The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1855-08-29

of Falmouth Ky., a leading democrat of that,
state, is out in an able letter giving his reasons
for Joining the Americans. We extract portion
of this straight forward and manly documents:
In the year 1848 was elected to represent
this county in the lower branch OF the legisla-
ture l was then staunch and unwaverng
democrat. 1t was the year that the noble Cass
as the standard bearer of the national democ-
racy, fell in the struggle for the presidency, by
the combined efforts oil the friends of general
Taylor and of Mr.. Van Buren. During the
administration of Mr.. Fillmore, (Which by the
by was very good one, l remained firm
adherent to the democratic party, though eau
ses of difference between the two great par
ties had, to a considerable extent, ceased
to exist. In the great struggle OF 1850, on
the compromise measures, perceived that the
noblest of the wings and democrats united to-
gether on one common battle field and per-
formed valiant services for the Union. At the
head and front of these champions stood Clay.
Webster, Cass, Dickinson and Foote. Both
wings and democrats cordially united in this
great work of peace, harmony and conclllatlon.
But thought could perceive that the demo-
cratic party stood prominent. A large number
| of the democratic members of congress, north
of Mason's and Dixon's line, voted for these
measures, while but very few of the wings III
that quarter ventured to do so. For this rea-
son, and others which it is not necessary to
mention, my attachment to the democratic party
remained unimpaired. In the great political
contest of 1858, stood square up to the mark
for general Pierce.
/ had great faith in his integrity and capaci-
tv. But when he assumed the rens of govern
ment, and called around him the motley cabinet
which he did, the strength of my confidence
and anticipations was considerably impaired.
The character of his appointments, as one after
another, they were developed, tended to lesson
nv confidence in his administration. Genuine
national democrats, the very bone and sinew OF
the party, were passed over to give place to
freesoilers, abolitionists, secessionlsts, tlbus-
ters, and even foreigners by birth, who had
scarcely had time to form even slight acqualn-
tance with our political institutions. Tocrown
all this, judge Bronson was removed from his
responsible position because he desired 1t, IN the
: discharge of his official duties, to dlscountc-
nance freesosm and Van Burenisn,, and to
advocate the interest of the national democracy.
All this, combined with many subsequent acts
which could not approve, greatly weakened
y my attachment to the administration. But
10 still my love of democratic principles remained
unimpaired, that is, purely conservative, ma
:, tonal and Union democratic principles.
? At that juncture, the American party spr9ng
a into existence Its infancy and youth were
i protected by the mantle of secrecy. For
f. long time my prejudces against it were very
strong Many things transpired which l re-
IS ceived as developments of its principles, which
e could by no means approve, especially the
"a action of the Massachusetts, Legislature, and the
n various indications of political and religious
4 prescription l concluded, however, to wait
,, with patience the developments of time.
watched the action of the national convention
~ which assembled at Philadelphia with deep
= concern When its declaration of principles
was published, and the veil of secrecy with
drawn could see nothing to which a genuine
" conservative American citizen and democrat,
rs could object but on the other hand, much
nt that he was bound to approve. Feeling that
50 he was bound, either to support OF oppose the
party, concluded to pursue the line which
j. duty dictated, and to cast my lot with those
nt whom conceived to be true friends Of their
I'd country.
~ In doing so, l have no doubt there are
many who are ready to charge me with having
20 apostalized from the true democratic faith. My
h opinions are radically different They may
T. enjoy theirs, and will take the liberty to en-
Joy mine. Ifit is true democracy to yilify and
:; misrepresent the American peope--to adhere to
= foreign rather than to American principles
~ then wash my hands of it from this time
~ henceforth and forever But such course is
~ ~ not true democracy the most attroclous crimes
y. u have been committed. Is it not the name, but
W the substance, which constitutes true democra~
~ cv. The opposers, and the vilifiers of the Anne
~ riican party, may bawl out democracy! demoo-
- - racy! until they blow away their lungs, and
y they will never be able to convince a fair and
II III reasoning mind, that they are its true friends
u u, in this country, as parties now stand. The
~ American party is the true democratic republl.
~. can party
= But it is said, this new party is all a whig
trick If it be so, all can say is, that it is fal
% e' the best whig trick ever yet played upon the
1 20. country. 1t is genuine republican whlg trick
'y But it is no whg trick. The new party has
n arisen wholly independent of old party lines and
AZ distinctions. The best men of both parties are
among its ardent supporters tits true large
eu fragment of the democratic party has, by party
y trammes and tactics, attempted to make it q
! party matter This can be accounted for with
40 out the least difficulty. This party is in power
1t holds within its grasp all the vast patronage
az - of the federal government This is a tremen
a. , dous engine of power and influence 1t waE
III nalural lOr Inc parry W leSalu any Couhtcl
IN , movement in the political sphere, as being
49, leveed at its own existence. 1t Sc regarded
IL the American movement, and now without somt
show of reason. 1t therefore endeavored to con
i'd centrate all its forces in order to crush this en-
he terprise in its fancy.
I'll The otficeholders and their friends, the ed
''e tors Of papers, and the demagoical politician.
who wish to fatten on the spoils of office, in one
w concentrated phalanx, raised the cry of wbig-
d. gerry! whiggery! from one end of the Union te
X the other. This was, and stills democratic
81 trick 1t is well understood Its merits have
b. been thoroughly canvassed. tits treated with
of scorn and contempt by every one, who is no
mt disposed to wrap himsefupn his old tattered
le party cloak, and 10 draw over his eyes The
d. scurvy film of old party prejudices.
an an Stanley, the organst, and .nany blind musi-
~ o;,,r l,-o boor tba host Of tbeir tirne. and a