The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1856-05-09

democratic party would oe hourly ~ danger OF
t the penalty.
Under Jeferson's administration the great
contest was IN reference tothe acquisition OF the
Territory of Louisiana. The opposition de-
nounced the purchase prodigai waste of the
public money, and reckless extension Of the
/ limits of our government. The press teemed
With trash Of this kind; and the rostrum, and
/ even the pulpit, echoed the notes of alarm. But
/ the purchase was made, and who can count the
/ value OF this single feature Of Democratic poll
1 cy. Had the doctrines Of the opposition pre-
vailed, the Mississippi river would now be in
/ possession of France or England. The States
/ OF Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa and the
/ Territories of Nebraska, Kansas, aud Minneso-
! ia, would aot be ours, but compose part of
jealous, il not a hostile power. Their iahabi-
tantS would not now enjoy the blessings of a
Tree government; and who, at this dav, will
Edare TO say that this measure of the Democracy
! was unwiSe, or who would ask TO have so many
/ lionrisblng States driven out of the Union.
During the administration Of Mr.. Madison
the great issue was one OF war with England.
When that insolent power claimed the right TO
search American vessels on the high seas, and
press American citizens into the ranks of her
servIle army, the great heart of the nation re-
prllrd the indignity. The enemies Of the Dem
ocratlc party, in the main, were against the dec
laraiion OF war. Some went so far as to meet
in your own State at Hartford, to plot resist
ance, if not treason. But war came and went.
and who will say now that it was not the true
policy of this nation 10 haze it? In its prog
resS and consequences it honered our flag, ele-
waited cur character as warlike people. fixed
more firmly the position of our government as
one Of the family of nations, and settled great
rules Of national intercourse and comfy, which
are now respected by all.
The periods of the administrations of Mr.
Monroe aud the Younger Adams were not 50 re-
markable ior Partizau issues and great results
Under the former, the Territory of Florida,
now Statr, was acquired. Gen Jackson was
the next President, and during his term the
question Of national bank was the great issue
The opposition held that such an Institution was
indispensable TO the business of the country
that we must have great regulator Of the cuI-
rency, Of exchanges and values. But when
the bank determined to regulate the politics of
the country, Jackson determined to regulate it
and when lis appliances bad secured the pas
sage at re-charter through Congress, that man
Of iron will put his heel ON it, The sensation
produced by the act was awful. The CRY of
rttin and tyranny heard ~ III ports OF lie
land. Old women and political hypochondri-
acs we're IN Mysteries. Panic Commuters were
seen vending their way to the White House to
demonstrate and impore. But all they could
get from the Old Hero was firm declaration
Of Wholesome truths, touching the future trade
and commerce and currency of the country, -
rincing foresight on his palt which have ev-
pr regarded as more wonderful than his achi-ve-
mens on the field Of battle. But now the hanl,
IS rated an Obsolete idea its former advocates
t,oncrdr the wisdom OF the policy that termna-
ted lis existence. Many oihrf great things
were done hy Jackson. When the French hes
tailed 10 pay, Jackson said Shy the Etyrna,"
and the money came. When a sovereign State,
dissatisfied with the revenue laws, threatened
resistance, The same potent voice produced peace.
Under the administration Of Mr.. Van Buren,,
the sub-trraSury was made leading issue. The
purse and sword were notes of alarm. But this
issue has been settled in our favor The inst-
tution has worked well, aud the sword has been
orderly
In 1910 our opponents attained power once
more. Coming in through kind of political
phrenzy, they had long programme OF meas-
ores on hand. What did they do Contrary
te their pledges they attempted 10 faseu anotbrr
bank upon the country. They did pass a bank
ruPt act, which in the short space of one year
wiped out hundreds Of millions of honest debts
and was then repealed in accordance with the
indignant voice of the nation. The issues on
the question of the tariff, 50 prominent at that
time, have all been settled in accordance with
Democratic policy. The next great issue was
the annexation Of Texas. The measure was
supported by The Democracy, and resisted by
most of the opposition. But who, among them
now, will say that Texas ought not to be ours
Who regrets her admission into The Union, save
only few fanatics The opposition said war
with Mexico would follow. and il did follow.
This was the Only hat they bad made for long
time War did commence by the act of Mexi-
CO, and what then Why the opposition press
again termed with denunciatious against thr
President and his party. The war was deoonn-
crd as unjust aud aggressive on onr part. The
rostrum and the pulpit again echoed the alarm,
and joined in defamlng the government. Even
members of Congress went 50 far as to saw that
American soldiers in Mexico should be swell
coined with bloody hands 20 hospitablr graves
Bat the grea: heart of the nation pulsated in
unison with the government, and State after
State, company after company, and man afier
man rendered their services to the President
The spectacle was proud one, and astounded
Great Britain and other jealous powers. The
war was brief and brilliant one, and peace
was made on our terms. Had the policy of
the opposition prevailed, Texas, long ere this,
would have heen forced into an alliance with
England and France, and California, the richest
State III the Union, so " ouderfu in her past
growth, and promise for the future. would still
be integral part Of the degraded republic of