The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-05-20
THE TRIUMPH OF DEMOCRACY.
An EXTRACT FROM
The Speech of Hon. T.. B. Odds,


sentinels upon the wateh-towers of Demo
crazy. Whilst then, for the benefit of the
young men who are my auditors ON this
| occasion, trace the past history of the
Democratic party, these gray-haired fathers
will bear testimony to the truthfulness OF
what | have to say.
They will tell you that the Democratic
party has always been national party
Its principles are now and always have been
National in their character. 1t has always
stood by the Constitution and the Union at
the hustings and in Legislative halls. it has al
ways contended for measures for the cal
of the whole country; by land and by sea
it has always been found battling for, and
bearing aloft the stars and stripes &C our
country, inscribed with our national motto,
''E Pluribus Unum.''
This old time-hOnOred party, for more
than half century has been identified with
the best interests of our country. 1t has
been assaulted by foes without, and BETRAYED
by foes within; its principles have been
misrepresented and ridiculed its STAN
dard bearers have been vilified and traduc-
ed. yet its history is interviewer with all
that is great and good in the history of our
country.
l ask these gray-haired fathers. to what
party are we indebted for those measures
of policy which have enlarged the borders
of our country? With one accord they
answer the Democratic party.
Yes, Mr.. President, when we acquired
the Louisiana Territory. out of which have
been formed the States of Louisiana, Ar
kansas. Missouri and Iowa, and the Terri
tories of Minnesota, Oregon, Washington,
Kansas and Nebraska, the Democratic par
ty under the lead of Thos. Jefferson, were
in power. The old Federal party denounc-
ed and opposed the measure; but democra-
cy triumphed, and the Valley of the Mis-
sIssippi, and the Father of Waters, :" is ours.
When we acquired Florida, the Demo-
cratic party, under the lead of Mr.. Mon
roe, were the dominant party in the coun-
try; and now, thanks to that party, no
Spanish Dominion lies between us and the
Gulf of Mexico.
When we annexed the republic of Texas
% the American Union, the Democratic
party were in power. The measure was
opposed with great bitterness by the oppo- |
'ition party; but the unterrifed, true to
heir political principles, held on until the |
lone star" shone beautiful and bright, as |
me of the American consultations
When we acquired California, Utah, and |
New Mexico, the Democracy, under the
cad of James X. Polk, were in power
)ur opponents denounced the measure. and
denounced the country. Some of you may
hearing my competitor, in the
anvass of 1913, say that he "would not
urse his worst enemy by giving him a
acres in California; but the De-
1ocracy claiming Indemnity for the past
nd security for the FUTURE" held on amid
ne lannon's roar upon the battle-fields of
le1ico, and opposition denunciations in the
lalls of Congress, until California, Utah,
nd New Mexico, with their countless trea-
lres, became ours.
But, L stop not here. To the Democracy
re we indebted for that respect which wo
aintain among the nations of the EARTH
he war of 1872 was denounced by orr
Dponents as Democratic war; as James
ladison's war! There were those durinp
S prosecution who could meet in Hartfor6
invention to plot the dissolution of the }
nlon-there were those who could burn l
ue lights along the shores of Connecticut
light the enemies vessels into our bar-
were those who could declare
the Senate of the United States, that
hey would not vote a dollar to prosecute
e war, though the enemies cannon were
ttering down the walls of the American
lpltol." But thank God none of these U
en- belonged to the Democratic party e
II battle-cry was then free trade and
llor's rights 5" and through blood and
easure the Democracy maintained our
uonal honor, until we compelled our II
ushty foes to respect our rights, and bv n
Valor by land and by sea, we challeng- Il
and received the admiration of the world. P
Again, MIR. President, the war with Mex q
was denounced by our political oppo-
nts as democratic war;" as James NJ
Folks war;" There were those who to
llo declare that ''were they Mexicans, re
y would welcome our soldiers with bloo- Y
hands to hospitable graves" But again. of
INK God, such men were not of the De- NJ
cratic party. The battle-ields of Mexi- in
can bear ample testimony, that under L
rule there were brave hearts or
l stalwart arms that could battle valiant az
until we had obtained indemnity for the R,
It, and security for the future. tn
10 the Democratic party, also, are we tn
ebted for those measures of National ar
icy, which have made US the most pros Ca
Gus people upon the face of the Globe. HI
on may search your national statute tn
ks and the history of parties in the tn
ntry' but you will look in vain if YOU be
ect to find single measure of national tin
cy' opposed by the Democracy. but gle