Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1855-01-09
FALL INTO RANK.


--.A-
FALL INTO RANK.
There is . runor that three OF the Representatives
in Congress from this Stute-;hc members from the
Scott, Fuuquicr and Accomac ~d:stric:s-pub!icly and
babitu1lly avow a determination not TO support the
nominees of the Steunton Convention. We do not
pretend TO give, for we do not know, tho authority Tor
this statement. II i. sufficient that the story is gene,
rally circulated, and is used by the Wing press to em.
oarrass our party III the present canvass.
AZ no period OF irs history has the Democratic par
~ Of Virginia bceu confronted by a more formidable
foe ,nan that which now mcnaccs it with defeat and
utter aunihilation. The broken ranks of its ancieu,
enemy bavo been recruited by II new and apparently
powerful party. The Wings have retired from the
Sc.I, have abandoned their old system OF warfare,
and have resor;ed 10 the stratagenis and ambush
fighting Of their skulkins allies. The fusion OF Know
Sothinyi.m aud Whi:sery is complete, and all the cle-
menis OF opposition will be organised and rallied 10 the
overthrow oithe Democratic party. We are iorewarned
OF :So consequences of defeat. The Richmond Ilatc.
feeling the inadequacy Of simple and ordinary Ian.
Suage 10 convey the full force Of its ~malisnity and
deadly purpose. dcuounces the doom OF the Denlocra-
cy by historical allusion and metaphoricnl anaihelna.
In threatening tho Expulsion Of the Goths and Van.
dals, ~ this prophet OF woe forcibly foresiadows the
prostrs,.on, prescription and annihilation OF the Dem
ocra,ic party in the event Of it's defeat. Every Off
c!el Is 10 be swept from place, and the ascendancy Of
Wing measures and Wing policy is TO he restored.
In this crisis Of rial and danger, when tho Demo.
cratic party is confronted by an adversary, which
boasts Of invincib!lity; when al! the resources Of the
opposition, from every quarter OF the country, are con-
centrated in the assault upon this tortrc:s Of Dcmoc-
racv: when an unfortunate issue Of the struggle will
involve the hopeless overthrow OF our party and the
a.csnd0ney OF EVhte nc1sares end Wig TNhcy-wc
cay, in THE grea: emergency no ch!ettain can be per-
mitted 20 shrink from the contest. and indulge the
sulleu resen,men; OF personal luminosity ordisnPpointed
ambition, while the masses OF the Democracy arc en-
during the sweat ana agony OF tue light. The Demo-
crat thar is no, with us in this hour of trial and su-
preme effort, when the fate Of the Virginia Democra.
cy Is 10 be determined now aud for all time, is agains,
his country and agaius, his party. II is not the time
for neutrality. The party will no, tolerate inaction or
Indifference. Every man nust rally to the rescue, or
submit to the penalty Of desertinu or apostacy.
Through their appropriate organ and with the usual
Formally. the Democracy Of Virginia have presented
their candidates to the people. 1t is absurd,o inpute
tho action Of the Ssuunton Convention to fraudulent,
coctrlV0pCe. lndt SopVcptloQ was leStHldteiy 40
eembled, in accordance with the usage and in obe-
dicnce 70 the wish OF tho party. Reorganization was
controlled by tho opponents OF Mr.. Wise, aud they
bod everything their own way, except i'll tho simple
matter of voting. The Convention was large beyond
precedent, and was a fui! and fair representation Of
the Democracy CT the STATE. In it's nominations, it
gave expression 10 the Indispensable WILL OF THE
PARTY. Henry a. Wise is :hen the chosen champion
of the Democracy Of Virginia, fully authorized TO ex-
pound lis principles, and regularly elected TO lcad It's
force, and defend it's honor. BY the supremc ap-
poiu.mea, and authority OF the people, he is amounted
uad commissioned for the work Of protecting the an
Glen, liberties Of Virginia from the intolerant aud pro-
~ecriphve deepotism Of Know NOTTINGHAM. His claim
TO the confidence and support Of the party, 10 as good
snd valid as the claim Of any other regularly nomi-
mated candidate. He does not shrink from the seve-
res, inquisition into his public career, but no Demo-
crut con dispute the orthodoxy of his faith without
impeaching the party whose sanction he has aud
whose organization he represents. A nun may OPP
pose Henry A. Wise, aud yet profess a speculative us.
.entso the principles Of toe Democratic creed; but no
man Gun oppose him, aud still CLAIM, 10 stand within
tae organization and TO deserve the confidence Of the
Democratic party. The support, and the honest sup
pol1 too of,he nominees of the Stauuton Convention,
10 O test oftrue allegiance 10 party.
We intend no menace by what we have written.-
We d;sc!a:n any authority to threaten any mon
with the vengeance of the party. We have
simply submitted our opinion of the duty Of Demo-
c.a:s 10 the present crisis, and of the obligation which
binds the:n to tho support of the candidates of the
party. The Democrl, who bctrays lns duty, is re-
spons;b!e, not 10 us, but 10 the party. We arraign no
man. We dictate 20 no man. We coercc no man.
We wish 10 drive no man from tho party. But we
want 70 make men show their hands. We want to as
certain distinctly and uncquivocnly the position and
purpose of every man claiming 10 be a Democrat,
:hat we may stand upon no ircachcrous ground, and
be embarrassed by no false friend. lie that is with
Us, must be for IL, and he that is not for lis must not
be with us. The people feel al interest in this mat.
fer. They wan, TO know the exact position OF po!iti
Clans tina; they may adjust their action accordingly.
Withon; further explanation, WI say 70 the iistiu.
gaished gentlemen who are represented im,&rrprc<ent.
81, we trust, as indifferent or inimical to the election
OF the candidates Of the party, to Take one side or the
other, and take it openly and boldly. Ii you are with
rs do not suffer your name aud influence TO be pa
rnde agains: Us; il you are against us, do no. longer
emoarrrss us by your doubtful attitude and uncertain
inclination.