The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1855-02-21


Posed--Let me People RuIe.
1t is singular fact, that at this time
though the political parties Of our county
are about as sternly as ever, pitted against
each other, many, even more than ever EN-
bittefed against opponents, that there is n.
important practicable, open issue, between
thenii no important question of acknowl
edged difference, is open for discussion, be.
tween the parties, nor none in prospect, pend.
ing the great elections Of the next two years,
unless i is, merely, who shall next enjoy the
offices to be filed: and for that, the people
the masses, are only interested that they
shall by those, who will use them as not abu-
sing the confidence. reposed in them. Hid
den or unavowed objects, or issues, there
may be, in the minds Of individuals, but
what openly avowed, practicable obiect, Of
Importance, has either party, that the other
party oppoaesi Party leaders may, and do
differ, much, as the ample profits Of office fit
before them; but the masses differ but little.
when not goaded on by leaders. ~ I2%f'
Does one party advocate the restrict ion
or abortion of slavery so does the other, to
the extent Of the Constitution. Does one
party advocate an ample, safe and reliable
currency; and well, secured l--so does the
other, as they say. Does one party advocate
judicsods t"riff-not a highly protective
one 50 ayows the other. Does one party
advocate retrenchment Of public eSpendi.
tures' the other does the same. Does one
party advocate a good systeft of yoYntr,o1t
schools--a gradual extinction Of the State
debt-4the encouragement Of temperance r.
the other aVows the same. We all, too, pre-
fer native born citizens, or those legally and
fully naturalized, and liberalfzed, for Of.
fficers. ~ sg..,. sg.vs,
Now, what, if each side is sincere, do we
contend for, so long, so ardently, and at SO
great pains and expense what but Just the
spoils of Office which, it is infinitely beneath
honest men to contend for so zeaiously ~
1t may be said that one party is for the re-
peal Of the fugitive Slave law, while ano-
ther is not. But is that Of any Importance,
as its repeal would but revive the old law Of
1898, and would not repeal the constitution
A nd, under the law of 1898 a greater pros
portion OF the runaway slaves were caugh,
and returned, than are under the law Of 1850.
Well, now, as we have no suitable, tangi.
ble issue, to fight for, let us get up one to
light for, Or to unite peaceably on--one that
shall be worth our strife, or that they shall
Danish strife. rather the latter. will pro.
pose one, that ought to unite all honest and
rue Democrats, (and Ibelieve all parties
low, profess to be Democratic.) It is, that
We change oar present form of government,
which is not truly Democratic, for one that
ondef OFF present form Of government, |
he people are not permitted to govern, but
re compelled to obey: The people in their
primitive capacity, are never permitted to
nact a law, since they voted the adoption of
ne new Constitution of Ohio, which Ell
ludes them from any direct participation ii
he enactment Of laws; bot, a. It provides
or amendments, We lhay possibly, persuade
ur masters. the representatives. Go calledJI
the people, to alter, or provide for the al
Grafton Of that constitution, to give the peo.
lie What they before had an inherent right
., the power to enact laws for their own 60
ernment. = lal .a"5s5a5a 'lelS HI,
The popular sovereignty principle rel
emily adopted in Congress, for territories,
light as well be applied 10 the people, else:l
'hefe; Ii townships, Or c5bhties. 4 / w,soAid
ay in townships. certainly; but that it iaight;t
erhaps, be thought too great asstride; for
ne step Of progress, let US then say by 4
ouaties. Let the people, themselves, ieeis-
Thswhoie public mind Of Ohio; with d
opulation Of more than two millions, is toS
asst too nnwieidy, to be conveniently con-
entrated, moulded into rome portabls lump Of
arnionious. well digested,, well balanced
.aw. I. And while We continue To- attempt It, /:
e shall continue to be disappointed ---shsIl1
ontnueein our preseat state Of political tur4i.
loil. and inharmonious, diseatdant, growlipe4
nd tFuBbling. Hsnil.sn, Ashtabala. Bel