The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1856-10-04
@ttklg Minnts0tiatt.


SATUBDAx MO8N1NGs SHks ~, 1885,
,Ao't" q farty Tses. '''i'3 : T -
Too often, in the whirlpool of political ex-
element, we are apt to be swayed BY party
prejadices, and gangrened by its petty jeal-
ousies. We are disposed to lay aside the
question of principle and look upon all issues
in a partisan spirit. Too many are constrain-
ed to abide by old party landmarks"
through desire of consistency, not think
ing it a virtue oftimes existing among fools.
"The good old way" has peculiar charm,
and desirable change is looked upon as a
radical revolution. Like faithful and ODE
dent sons they would use the same old i'm
plements-ploughing with a crotched stick,
and carrying their corn to mill with stone
at one end of the bag to balance. Like
drift-wood, without aim or purpose, are
they tossed in the great tide of affairs, and
float as uselessly along. ssr
Especially are many such to be found
among the Democratic party, who yet cry'
"Pure old Democracy" and fondly cling to
its shade, not knowing it has sadly degene-
rated, and contains nought but filthy mass
of decomposing matter, as nauseating as the
"stinkpots" of old. Their eyes are blind
ed to its pernicious tendency and their
minds darkened to its many infamies. A
few words of specious sophistry removes all
doubts and awakens in their minds strange
enlightenment. They behold the question
exposed in all its bearings, and argue as
learnedly as their reading will allow. The
most Infamous assertions are set forth as
facts, the most vile distortions as truths ;
and every crude and foolish conception as
reality.
Through a, distorted medium they view all
things, and, looking through the mirror Of
party politics, see no nobility in Freedom,
no purity in Truth, no glory in Liberty, and
no greatness in Free Institutions Thus
have party ties enthralled their senses, and
partisan warfare prostituted every generous
throb of enlightened sentiment. Their
minds are not their own their thoughts
the suggestion Of others, and the very
wbispers of conscience betrayed to unholy
designs.
Too much devoted to party interests to
feel remorse, they hurry into every vile ex-
travagance, rush into the most disgraceful
excesses, and glory in the most infamous or
gies. Can such proceedings extend the
power of the party Every pure principle
is sacrificed and every honorable virtue sur
rendered. Can this increase its strength ?
Honor, nobility, pride of Independence and
noble manliness of character are considered
"trifles light as air." and vanish before the
wind as useless chaff. '' -~ v
The voice Of mercy pleads in vain JUS
tice is disguised under discriminating par
tialities. Humanity takes the form of OPP
preston while charity and love melt into
mere inanities. Beseeching entreaties move
not; heartfelt supplications turn not; pray
ers and tears prevail not. Their very hearts
are steeled against all milder influences,
while the hand of party power valves Its
destructive token. Heretofore its effects
were chiefly witnessed in our Presidential
campaigns, and even now does it violently
rage, and undergo many convulsive throes,
preparatory to its final dissolution.
No freemen, possessed of intelligent
minds, but will perceive the distraction and
terror in the camp of the Democracy Cd
They behold the mask about to be torn away
and know not where to hide their infamy
and disgrace. The clap-trap cry of "pure
Democracy" can no longer disguise its rot
ten carcass or galvanise it into, vigorous
being. The eyes of the people are open
the /" wool /" has been removed. They be-
hold things in their true aspect, and shndder
at the vile deception. .eg ,.gtins ssr.
Let us go back period Of four years and
ask what have the Democratic party done
What have they effected beneficial to the
States 2 Have they expounded any great
principle, and carried into action None
And yet one, the glorious principles embodied
in squatter sovereignty. We forbear to men,
ton the consequences of its working. They
stand before the people in glowing colors.
He who runs may read. In this we behold
the strength of party ties in debasing intel
lect and rendering barren the soil of virtue
and of honor.
1t takes the form of the widest fanati-
cism and chafes at the name of opposition.
It's workings are visible throughout the
length and breadth of our land. In high
places do we perceive its debasing influences.
1t devastates every magnanimity of thought
1t lays waste every glorious purpose of the
soul In this enlightened age we are called