Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-05-08
THE "TIMEs AND SENTINEL, . CO.
LUMBUs, GEORGIA.

from the Times and Sentinel, Columbus Georgia.
1t takes the true the irrefutable, the irresistible
grounds upon which nomination should be
made: - 3tft..~
The next Democratic Nominee Tor Presi-
dent OF the United states-Who shall
no be
"Principles and not men," is doctrine that
every true democrat boasts in announcing as
the corner stone Of his political creed. 1t is
one to which we cheerfully subscribe. But
let it not be forgotten, in our obedience to its
behests, that it is only by and through men that
principles can be put into execution, and efiectu-
ally carried out; and that the efficiency, full
ness and completeness Of their realization
depends, in great measure, upon the character
aud ability of the man or men chosen for the
purpose. The truth of this is considered too
obvious to require comment. We would at the
same time go little further, and suggestthat,
in proportion to the magnitude of the questions
at issue, we should seek the very highest
qualifications within our reach; a combination
Of most unquestionedh onesty-th osteminent
ability, greatest experience, unhinching firm
ness, and unerring judgment. And never, in
the history of this experiment upon Republican
government, were these qualifications more
imperiously demanded than at the present
most critical juncture of its affairs. Designing
demagogues, and bad men, in one section of
our confederacy, have given such an impulse to
bigotry, fanaticsm and intolerance, that its inn
pstuous sluices have we'll nigh swept away
every honest man who has attempted to arrest
its progress. The glorious old Republican
ship is seriously imperiled; and the patriotism
Of the country loudly calls for the best pilot at
the helm and all hands to the rescue.
Let us not be told that it is premature to
agitate the question of Democratic nominee
for the next Presidency; that the selection is
the business and peculiar province of the
nominating Convention; that its discussion is
impolitic and unwise, creating heart-burnings,
and jealousies and prejudices, detrimental to
the success of the very cause we would serve.
So far as the Democracy are concerned, the
nomination is equal to an election--it is virtu-
ally their election, unless they ignore the acts
OF the National Convention. There is now but
little over one month before that body con-
venes; and surely it cannot be too early for the
people to begin to interchange views and
opinions as to the most suitable person to be
nominated for their SURFACES for the first sta
ton in the country or the world We expect
| to support the nominee of the Convention.
But why? Because we expect its delegates to
represent tie opinions and ,oishes ofthe Demo
cratic masses in making that nominee. And
woe be unto that Convention and to the party,
and the country, if it should not reflect the will
Of the Democracy.
| 1t is not our purpose in what we shall say,
| to assail any of the great men, who are con-
sidered in common, parlance leaders : OF our
party. This is not at all necessary; nor is it
to our taste or liking, even were it not impotic;
for thank God we have no enmities to revenge
or avenge against any of them. The caues is
sustained by the arms Of all her sons. There
is not one whose services should be dispensed
with They are all indispensable, integral
parts of the great arch that Supports the fabric.
| But there can be but one "Key Stone" and
| because we make selection OF one for this
| purpose, it does not diminish the Importance of
the others.
| So much by way of preface. Let US now
take survey of the field.
The sound policy of making our selection Of
a nominee from our Democratic brethren of
| the North, I take quite for granted, is pretty
| generally conceded at the South. 1t is there
| that we are weakest, there where we most need
support at this time; there, in fine, from whence
| the Democratic votes are to come to aid the
united South in sustaining the Constitution, the
| sovereign rights of each and all the States and
every section Of the Union, and the Union
itself, by the election of Democratic Presi-
dent. The Democracy of the South has been
made strong and triumphant because the De-
mocracy of the North-and the Democracy Of
the North alone be it remembered-stood up
manfully for our constitutional rights in the
last Congress. They have, in consequence,
been weakened. The lanatical, demogogicai,
and dishonest leaders of every conceivable fac
ton and ism, at the North, took advantage of
the prejudices of the people in favor of free
territory, and literally preached a crusade
against all those who had voted for our consti-
tutional rights in the Territories. The struggle
that has been going on there for the last eigh,
teen months is too familiar to all. We know
how gallantly our friends have fought and
fallen fighting with their principles embazoned
the foe." Though beaten they we're not dis
mayed. With an unflinching devotion to prin.
ciple, which was the cause Of truth, they rose
again to meet the enemy. They rallied their
forces, and in the late elections have trium-
phantly carried flee free States--yotes enough
with the South to elect the President. These
are Pennsylvania, Indiana, Maine, New Hamp-
shire, and Wisconsin. Then, il we can get
statesman from the North, and especially from
one of these FIVE States, who is fully equal TO
the station, and right in principle, does not
sound policy, justice and good sense-and may
we not say gratitude-alike counsel the South
to cast her vote in Convention for him2 If
the struggle for our constitutional rights is
again to come off in the free States, should we
not gracefully and judiciously yield to our
friends there, the leader Of the hosts to battle
in the approaching contests? One from among
them would naturally inspire more zeal and
enthusiasm-more pride of State and section,
which, added to wonted devotion to principle,
would render our cause triumphant beyond
contingency. BY such course, too, we should
show our devotion to principle, at the same
time exhibit TO our friends there a proper ac-
acknowledgement for the sacrifices they have
made in our cause and which is that of the
Constitution.
There can be no question that it would great
ly aid our friends at the North, by depriving
their enemies of any advantage that might be
obtained by appealing to the prejudices of the
Northern mind, which is peculiarly sensitive at
this time on account Of the repeal of the Mis-.
a. N tharv I'D.