Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1855-10-20
The Progress Of T ruth.

OF parties In our country, we cannon lhi' "
be sforcibly impressed with the value Of
the great truth which was felt ny MT.
Jefferson, when be asserted, that freedom
Of discussion was the only means for TIL
umph over error. Many important issues
have been discussed by the political par
ties, into which our people hsve.been di-
vided, aud those discussions have engaged
the ablest talent Of both parties, in all por-
tiohs Of our widely extended county
They have baen discussed in our !egisla-
lures, State and National-through the
newspapers and periodicals-upon the
musings, and around the fire side, and the
result has been, that the popular mind has
given its approval to the truth, which has
been thus evolved. and has perpetuafed it,
in the form Of laws, or constitutional pro-
visions, as the one or the other form. seem
ed best adapted to the emo in view.
In the past sixty years great number
Of important and deeply interesting lues.
lions have heen before the country, all Of
which have been ably, earnestly and thor
oughly discussed. and we think finally
decided. Under the administration OF Mr..
Jefferson, the Naturalization and Annexa-
ton questions, excited much interest and
discussion, and after the most anxious re-
Election and careful examination, the pop.
ular voice pronounced in favor Of the pol
icy indicated by this able and sagacious
leader Of the Democratic party. His pow-
er, acquired BY the advocacy Of political
truth, effected arepeal Of the Alien and
Sedition Laws, and settled the naturaliza-
ton question upon such just aud reasona-
Bile grounds, that no organized party (un-
til the advent Of Know No!hingism) has
proposed change. The people have
lived perfectly contentcd; the law has ope-
rated well, aud tho nation has gone for
ward in the highway Of prosperity with
unexampled strides. From the time Of
the announcement Of Mr.. Jefferson as
candidate for the Presidency, to the close
Of bis administration, the Federal opposi-
,ion under the lead Of men OF talent. ener.-
s. and experience, denounced bis prihci,
PIES, measures and administrative policy,
with unparalleled bitterness; but so strong
sy impressed was the popular mind with
tue wisdom and justice Of his views on
these question:, thOs he was ,r;umphantly
sustained, and the opposition, dispirited
and acknowledgement. This is
one of the striking evidences furnished by
our political history Of tho progress Of
truth, and its power over the popular
mind.
But there are other illustrations not less
stroug. The Bank question. the Tariff
question. the Internal Improvement ques-
ton, the distribution Of the proceeds of
Pablo Lands. the question Of State Rights
and strict constructor OF the Federal con-
s,itu.ion. aud many others that might be
named, have been subjected TO the fullest
and ablcst discussions, aud the Democratic
view upon each and all Of them has been
sustained and approved by the popular
verdict. SO we'll satisfied are our opPo-
nents with the wisdom and policy Of the
Democratic party on all these questions,
that they do not seek TO change, or over
throw that popular verdict, thus recognize
ing in regard to all these measures the
progress aud power OF truth.
Aud now let US look for moment ct
another picture. VIVA, Federal Wing.
or Know Nothing measure. is stamped
upon the history o. the country, approved,
endorsed. and cherished by the popular
mind. Examine the long list Of issues
which they have tenjered for discussion
and adoption, and where is one that has
not been repealed. in Difference 10 the
popular voice, sooner or later. Under the
Of old John Adams, they
forced the passage Of the odioas Alien and
Eeditiou Laws. but SO soon as the people
could be heard at the polls, they expelled
Adams from power. elevated Jefferson 10
the Presidency, and repealed the laws
The popular voice declared them uncon-
unjust aud unmise, and until
SAM" took charge Of the Wings, no par
" leader proposed to re-enact them. either
10 letter or spirit.
They have at various periods passed
Protective Tariff Bills, but their passage
has been followed by the demand OF the
people. that they should be repealed, and
repealed they have been.
They also rendered to the people great
measure ofrelief. las they caled,t,) known
as the Bankrupt Law, which was re.ev-
ed everywhere throug bout the country,
with the strongest evidences Of dissatislac-
ton. The popular voice said "Repeal
itF Repeal !" and SO soon as the peo-
pie could signify their will at the ballot
box. It was repealed. Look over the list OF
their ne asares. and name ore now IN ac-
tive operation, that indicates that they
have ever held power. and welded it, in
he passage ofwise and benef icent legisla.