The Nevada journal., 1855-10-12
The Position ofthe American Party

heP0Sisiaa Oh Inc American Party.
1t is one thing to acquire money, an
other to keepit. It is one thing to gain
q victory, another to profit by its fruits.
1t IS easier to tear down than build up
easier to overthrow q government than
erect en empire on the ruins-easier to
exercise the country Of q corrupt admins
trstien, than maintain our party purity
ard power. The American party occu-
pies position, a proud one, but one false
step iAay forever blast her hopes IF she
retains the hold she has upon the affections
of the people, by an exhibition in her
ranks Of craftsmanship applied and de-
v0ted to tho redemption of the state from
financial and moral cspondency; if a
careful and jadicious administration of af-
fairs Is had; if every Legislator is actua-
ted BY sincere desire to see good laws
alone enacted in the shortest space of
lime compatible with full understanding
OF their object and effect, and the Legisla-
tnrs is backed by wise and efficient ac-
tion On the part of the Executive, the
American party will live and flourish a
healthy public opinion will surround and
sustsin her, and her reign be of as long
duration as the corrupt dynasty she has
sSerthr own and succeeded But wise,
cautious and discriminating policy must
characterize eur action, or our existence
as party is ephemeral, as it will deserve
to be A weight of responsibility rests
apon the new party, and untold blessings
or curses are hidden in its future action
If the true political economy of the coun-
try is studied, and the wants of the peo-
pie consulted, all may be well. AS in the
foundation of an empire, the genius and
comprehensive craftsmanship of Hamil-
ton is needed, and the financial talent of a
Robert Morris almost indispensable to
satisfy the expectations of the people in
this state, or our young party is wrecked
in the gale Of popular opinion. Unfoytu-
nately such men are scarce, at time too
when they are most needed. 1t is an
easy thing to become politician of that
kind which pirates of liberty, rights, privi-
leges and metaphysical high sounding
subtleties which blind the eyes of an un-
suspecting auditory instead of enlighten-
ing their minds, 1t is an easy thing to be
stump politician and indulge in turgid
phrases and choice expletives about the
great American Eagle, and tho universal
Yankee Nation, but to become the sue
eessful manager of affairs in such a rotten
concern as our state government has be-
come is quite different thing.
The people are anziously looking for
reform not merely in profession, but in
practice. They confidently calculate the
hours of misrule are numbered, and if the
rulers they have elevated to power do not
come up to the standard of purity and eff
fciency they have set, their political days
are ''tew and full oftrouble" Over their
heads impends the sword of Damocles by
single hair, and if the leaders Of the par
~ prove recreant to,the high trust reposed
in them the sooner it descends the better.
The purity, patriotism and professions of
our party are about to be tested, and bv
Its fruits will it bo judged. The ordeal is
about 10 be passed. We may surmount
all obstacles and be victorious, but victory
IS not always true success A sovereign
once exclaimed when his marshaled host
had troddeu the enemy in the dust, Gan
other such a victory will cost me the
crown"
Let US not seek temporary expedients
20 bolster weak and effeminate rule, but
lay tho foundations of permanency on
principles that lie at the base of our in
stitutions, and structure of the American
ordor shall arise and, like the Parthenon
upon the brow of Acropolis, transmit its
falr proportions and beauty to succeeding
ages.