The weekly Columbian. [volume] (Columbia, Tuolumne Co., Cal.) 1856-1???, 1856-10-11
The po,itlcal Issue.

6FAQSUtIy eEgTCsSSS TIC ltitcI cst duN iaoOiC Va
campaign; this question refers to the extension
Of Slavery. There is no better standard by
which to judge of political issues, than the
spirit Of the press, and the explanation Of po-
litieal leaders; and In studying the character
Of these, even q casual observer would readily
recognise the principles tina: govern two of the
parties Of the dey-the one Slavery, and the
other Anti Slavery; the one North and the
other South the one committed in favcr Of
Slavery extension. and the other SO firmly CON-
mitted in opposition TO it: and each jecpardi-
sing the perpe:uity Of the Union On its fael
issue! BY way of illustration we clip from
the columns Of the St. Louis lateliyescr:
ST.. LOUIS, July eth.
The Charleston Mercury, speaking of the ex-
cisemeu. g. TIE North about Brooks assault on
Sumner. says:
On the other hand. the furious denunciatiors
In every quarter OF the North have developed
the same feeling OF unanirnity among Northern
representatives and the result is that the lines
of secsonalism have been drawn deeper than
ever before. to the disgust Of party hacks, and
Che satisfaction of true men in the South. We
rejoice at any event which makes common
carse at the South and foreshodows her desti-
ny as separate and independent people
The Mercury goes for Buchanan, says the In
ssu;cereer, because it believes that his election
would be an "event which would make common
cause Of The South, and foreshadow her destiny
as separate and independent people" CARR
son and Wendell Phillips go for the Democrat
ic nominee, fer similar reason-that is, it
would be an "event which would make CON-
mon cause at the North and foreshadow her
destiny as a separate and Independent re-
public"
Is comment needed?
Such are tbs common expressions of Demo
cratic principles, particularly in the Southern
States; while the republican press of the North,
il characterised by the same disunion senti-
ments, when brought to the final issue' With
the St. Louis hs,slli5zacr, We can only ask g is
comment needed ?"
A popular writer Of the Democratic School,
n abiding to the sectional differences which
divide the Democratic and Republican parties
says: hThe Issue must come, must be met
oven though it tear azunder the union of States
already rendered obnoxious to the interests Of
the South. The election Of Fillmore might de-
Law but cannot prevent it," II is thus we see
that MuAARD FILLMORE ia regarded as con-
sentative man-one who if he could not Who'll
" prevent dieunIon of Government might DE-
lay il. he is not claimed as the representative
of either North or South, but like the Sun in
his course. dispenseth warmth and light alike
to all Can any position be more enviable :?
Is it reserved for fame with her trumpet tongue
TO proclaim a greater honor-to speak of
brighter glores? Over twenty million of free
people now reverence and love the name of
Fillmore
After having filled the Presidential chair OF
government, through term of years charac-
terised by sectional strife, he now stands up be-
fore his people, loved and honored by all as the
representative, not of this locality or that. but
of the Nation! Here then we behold the lea
der of the third party which enters the field of
contest at this coming election. Its principles
like those of its leader are conservative, and
neither advocates nor prohibits the extension of
slavery. Allying itself with no section, it is
DESTROYS of leaving this mooted question with
the citizens of the Territory whom it immed-
ately concerns. 1t is thus that they would be-
come, not only the dispensers of equal justice,
but also the peaceful arbiters of warning ele-
ments and sectional animosities These are the
principles recognised in the platform of the Amer
party, and these are the sentiments promulga-
ted by its orators and leaders And yet the
opposition tell US that Fillmore cannot be cleo
ted In the name of God and the Country,
we ask why! You acknowledge his patriot
ism and his ability-millons echo back the
same, and yet we hear the duped minions Of
party and the blind adherents of sectionalism
say continually, that he cannot be elected !
Thank God, we think differently, but if mista-
ken: If Fillmore is beaten, it will be on the
grounds Of his observation-disclosures he loves
his country.
In voting for Fremont the citizen casts ms
vote for the North; In voting for Buchanan ne
supports the South, but in casting his suffrage
In favor Of Fillmore, he can carry in his bosom
the gratifying assurance that he has given o
vote for the CONSTITUTION and the UNION.
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