American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-11-24
WHERE rs "DnMocRAcx ."

"Sa&R1 4S "D!SIGCSAACE 9''
Real Democracy-that upon which,
rs foundation, our institutions are
based, lives, hourishcs and triumphs :;
1t is that which has made rs great, and
made our evidences to blossom as
the rose" 1t is that which, scattering
its blessings over our continent, has
distinguished us rs 4 peculiar people,
Underlying tho Constitution, and per-
meating the government, it is the mo-
tive power, nccclcrating our progress
forward and upward. Taught in the
Book Of books" diiTuscd and illustra-
ted among astonishcd nations and mute
philosophers, it has sped its course to
the home Of the savage, and built up
nation Of free men and liberal institu-
tons, to be the pride Of the world
The principles Of true Democracy abide
with us in continuance, and flourish
with US in pcrpetuity, so long as our
National patriotism is guided by the
light of profound craftsmanship in our
national councils--so long as virtue and
intelligence characterize the people
With the lamp Of experience TO guide
liz, Il pure Democracy as a breastplate,
the American Republic will continue
10 breast every opposition, and to sur
prise the other nations Of the Garth,
by continued prosperity, accommodating
power, and accelerated glory.
In a government like ours individual
ideas and notions become, in the Leg
islatWe Of the nation or state. living,
active principles, aud are there organ
lied into written laws, and receive the
impress Of power; thence going out
they govern the people. Is it mot,
then, Of salutary Importance that indi-
vidual ideas and notions should be en-
frightened in tho principles Of Democra-
cy, that the laws springing from them
may accord thereto? Certainly it is.
The proposition is plain ono. The
truth is apparent, and conyincca by its
own force.
The child, reared TO manhood with
the surroundings Of American scnti-
ment and the blessings Of American
liberty and laws, imbiJes the spirit Of
those sentiments and liberties, and as
he grows in years lie grows in apprc-
citation Of his country and its govern
mcnt, and when he arrives at the age
Of manhood, he becomes safe and IN
tclligcnt repository Of power, and he is
clothed with suffrage, which is his voice
in the making and execution Of the
laws. Trained to understand, and ha-
bituatcd to reverence American insti-
tutons, he is prepared to discharge in
diligently the duties, and to meet the
responsibilities Of citizenship, Thus
i. is that wall Of patriotic hearts,
beating around the borders of our Re
public, rejecting the principles Of a
true Democracy, have rcpollcd inva.
sion3 from without, and crushed cor
ruptions arising within, giving pcrpct-
uity to our government. The source
Of power pure and invigorating, its OK
crcisc must be healthfu! and pcrma-
nonlly advantageous.
Hitherto the oppressed Of dcspotsm
have found home with us, and enjoy
cd in common the privileges Of citizen
ship. The Industrious mechanic, the
thrifty farmer, the entcrprising CAPT
talist, seeking our land os an asylum
from oppression, have received an open
handed welcome to tho immunitics Of
free government, and have enjoyed all
the rights thus guaranteed without mo-
lc3tation from any source. While the
tide Of emigration brought to us such
access ons to industry and capital, no
danger was apprchcnded to our instl-
tutions, because the interests Of such
citizens in few years became identi-
Lou ,.sA or own, ana .-osy very IN