The Winchester appeal. [volume] (Winchester, Tenn.) 1856-1856, 1856-05-03
The Democratic Party and the
Slavery Question.

We have the highest regard for
fair and manly argument, though j
may be made by an advcrsary,and ma.
strike down the fabric in which w
dwell. But we have an utter con
tempt for hypocriticm ca''t, come iron
what source it may; and Of this latte
description do we consider all tn
pompous display of words by southern
Democrats in reference to their sound
ness on the slavery question.
We will enquire whether the Dem
ocratic party is par excellence on tn,
slavery question, and whether Demo
cratic editors, with any show oftruth
can claim for it soundncss on this is
sue. How arc the principles Of par
ty, upon principle issue, to be asccr
tanned! Every one will answer. thro
it's leaders and organs. Who are the
leaders of this party! Answer: Gen.
Pierce, Gen. Cass, Judge Douglas, Gen.
Shields and Richardson. We mean,
of course, in the north, because the
question is as to the soundncss of nor
thcrn Democrats.
The cant of the Democratic organs
is as to the nationality y the party on
this question-thc union of northern
and southern men upon this question.
Now. let us see where these leaders
stand. But before we proceed, let US
see what is admitted by the organ of
the party I'VE mean, of course, the
Washington Union, for we have not
the space to notice what the great o.
ricty-we mean varicty--of the Or
gans may say.
This paper, edited by Mr.. Nichol-
son, in a late number says:
ut is not the creed of Democrat,
as such, either to advocate or oppose
the extension of slavery. lie may do
the one or the other in the exercise Of
his rights rs Il citizen, and not offend
against his Democratic lcalty."
Now, what is the question between
the north and the south. We answer
there is but one, and every reading
man knows it, and that is, ShuH Slavery
be con,incd wiihm It's present Hmiis.-
This is a question Of deepest interest
to the south, and to the Union. The
northern man says slavery is circum-
scribed--it must not be extended. The
southern man says, Il have right to
extend it by the occupancy with my
slaves Of any territory which belongs
to the people Of the United States, and
which was acquired by the common
blood and treasure of southern and
northern men" And upon this great
issue, in which is involved the life and
the death oil or national Union, we
have it dist inctIy announced by the Or
gan Of the party, that, as n citizen, a
Democrat may war against what is
conceived to be the rightS Of the South
anl not offend against his Democratic
fcalty. Can any southern man read
this, and reflect that it is the admis.
sion OF IA leading southern paper, and
not feel that southern rights are being
bartered Off for party strength And
yet this i, the party that is continually
prating about nationality and soand-
nw on the slavery question.
Again. The Washington Uni0n, in
an article upon the canvass of 1852.
said;
"Thc frcesul Democratic leaders
OF the north are regular portion Of
the Democratic party, and Cen Pierce,
IL clCClCu, VIII Iluhb IIO ulSllICilOI
tween them and the rest of the Democ-
ncy in the distribution of official pat
ronage, and in the selection of agents
fer administering the government"
Can any southern Democrat, with
this official annunciation of the d6ilia-
hon between the Democrats and Free.
soilers, staring him in the face, hold up
his head and say to his neighbor, "Sir,
you are in bad company" Would it
not require more effrontry than usu-
ally belongs TO gentlemen, And still.
we hear from every quarter. the Dem
ocratic howl, that the American party
is allied TO the AbOlitiOnists.
pu! to the leaders of the party. and