Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-10-30
AIsemPts 10 Defeat the Recollection of
ME-. Smnnar.

Whoever writes the history of politics in Mas
sachusetts for this year Of our Lord, 1856, will
have to record the Fremont and Dayton move
ment, which having in itself all the elements Of
spontaneous force and popularity, was dashed and
well nigh destroyed by the most intense political
selfshness on the part of leading men of the SO
called Sc American . party. We used to COM
plain, and with justice, of the indifference of the
Wing party to the interests of freedom. That
party had finally to be put out of the way, for its
indifference. 1t was first broken by coalition Of
its opponents, and then swept away by the Know
Nothing movement. 1t may well be doubted,
however, whether its final exit should not have
been left 70 the silent and natural course ofeVents
1t soon appeared that the worst elements and the
worst men Of the party had attached themselves
to the new triumphant Know Nothing host, which
they have steadily controlled except for brief
period at the beginning of its career. 1t is be-
yOnd all doubt that the principal purpose Of
majority Of the 1000 voters for Gov. Gardner in
1854 was simply to break down existing parties,
and afford room for the erection of new and
better one than any that had yet existed They
never dreamed that the men whom they had set
at the work of distraction, would squat amid the
rubbish, and claim that the land was for the
building of their own warehouses. But so it was.
As soon as Gov. Gardner was inaugurated he be-
came impressed with the Importance of check
ing certain influences which he had never before
considered in any degree obnoxious. He began
to strengthen his lines and deiences and throw
up his entertainments atferIthe fashion of the par.
ty he had been appointed to destroy. The people
soon found that the little finger Of the new party
was thicker than the loins of the old one. In
one short session the party was weighed by the
anti-slavery men and found wanting in many par
ticulars. Especially was it found wanting when
the people demanded that the promise which was
made in 1854 should be fulfilled by the formation
Of party in sympathy with the great Republican
movement Of the country. Their efforts to this
end were in some degree bafled by the persistent
efforts Of the head Of the government, aided by
his spies and emissaries. A Republican party was
however formed. II became powerful in num-
bers, the second party in the state Its time Of
triumph was seen to be approaching. Through.
out the free states the people were moving, to
thrust aside all minor issues, and unite for free
dom. The Republicans of Massachusetts re.
sponded warmly. They were ERNEST and most
unanimous for John C. Fremont. While thu
american" leaders who are now stumpng wor
cesier county were for Fillmore and his pro.slay
cry platform, the Republicans were working il
the cause Of freedom and for the gallant pathiind
er and flag bearer. By their aid be was put i
nomination.
By their frmness the campaign was fifty an
properly inaugurated. They came home and re
newed their efforts TO have all opponents Of slave
~ and rufiansm act together. The history 0
events in June, July, August and September, i
one unbroken narrative Of sacrifices, often Of tn
most ignominious character, for the purpose o
bringing all men into one party. All was in vain
Not the danger 10 the country, not the honor o
Massachusetts involved in the election Of thei
outraged senator, could move tho leaders Of thu
American party from their fixed purpose to sci
themselves out at the highest possible price. A
sham Vice President was put up a shan, electo
raj neket, also legislative issues were pushet
forward purchase was made Of certain con
greasi0nal aspirants, aud finally all the arts 0
Intrigue eliminated in the successful attempt 4
debaueh the Republican State Convention. Sine
that grand bargain and sale Fremont and Day
ton and Charles Sumner have been made matte
Of traffic 10 county conventions and town caucu,