Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-09-29

principles cease to lead, we cease to
The abstract doctrines of Democracy, arc the
same now, as they ever were, and ever will he.
If the organization once used to forward those
principles becomes perverted from its true pur-
pose, it is our duty to refuse to be led astray,
and to replace ourselves in the position we
once occupied.
Such we conceive now to be the case with
the Democratic party. The questions of prac-
teal Importance which once aroused us to ac-
ton are all settled. The contests over the
Bank and the Independent Treasury, and all
the other differences which created a necessity
for separate political organizations have passed
away. But other questions crowd themselves
upon the consideration of our people. The
spirit of conquest has seized upon the country,
and new territory has been added to our wide
spread possessions. The designing and ambi-
tious men of the South, have fallen in with the
reasonable and dangerous designs of CALHOUN,
strengthening and perpetuating the institution
of domestic slavery. They have attacked and
overthrown the teachings of the great apostle
of Democracy, THOMAS JEFFERSON. They have
set at naught the opinions and warnings and
desires of the founders of the Republic. The
wise and liberal p~olicysof or forcfathcrs has
been discarded, and the proposition is openly
maintained that slavery is a divine institution,
made necessary by the requirements of society,
a national blessing, and sanctioned by the Con-
s%titution. The design is boldly avowed, o mak-
ing slavery National.
For this object, aggression after aggression
is committed upon the rights of the North
Step by step, the temper Of our people is tried
to see how much they will yield. The mon
strous wrong Of Repeating the Missouri Com
promise, is the browning act of Southern AFRO
gancc, and the scenes of anarchy and violence
in Kansas, are its Legitimate fruits. In a word,
the battle between Freedom and Slavery, is
now so well defined in its nature and its con-
sequences, that we must take sides. There is
no middle position. We must either say that
we are willing to concede to slavery all she de-
mands, or we must rise up with the spirit and
determination of Freemen, and rebuke the ar
rogance and presumption of that grasping
power.
Where stands the Democratic party ? That
is the question to be considered. Let the po-
sition and conduct of the National Administra-
ton answer. Let the resolutions of our own,
and of every other State Democratic Conven-
ton bear witness. The Democratic party
stands upon the doctrines laid down by the
South. 1t endorses and supports the admins
tration of PIERCE. 1t applauds the repeal of
the Missouri Compromise, the lawless acts of
the Missouri mob, and %rejoices over the reno
val of REEDER. The Democratic party is in
the hands of ATCHIsoN and his Southern col
leagues and at the North 4 it is managed by
custom-house officials and corrupt and venal
hangers-on to the National Administration
The Democratic party has been debased and
prostituted, until it has become a mere instru-
ment for carrying out the designs of the slave
ry propaganda, and of securing Office and pa
tronage for their Northern adjuncts and tools.
No man can belong to the Democratic par
ty without subscribing to all the doctrines of
the pro-slavery n~ullifiers. The friend to Free
dom who attempts to assert his principles, and
at the same time hold on to the Democratic
organization, becomes an object of pity and
contempt. The time has come when every
friend to freedom must give mp his party or his
principles. If you attempt fellowship with
pro-slaycry men you will be derided and de-
Spised. Why, the humblest postmaster in our
County, if he dare to say he was in favor of
Freedom, would be instantly decapitatcd, pro-
vlded some envious neighbor wished his place,
Notwithstanding he might make the lou,lcst
protestationS that he was u Democrat. De
mocracy, nowadays means utter subserviency
to the designs of slavery. The lame is all that
remains of that once proud and liberal party.
That name is prostitutcd to the basest purposes.
1t is literally stealing the livery of Heaven
to serve the devil in" But one hope remains
for those who desire to see the Democratic
party restored to its pristine purity. That is,
by learning the South that it is not the "na-
tural ally of slavery" and by teaching them
that when a it is employed for the extension of
slavery it will not receive the countenance and
support of Northern Freemcn.
ONE CENT REWARD