American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-07-14
MoRGANTowN :
SATURDAY, JULY IA. 1868
SPIRIT OF TfEN AN1ufJcar M
PARITY.

coi "iue-spleau Union at TINS time,
when scctionolism had begun to spread
like dark cloud in the armament, and
to collect the angry elements of ,tiater-
nal strife in dark mantle to canopy
our fair land, to sec the sunbeams
breaking through the mist, and those
clouds dispensing in scattered frag-
mcnts.
AT time when the old political par
tics were casting about them for some
tcnablc ground to occupy in another
campaign for the spoils and the Presi-
dency; were at their wits end to re-
concilc the difficulties and inconsistent
cies in which former prohigacy had in
Volved them; quiet and transformations
asscmblage Of true and tried men came
together in National Council at Phia-
delphia, representing great organiza-
ton of Americans, "nativcs to the
manor born" to take counsel in view of
tho signs Of tho timcs--to lay broad
and deep the foundation of closer fra
tcrnity between the States of our great
and growing confcderacy, and to unite
IN q mighty phalanx the friends Of per-
pctual Liberty and Union in the scvc-
raj States. The work of their willing
hands, and noble hearts, and master
minds, has been given to the people in
a Declaration of Principles, better suit
cd to the necessities Of the times, and
more wisely adapted to the progress and
ultimate safety Of our institutions, than
any which has been enumerated since
the foundation Of our government was
laid and scaled That National council,
while it reflected the wisdom and intel
ligencc of the people, alike represented
the patriotism and the Americanism
which has difl'uscd itself into the masses
of our native population, and which has
characterized this as the American era,
and the actors upon the stage as the
American party. Therefore, sympa-
thizing in the deliberations of that Con
vcntiOn, the people watched its proceed
ings with eager solicitudc. And now,
that that body has dispersed, and its
membership is scattered in every State,
to which home invited them, what is
the result of that convocation, and what
has it achieved? From the four cor
ners of the Union we hear of the most
spirited and multitudinous "ratifca-
tiOns" of the princi pies laid down as a
Platform for the American party. AS
the Delegates have returned to their
constituents to "rcndcr an account of
their stewardship" they have been re-
ccivcd with open hands, and warm
hearts, and marked enthusiasm. Is
there any installing the meaning Of the
ratification meetings, accounts Of which
follow each other in quick succession,
IL olh tilc 4NOlIl, VIC bCOuIli, llC CttSI,
the West, or do the American people
assemble in thousands with banners,
and music, and Examinations, and the
oratory of the best men in the nation,
with no object in view? The intcrprc-
tation Of these assemblages, and the
parent asscmblage to which they res
pond by acclamation is, that tile spirit
Of the american Party is aroused to
the duty it owes to the country; and
to the necessity Of reform in our gov
crnmcnt and its administration, the
need of which has inflicted upon us in
Vulnerable evils and prospective dan
gers, calling loudly for the intcrposition
of wiser counscls and more National
policy, at the helm of affairs. With |
political sentiments harmonizcd by |
blending together freely, and with pur-
poses united by the common ties of in
tcrcst and patriotism, the American
party takes the field openly and uncon-
ccaled to achieve the high destiny which |
is dcCrecd it in the coming struggle of
parties and factions for the Presidency |
in 1856. The spirit already manifest
in Ratification meetings, so largely at
tended, so ably addressed, and 50 her
monious and enthusiastic, in every
quarter Of the Union, is the spirit that
will rovolutionizo the old parties, and
purify the stagnant pool Of sectional
. Hi. ..,,,;to ,Lo l;scnrJ,,,l oIo,uoof |