Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-06-28
PARTY PRINCIPLES AND THE PRIN-
CIPLEs OF PARTY.


less of this, however, we propose to show that
there is alike distinction and a difference in
these terms. We have chosen this our topic
to-day, because its treatment has close connec
ton with our previous articles upon "The Duty
of the Democratic Party" articles which have
met the approval Of some of the most prominent
and Influential Democratic journals in the coun
try. Nor did we doubt such would be the case
The period has arrived when the distinction
should be known and acknowledged between
party resting for its vitality and integrity upon
its principles alone, and party whose principles
have become absorbed by its lust for supremacy,
without any regard for the time-revered princi-
pies Of its original organization. Party princi-
pies are those principles which make the party,
while the principles Of party are those which the
party itself makes Principles are nothing more
nor less than laws, and are immutable; they are
as old as the creation. They are fixed the
armament itself. In physics, morals, religion,
science, government, principles are fixed, and are
proof against the hayward nature or Vandalism
of man. He may endeavor to substitute them,
and from the ingenious coinage of his brain place
plausible, and, for the time popular in their
stead, hut it will not do. Now, we hold that the
principles-we mean the fundamental principles
of political party-are inalenable, and any in
novations upon them stutifes and demoralizes
the party making them Our own Government
commenced with two strong political parties
the old "Fsderal' and Republican" parties.
Each differed as to the principles upon which our
Government was based. The former was in
favor Of strong central government, whose prin-
ciples, had they been successful, would have abb
sorbed the power and sovereignty of the States.
The latter was for maintaining the rights of the
States, and preserving unshorn their original
power Of government. Time rolled on and their
names became changed. The Federal party
adopted the nomenclature of Wing, while the
Republican assumed the more attractive name
Democratic. But in all these changes they pre-
served their principles, and those principles form
ed the same bases Of their original organization
Again, their nomenclature, though not entirely
changed, is somewhat altered and added to.
We call our party now the Democratic State
Rights party, while the Federal or Wing party
choose to designate itself the american party.
But have the principles of either party changed!
Who is weak enough to believe that if the Wing
or American party succeed in the next Presiden-
tial canvass possibility not even remote, how
ever-that all of its old principles will not leap
into full force and life AGAIN. Its features and
clements are not dead but sleepeth--tl its ascen-
dency. And who will doubt that our own proud
Democratic ship must be steered by the same
compass and the same chart which have borne
A-- hong and so often in safety and in triumph
Who will believe that she is in name only true to
her origin and noble fame, or that she is the
whited sepulchre filled with rottenness and cor
ruption within. This is manifestly to us the true
picture Of this difference between pariy principles
and The principles Of party. If there be no differ
ence, il is easy enough for party to take apon
them any principles $50 called il may choose.
1t may be in the power of an existing dynasty
TO pervert and subver governments, much less
parties. And thus, too, existing governments,
that have been entrusted for a time with the
custody of the principles Of great party, should
not be allowed to tamper with them on the one
hand nor bury them in napkin on the other.
They must be put forth not only for the purpose
Of preserving present institutions but for the
more enlarged and philanthropic purpose Of en-
lightenment TO other countries and TO future gen-
erations.
In few months the Democratic party must
thoroughly organize itself for another great fight
for its principles. Ii has 10 do with willy enemy.
His tactics are characterized by great strategy.
To weaken the force Of this strategy, and render
il inefficient, will require the utmost vigilance
and discipline. Panoplied in the bright full armor
Of our " principles" we must meet him. Those
principles must form our shield and our sword
our strong arm Of attack, and our fortress of de-
fence. Let them not be blurred and blazed by
the tampering Of INSCRIPTIONS men, who, to get
power, or retain it, would deform and dsfgure
them by the engratings Of unholy isms and here
sizes.
What say you, then, Democratic brethren,
shall shall our principles be the Democratic Re
have SO often fought, and with zeal and ardor
which the hope Of victory inspired, and which
the fear Of defeat could not sbate
Shall they not be,
First. n strict construction Of the Constituted,
Of the United States, whose guarantees were in
all the States, and 10 preserve intact the dignity
and equality Of each;
Second. An equal right Of emigration and pro-
perty TO all the States, North, South, East and
Vest 10 all the Territories of the United States
North, South East and Wea2
Third. Deadly hostility, and war to the knife
TO Abolitonism and all its kindred sms inclnd.
ing strong minded romsnisni2
Fourth. Free trade and no high protective tariff.
be IL recommended from any quarter scorer
Fifth. Anti-internal improvement by the Gen
eral Government, and an entire freedom of con-
nection in any manner with mammoth railroad
other schemes
Sixth A continued separation Of the Govern
ment from banks-State or national, and q per
sistence in the present constitutional, safe and
efficient system Of the sub-treasuryi
Seventh. Non-interference the General Gov
eminent with the political and domestic concerns
offhe States'
Eighth. A steadfast adherence to the noble
man in fha frae Gfatae uyho rorlIo1 ,l.a.x