-
ties, to dsappoint their hopes of preferment and
profit. Their principles are said to be in
number and to them they exhibit a devotion which
would seem 10 deserve the crown of martydom,
which they appear TO expect on the success OF the
American party.
1t is not my intention TO be unjust, and to in
clude all those who have not enlisted under the
new standard In common denunciation. 1t is
but poor evidence Of the purity Of mans motives
TO doubt the sincerity Of all who may hold contra
ry opinions. A large number Of quiet and respect
able citizens are undoubtedly to be found in all
parts of the country who, engaged In the useful
pursuits Of life, care not, so the country is well
governed, who may enjoy the emoluments of office,
and who have not yet Withdrawn from the associa-
tons which habit and past contests have made
strong. | would, however, willingly abide the re-
suit Of the inquiry whether those who are loud in
their condemnation OF this new movement, are not
with such few exceptions, those who do not de-
serve notice, the confirmed, habituai political
gamesters Of the old party organizations.
From these Interested partisans the American
party appeals to a just and patriotic people. To
you, fellow citizens submit our principles and
our claims to support and encouragement, and by
your verdict we are willing to abide. We do not
shroud our aims in darkness, as some would have
you believe. The measures we advocate are pub
shed to the world SO plainly +" that those who run
may read
Indeed, 1t may safely be asserted that they are
at this moment more distinctly defined, and freer
from local variations than those Of either the Wing
or Democratic party. Judge Es, then, 6y hen III
you find that We have forgotten the teachings of
the immortal fathers Of the republic--if we have
cast aside the memories Of Washington, Jefferson,
and their illustrious compatriots--f we are not
mindful of the advice, the warnings, and the In
structions which they bequeathed to us for our
guidance-if you do not find the American party
deserving Of the name they have sssumed-f they
are not actuated by an ardent love Of country and
devotion TO the union Of the States-if las has
been charged we are engaged in an unrighteous
persecution Of any class Of our fellowcitzens an
pealing to unholy passions Of human nature, under
the disguise Of zeal for liberty and relgion-then
crush US with the iron heel Of condemnation, and
let the story Of such faction 20 down TO posterity
only as warning and a shame. But II, on the
contrary, we can refute the charges which have
been made against US by the mere statement and
explanation Of our motives, and show, beyond
doubt, that are laboring for the best interests
Of our beloved country, and therefore for the cause
Of true liberty throughought the world, we ask, we
expect and We know, that we shall receive not
only your approval, but your applause and your
cooperation.
propose, In a series Of papers, to notice those
charges against the American party which merit
an answer, to endeayor to sefits principles before
the public in clear light that 1t may be able to
give upon them an intelligent verdict PUBLIUs.