The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1856-10-18
GEN. ALEXANDER DECLOUET.


am much gratiGed to learn that this stcr-
ling Old-Lne Wing, at the Benjamin meeting
and barbecue ut st. Martnsville, on Friday
of last week, gave in his entire and hearty adj
heson to the Democratic cause, and made an
earnest and stirring speech of near an hour in
length in support ofour gallant standard bear
ers, Buchanan, and Breckenridge. Thus, we
are daily seeing, one after another, the most
enlightened and patriotic of the old Wing
party wheeling into line. under the Democratic
flag excepting step to the music of the Union"
and the Constitution, and | still expect to see
their patriotic example followed throughout
Louisiana and the entire South until, on the
election day. there shall be found arrayed
against us only those whose party zeal ana
prejudice are stronger than their love on com'i.
try When the Wings of Louisiana shall
have heard from his own lips Mr. l'cnjamln's
clear and convcting exposition Of the present
attitude of parties touching the slavery qncS'
ton. which has now assumed such a vitality
and fcarfny interesting shape, and when they
hear him give the reasons why he and so many
of his brother Wing senator's Of the South have
taken their position in the ranks of the De-
mocracy in support Of orr nominees, on the
great national principles of the Cincinnati plat
form | expect to sec the example which those
senator's have set become contagious and
sweep everything before IT,
,;en. Dcclonct. like senator Benjamin, is q
man whom the Wings of Louisiana have even
conSidercd--and Justly too-an ornament and
tower of strength TO their party. An odu
Gated and enlightened planter, man Of cX
allied moral aud personal worth, the rcprrscn
taivc Of ~ old aud highly respectable Crcolc
family. he has ever commanded the undivided
confidence Of the people Of the AtiakapaS
without respect Of party, and has been the re-
cipient Of important political honorS and public
trusts llc has on u number Of occasions
ably represented his district in the State Sen
ate ,Cnd he occupied a scat IN the Constitution
al Convention of 1852 In ~ late gubrrna
torinl contest he was the standard hcnrcr o
the WING party AGAINST Governor Walker
and he brought ont the entire strength Of hi
party. carrying the Att rkapaS parishes b'
very large mnioritrs He was nnnncStionah|,
one of the most Justly popular Wings in tn
State.
For some time past, having retired from
public life. with a disposition avcrSc to th
turmoils of politics, he has stood aloof From
present party divisions. not even going to th
polls, rs am Informed 10 vote at the lat
guhcrnnorial election, and nothing but
deep sense Of his duty 10 his country in til
present trying crisis. could have caused him t.
raise his voice in support and encouragement
Of the Democratic party, which he secs 50 On
lnn'lv batling for the rights of the Sout
under the Constitution There are times whe
il is criminal for patriots TO be silent Is
possible for the enlightened remnants Of III
old Whe party in the South 10 be idle an
Indifferent spectators Of the contest which
to determine whether the South is to hay
equal rights with the North under the Const
tuition whether every barrier for orr protc'
tion is to be swept away BY The fury Of tn
anti-Slavcry fnnaticism at the North, whic
meets with no resistance except from the Den
ocratc party? Have they been smttcn wit
judicial blindness that they cannot diStinguS
friends from foes? If not, let them, like Ger
Dccouct raise their voice like n trumpet I
arouse from their lethargy those who NJ
amusing themselves with triilcs while sue
mighty interests are Mt stake Let the voit
of patriotism be heard above the din Of part
san prejudice Let no patriot dare TO sleep 4
his post. Let no man shnn responsibility whc
his country is in danger o.