Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-07-03
Letter of II. p. stanton.

GENTLEMEN Yonrs Of the 18th instant, in
vting me TO attend and address the National De-
mocracy OF your city at grand mass meeting to
be held on the 9th instant, has been duly re-
ceived.
My business in Washington, at this moment is
of such character that cannot hope to be pre-
sent at your meeting. regret this more, because,
recently, my name was used in your city without
authority, by a party with which have never
had any connection, and in whose leading prin-
ciples of "civil and religious prescription" can
never concur.
Approving the general doctrines of the National
Democracy of New York, and heartily admiring
the firmness with which, generally, they have
maintained their avowed principles, could well
desire to mite with them upon any occasion, for
the purpose of endeavoring to promote their sue
cess in their own State, and the ascendency of
their patriotic sentiments throughout the Union
In this day Of our country's trouble, when,
after the old elements of ordinary political agita-
ton have, in great measure, subsidized and be-
come solicited, so as no longer to form tho basis
of party struggles, others of more dangerous and
threatening character have become the powerful
springs Of movement and Of violent disturbance
il is impossible that parties can be organized with
out distinct reference TO the real issues which the
cxigencies Of the times present. All arrange
ments which seek to conceal or avoid those issues
are essentially false and hollow.
Neither the immigration and naturalization Of
foreigners, nor the influence of the Catholic reli-
gion, nor both OF these together, Of sufficient
| importance at the present day To take the place
of those issues which in former times have en-
listed the energies of great men and of great par
ties. The conflict of opinion which most seri-
ously affects us now, concerns the supremacy and
sanctty of our constitutional compact To en-
gage ourselves seriously, therefore, about those
minor questions have mentioned, would be such
| folly as would be displayed by one absorbed in
arranging the mere details and decorations of his
| dwelling, while the very foundations are trem-
| bling and endangered beneath him.
| The party destined to achieve permanent sue
cess in this country viii be the one that sha truly
comprehend tho existing crisis and shall base t.
self upon that profound sentiment of LOYALTY TO
the Constitution, which, in the midst Of all the
agitations and unsettled convictions Of the hour.
| Is still the great characteristic of the American
| people | do not speak of mere sentimental
| attachment TO the Union Of the States, though
that attachment is undoubtedly one Of the happy
results of enlightened patriotism; but speak Of
a profounder principle Of regard and affection for
/ the compact Of union and the rights secured by
| it., in the sacred observance of which alone rests
| the permanence of our institutions. No appre-
CATION OF dissentient parties, or fragments Of par
ties, not penetrated and united by some profound
| and homogeneous sentiment, having reference TO
/ the actual situation, ever achieve more than
an accidental, temporary, and evanescent triumph
The paltry trick Of seeking political power by
| the avowal of opposite principles in opposite
quarters, and by secret negotiations for the COM
binaton OF these treacherous schemes into the
| accomplishment Of one general purpose, however
| apparently successful for the moment, is doomed
| TO inevitable defeat and disgrace The very ele-
walton TO power by such means, is but the instru-
! nent Of a severer punishment, TO be sgnalized
\ by the magnitude of the failure, and the fall
which must inevitably follow.
! II IS, gentlemen, because believe the National
Democrats of New York to be animated by a
| profound sentiment of regard for the constitu-
tional rights Of all the States of the Union, and
because, under all circumstances, and without
regard to consequences, they have adhered TO this
principle, and have disdaiDed all arrangements or
coalitions not having this basis, that now ex-
| press my continued confidence in them and my
| willingness TO cooperate with them. SO long ss
they shall be- true TO these professions they will
ever form the strongest column in the great army
Of patriots, and shall be proud in the ranks of
the Tennessee Democracy, to march alongside Of
them and TO participate in the glorious victory
which must ultimately crown their efforts, and
consolidate the foundations Of our liberty and
our Union.
have the honor TO be, very respectfully, your
obcdient servant, FRED. p STANTON.
At the conclusion Of these letters, there were
loud calls for Mr. James t. Brady and Mr.. ID. L.
sickles. Mr.. Brady being absent, Mr. Sicklcs
came forward, and addressed the meeting az fol-
lows:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen: ] assure you