Washington sentinel., 1856-05-15
A CALM APPEAL.

The Black Republican party having made
crusade against the equality of the Southern
States, the single, the sole point of contest in
the coming Presidential election, it follows that
TO defeat this iniquitous purpose the combined
energies Of the Democratic party should con-
verge.
For this purpose the Convention at Cincn-
natl will have very simple platform to erect
the constitutional equality of the States. Then
viii come the selection of leader around whom,
with the greatest certainty, will rally the greatest
number of Northern Democratic electoral votes,
be he who he may.
The coming election is not to reward SER
vices, however eminent The great, the para
mount, the absorbing question is-upon an
issue before the nation as to the equality of the
States to obtain q national verdict in favor of
that equality. To secure this verdict and the
resulting action, should the whole power and
energies Of the Democratic party be devoted.
We will not call in question the unity Of the
Southern States upon an issue involving their
equality. If, with the Southern States, any
leader is found bringing with him the required
number Of votes, the question before the Con.
vention is solved. Besides, he who with GER
tainty, can bring the required number Of votes
TO secure a triumph, can most assuredly, BY this
very prestige Of certain triumph, rally to the
national standard more Of other States than
could any one not bringing certain victory to
the Democratic camp. For what good pur-
pose would the Convention look beyond the
securing perfect triumph? Is there anything
in personal preference which can justify the
jeoparding the great sole question at issue2 Is
it the part Of patriotism, or Of wisdom, TO sink
the vital interests Of fifteen States in squabble
about personal preferences?
VIII not assured victory under the leader.
ship Of any distinguished statesman, bearing
with him an unbroken record Of confidence
and trust by the Democracy, suffice to render
the selection Of such an one unanimous2
Are cabaIs and the future prospects Of ndi-
viduals 10 override the great issue presented,
and selection be made, not with reference to
the success Of the Democracy in the coming
contest, but with reference to future nomina-
tons?
Are the foodgates of calumny to be opened
that they may sweep away the statesman who
brings in his hands the evidence from the Ma
tional Democracy that, under his leadership,
victory stands ensured2 Should success follow
such unholy action what assurance that more
deserving leader will be selected, and that he
will have certain victory in his grasp2
The nomination Of leader carrying assured
victory, will strike with paralysis, the spinal
cord Of the Republican party, and victory would
stand confessed before the battle would begin.
But let the evil spirit Of that unhallowed party
have bat the encouragement Of doubt, and its
known energy, relentless hate to the Constitu-
ton, its untiring industry, its million tongues
Of falsehood and deceit, may give good cause
for anxiety to every true lover Of bis country.
But even upon the ground of personal ser.
vice to the Democracy and to the country by
the respective persons whose names are now
before the public for nomination by The Gin.
cinnaii Convention, how do they respectively
stand before the country?
General Pierce was nominated and elected
not for services already rendered, but upon as
surance Of services to be rendered. Admit.
ting, If you please, that he has rendered ser
vice to the country and to the Democracy, he
has had his reward---he has done service for
honors bestowed in advance--for all that be
has done he has had his reward His claim TO |
notice for reelection must again be based upon
promises for future services.
We ask, all reasonable men, if General Pierce