Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-01-08
THE SpEAkERSlilP.


We would be pleased at the election OF Demo-
cratic Speaker because we would not have our party
shrink from responsibility or avoid danger. when the
integrity of institutions. aud Of the Union ITSELF
is imperilled Yet such election would probably
subject US to much vexstion and obloquy, render us
powerless for good and scarcely useful in preventing
others from perpetratng evil. The continued contu-
macous factiousness OF the little squad of Southern
know-Nothings betrays bitterness OF hatred 10 the
Democracy that renders it hopeless that they will
ever become cordial and faithful allies, should
they eventually vote for Democratic Speaker. In
that event. they would be almost sure to do all in
their power TO perplex oppose and thwart the Speak
or whom they had helped to elect. They still look
to e-union with their recreant Northern wing stil!
hope by means of this reunion, to elect PRESIDENT
from their own piebald ranks, and to hold tho relns
and offices of government. To make the Democracy
r.sponsbo for the action Of Congress, though pow
erless to control that action, might bring that party
into disrepute for eeason at least, and give Know
Nothingsm ascendancy. a majority on the commit
tees, and in the House. being anti.Democratc, that
majority would control legislation matter who is
Speaker
The election Of Democratic Speaker might turn
out worse than emptry triumph. Our party, there
FORE expresses eagerncss TO succeed in such elec-
ton. 1t is willing to be exposed 20 unjust inputaons'
and to incur danger, 80 long as there IL chance or
hope OF being useful to the country; but it does not
conrt sacrifice whose useful results are SO doubtful
Ii is barely possible that the know-NothngS after
electng Democratic Speaker, might contlnueto act
in cordial concert with party, in opposition to the
Black Republicans. To do 80, would be virtually TO
dsband; to qui. their party, and join their country
There is nothing in their past history or present atti
tituds to encourage the hope that they will ever exer
else such patriotism and maguanimity. They who,
ior the last month, have been unable to choose be-
| tween Black Republican treason and Democratic
conservatism; between the enemies of the consu
ton and the country, and it's defenders, may profess
sudden conversion, but hardly expect that their
| professions will ineet implicit reliance. We fear
they ure daily becoming callous and more cum
ming, hardened in political iniquty by its con.
tinued practice and deaf to the call OF patriot
is,n from lis CONTINUED Disregard. Such is opinion
of the Southern squad OF Know No,iugs in Congress.
We hold widely different opinion however OF their
constituents, who nre influenced by hopes
pectatiOu of place preiernent. We believe these
members are acting in open violation OF the wishes
and opinions of very large msjority of those con.
stituens We are sure that people of the South OF
all parties would not hesitate moment 10 rive warm
and efficient aid to the Democracy in Cougress in its
war with Black Republcanism, had they the power
to do so. We see daily indications of this spirit in
the columns Of the Southern Press In a crisis like
the present, the patriotism and the sacacitv of the
people never err, and we believe the people, with
wonderful unanmity, now concur that hostility TO
Black Republicans, and concert of action at least for
the time, with the Democracy in Congress, is tb.
plain and imperative duty Of every Southern man.
Unless their representatives speedily earnestly and
| in good faith pursue this course, they will have
fearful account to render when they return to their
homes. Every body at the South sees that the
Democracy s the last hope of the Union, the Consti-
! tuition and the South. They will pardon neither the
treaclery nor blindness OF their representatives.
II will be va 10 put in the pary plea OF pretended
Democratic "insolence or intolerance, TO to
justify such gross dellicton of duty. fauer still to
gild your treachery by boasting Of your veuality.
Your constituents did not send you to Congress- TO
get offices for themselves for you much less did
they expect you to sell your votes for Speaker to the
highest bidder, or to remain neutral till you paid
for enlistment. However wrong the Democrats may
be in refusing you Offices your constituents will tell
you, it furnishes for your failure to servo
your country in her time of need. Your consciences
and your per diem should have prevented your
treachery, however mpotent to inspire your patriot