Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-07-16
The Contest in Alabama.


Governor Winston belongs to that fire-eat-
Ing and secessionist department of the Democ-
racy, which seems to consider themselves en-
titled to an exclusive privilege of insulting
those who differ with them, as well as of wear
ing and drawing revolvers to enforce their re-
marks. We have been somewhat accust omed
to this school, and have never considered them
more formidable than men of more quiet and
respectful manners, nor have we ever found
them 20 farther, or display more desperation,
than was absolutely necessary for their pur-
poses. To infer from their manner, We should
have supposed the race would have been long
since extinct; yet they seem, from the Hon.
Secretary Of War to his humblest imitator, to
enjoy an average longevity, and an appetite for
Office, unimpaired by the choleric character of
their principles.
We were not, therefore, surprised that Gov
crnor Winston should have run up against an
antagonist just as free as himself to refer a po-
litical dispute to the arbitration of Colt The
cause of this difficulty between Governor Win
ston and Judge Shortridge was charge made
by the former derogatory to the reputation Of
the American Order, which was promptly re-
scented by his antagonist and, but for the OPP
perfume Intervention Of reverend clergyman,
and other peace-makers, the two parties might
have had to nominate successors. Indeed, If
Governor Winston is to be 30 liberal with his
tongue and revolver, it would be better that
gubernatorial candidates should be nominated
in duplicate or triplicate, so that the can vass
might be carried on by relays, in case any, of
the principals should be killed or disable d.
We hope Governor Winston win keep hin
temper in future.
But we will take occasion to comment upon
some Of the principles avowed by Governor
Winston in this canvass, and to notice in the
same connexion the extreme indulgence ex-
tended to members OF the Democratic party,
provided they support the Administration and
the succession.
We learn that Governor Winston is the OPP
ponent Of State aid to internal improvements,
and inveighs against railroads with as much
vehemence as against abolition.
Governor Wise was an open advocate Of in
ternal improvement, education, and progress.
The Democracy Of New York and Pennsyl-
vania maintain the same doctrine. But this
by parenthesis: II seems to US that no matter
how skilful Governor Winston may be in the
use Of the revolver, or how prompt soevcr he
may be "to flesh the executive sword" in the
carcases Of his New England enemies, he is
with his doctrines Of opposition to internal i'm
proyement, the very last man that should be
called TO preside over the State Of Alabama
Il is becoming received opinion In the
South, that neither its rights nor its dignity
are TO be- preserved by abstract dispositions
upon the theory Of government, and still less
by contemplate bravados which no wise man
notices, and no brave man breads The rights
ofthe South depend upon her power, reputation,
and upon her usefulness amongst the nations Of
the earth. This again depends upon the de-
yelopment Of her capacities to sustain popula-
tion-upon the attractions which she can offer
to the people Of other States, and the induce
ments which she can afford to her own to re-
main. The State Of South Carolina for some
time relied chiefly upon the defence Of sbstrac.
tons, until she was like, by the emigration o.
her people and the deterioration Of her lands
to have become the mere abstraction Of State
BY pursuing an opposite and progressive pol
icy, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Ken
lucky, arc increasing their power, population
and political influence
But Alabama stands in more need Of this
policy Of development than any other Southern
State Her means Of reaching market is limit
ed by the uncertain navigation Of her streams
and this want Of means for transportation and
tt Vas