American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-03-15
OUR pCgITTCW.

editor of 4 paper devoted to the adyo-
cacy of the principles of the American
party, in field where those principles
are in the minority, and where prcju-
dice imposes letters of distrust and
suspicion upon the minds of majority
Of the people toward our politics, which
10 one Of wayering faith, or unsettled
purpose, or of compromising resolution,
might be considered uncnviable, and
certain to bring untoward and disag gree
able consequences upon tho devoted
head of its occupant. 10 man who
for n moment doubted the correctness
and patriotism Of the American creed
to one who feared to advocate It with
q bold pen and firm voicc--to one who
regarded his personal convenience and
comfort as paramount to any service
he might render bis country-or to ono
who courted the applauseaand feared
the frowns Of his follow men-our po-
sition does not present any promising
invitation. But, We believe in the
principles we proclaim, in every sane
ton of our judgment; we delight to
defend the principles of Americanism,
because we love our native land; we
regard our personal comfort and con-
yenience assubordinato to the discharge
Of duty; wc court applause only when
VIC fcariessly and fully acquit our obi
cations and responsibilities and We
fear no frown or angry diction unless
1t bears upon it the unmstakcable i'm
press Of justice and equity ;-hcncc,
tie duties of our position rest lightly
on our shoulders. Having assumed
our position voluntarily and dclibcratc-
ly, after scanning the whole field and
fully anticipating all the pleasures and
pcrplcxitics thercunto belonging or in
any wise appcrtaining, as an ample
experience qualified us to do, we are Of
course determined to maintain it in
sunshine aud in storm.
We are now in the beginning of the
Presidential canvass, clatcd with high
hopes and nervcd with a consciousness
that we are battling for the right.
Therefore, for Che principles Of the A
lncrican party we intend to labor with
whatever of ability, and all the zeal
that we possess, until the fiat of the
people shall have proclaimed the battle
DER. We wish to fight an honorable
warfare: to conduct the campaign, 50
far as we are concerned, on principle
and for principles. Our creed, en-
lbracing principles of high National i'm
portanco, courts investigation in all
the light which can be thrown around
it, and We shall advocate it ever deter
minodIy as the soundest that has
been enunciatel since the glorious Dec
laraton that made rs nation of free
men.
But while we a20ee0te, we shall also
Defend. When misrepresentation as
sails our cause, and attempts by nimsy
pretext to place it or our party in a
wrong, Unfair, or disloyal light, VIC
shall disorm that misrepresentation Of
its potency to harm tho one or injnre
the other, and hold the cayollcr aD to
rnerited contempt. We shall CONSTANT
~ cndeayor to dycst an uncharitabe
prejudice Of its unwontcd suspicious Of
the American party, and expose, by
all our resources, the demagoguc who
seeks to poison the prcjudices of The
people by idle speculations and rumors
Of Abolition Hobgobljns, Uindoo'
orgies, political trickcry, etc, in such
manner as will most cGectually render
the dcmagoguo aforesaid harmless in
propagating his sophistrics. We have
taken lesson in this respect from the
school boy who tamcs the 'bumble-bec
by extracting its sting. We have our
own peculiar way and style Of dealing
with those who join issue with US, and
"a :. rev seepstimes 10 severe, We me-