Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1855-01-16
PATRIOTIC AND MANLY LANGUAGE.

The following article, from the Cherlestown Spirit
OF Jefferson, should arouse every Democrat in the
State to prompt energetic nnd cordial discharge Of
duty in the present crisis. If our principles were
ever worth sustaining-and time and experience have
demonstrated their wisdom md popularity-thc pre-
sent ia the moment when the Virginia Democracy
should step FORTH in all their strength, to give them
permanency, and to vindicate their own consistency
bv stemming the tide of mongrel fusion Of federal
ism and Know Nothngism. We cannot doubt the
fidelity Of the Democracy of Virginia, but We appeal
10 every Democrat to do his whole duty in the pre-
sent contest
THE DUTY OF DEMOCRATS.-Int the coming
political contest in this State the opponents OF the
Democratic party will leave no effort unnade or no
energy unwioded to bring defeat, and with that de-
feat, disgrace. upon the Democracy. The mere idea
that old Virginia is to yield to the dcusive influences
by which she il surrounded and lorsakc for the rst
time the principles Of the fathers of her institutions
il something which has heretofore been suoh COM
pctc cinlcra that it is now almost impossible for the
mind to think of it even probable reality. For
ourselves think that she will remain steadas but
some Democrats entertain the opinion that Virginin
will no longer be called the heart of Democracy, and
her sons for the future cannot point to her az the
jewel of consistency. Would it not be deplorable,
nay. would 1t not be n burning, bghting shame,
which no repentant tears however earnest sincere,
could cacc, if Virginia, which has weathcrcd every
storm, withstood every attnck Of fanaticsn, and
laughed to the puny efforts of those who sought
her destruction, should now yield up her energies,
her faith, and allow her hair to be sh by modern
Delilah, only to DO handed over TO her old enemies
the Phistincs
There is a way Of preventing such runous results
as those which would follow the succcss of this recent
coalition Of the opponents Of our creed Let every
Democrat do his duty. Let them cease talking about
men, and let them think of principle. How is the
i u.
whether Henry a. Wise was once whig or not!-
Concede that he was, which we do not pretend to
deny does that prove that he is one now! Does the
fact that he committed sin in the past prove that he
is still SHINING today Can II DC said lruiully that
enrv A. Wise is Whig when he is Numerically
opposed to every tenet of the Wing party We must
concedc to all men what we would claim for our
selves. If We convinced Of error, can you deny
us tue right forsnke errors and must you sit in
Judgment upon acts, and Judge of tho motive that
nctuated us in the change, We deny that any man,
or set Of men, party, can sit in council and pass
Judgment to the purity or mpurity of the motives
that influence us i'll any change we may make. Does
not Henry A. Wiscs course for the last twelve years
prove conclusivcy that he embraced tho principles Of
the Democratic party through no spirit of vaultinS
ambition but through sincere anu earnest cnnvic-
on that they alone could lead THIS country to great
ness and they alone preserve 1t from the nsdons al
tacks of nised mon and designing demagogucs! We
SAY il freely we say sincerely, that we want bet
ter States Right Democrat to stand forth as the cnl-
bodment of the principle We adhere 10 Than the pre-
sent ,minec of the Democracy for the Governorshp
Of Virginia, go,
The opposition, anxious for any element that will in
the least fond to the dsorganzation Of the Dcmocra-
cv, have taken Us hobby what they call tine aporta-
cy OF our nominee and tho Whig press tecm with ar:
,,cics Of tic most abusive character II they used
this word apustate with tho Specification OF dissent
or rom certain opinions could sec no mpropricty
IN Its but il they use it in the sense of traitor, they
nre committing moral wrong. Why q man ID
traitor who changes his opinions, when the party 10
~hicn lie belongs comedies the right to change Is
something We arc unable to understand. And II the
party 10 winch be belongs does not concede that ne
has the night to change then he it's slave, and oil the
members OF that party arc slaves.
Democracy there are but two roads for YOU to
take either Tor or against your party Either to vote
for its nominee, and save the good old Democratic
character Of your State by remaining SILENT or by
voting for your opponents to assist in defeating for
the first time, but not for the last the Democratic
party of Virginia. Do not deceive Yourselves DO |
not think that any injury which may be done at pro-
sent can be remeded in the future Ii will be NOR
tai stab that will kill the Democracy of the Old Do
minion aud We tell you that no applications which
Won will apply in the future will be able to heal the
wound. Samson.lke, when his eyes were out ii VIC
wouli destroy our enemies, we must destroy our
selves. Are yon willing to make sacrifice OF your
selves merely to appease the appetites OF those VINO
have been seeking your destruction for years. 9ut VINO
have always failed, Can any Democrat, who pre- !