Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1856-04-12
THE CONTEMPORARIES PRESIDENCY.

Selcct ueieSateS " represent THEM In the
State Convention, to assemble in Balti-
more city, on the 30th instant, we take
the liberty of suggesting to the members
of the former, the propriety of avoiding
all discussion of the claims of the differ
ent aspirants for the Presidency and Vice
Presidency, whose names are expected
to be presented to the National Conven-
ton. 1t is impossible to make war upon
any candidate without giving a stab to
his principles; and we have an ever
watchful foe to contend against, whose
argus eye never sleeps, and who is ever
ready to take advantage of anything of
the kind to defeat, not the man. but the
common party to which we all belong.
We do not censure those who have here
tofore brought this all-important subject
before the public, but it does appear to
us that prudence would dictate differ
ent course for the future. The Demo-
cratic party has nothing to gain by dis
eussing this subject at the present time,
while, by postponing the discussion,
they may avoid differences and difficulties,
which might result in the unanimous
concentration of the votes of the Dem
ocratic party on two candidates for the
offices of President and Vice President
We are aware that all of us have our
preferences but we should all be pre-
pared to waive these preferences and join
the majority of the party in the selection
that may be made by the National Dem
ocratic Convention for these two Offices
If we had to contend for men alone-if
we had not to contend for principles and
measures-the discussion of the subject
thus early would be excusable; but we
are not contending for men, we are bat
Ting for principles and measures which
alone can preserve our public institutions,
maintain general confidence in govern
mcnt based on Democratic principles,
and urge on that government in that
pure, honest, and elevated course, to
pursue which it was instituted Can we
accomplish those objects if we turn our
attention to men only, and not to prinei-
pies and measures? Can we accomplish
those objects if we are divided among
ourselves? We most readily admit that
we must have men of the proper quail
fcations, to aid the Democratic party in
carrying out those principles and meas
urcs; but when we have so many men
properly qualified to discharge the duties
of the Offices contended for, it would be
folly, it would be unpatriotic, to hazard
the choice of any two such men, by quar-
reling among ourselves about the two to
be selected, because we have our individ-
ual preferences. There exists no cause
for divisions among us in regard to a
candidate for the Presidency. The prin-
ciples Of the Democratic party are well
known and understood by every member.
Those principles are the same from one
end of the Union to the other. We
should have no fear, then, that whoever
is selected as the candidate of the party,
he will not truly represent the principles
of that party, and in the discharge of
his duties he governed by the Democratic
creed professed by all. Whoever may
be tie man, there can be no danger of a
departure from the well-known and fixed
principles of the Democratic party, id
the administration of the executive de-
partment of the government. On all
the great subjects which have agitated
the country, the distinguished men named
for the next Presidency think alike, and
would act alike. They agree on all po-
litical doctrines, and they would agree,
as they have agreed, on all measures
based on those doctrines. We cannot,
then, entertain any fear of any one OF
those distinguished individuals becoming
recreant to his party and his principles.
Every member of the Democratic party
should keep steadily in view the neces-
sity of preserving the Constitution from
the hands of the spoilers, and this can
only be effected by union among our
selves, and the concentration of our
votes.
If We are opposed to the demoralizing
and dangerous sectional doctrines which
are being promulgated by all sorts Of
factions throughout the land, then we
must assist in placing in power our own
friends, who repudiate such fatal doc
trines and viii endeavor to uphold the
Constitution in its pristine purity. To
obtain such a glorious triumph, will not
every member Of the Democratic party
concede something Of his personal pre-
objections, and make some sacrifices at
the altar of public opinion, for the good
of his country? Such is the liberal
policy which we would recommend, and,
in our humble conception, it is the only
course which can insure concord to our
yartt, .nd With n nower anil eucceea