The weekly ledger., 1857-05-02
The Political HORIZON.

The Political Horizon.
A great calm followed the Presidential
storm of 1855. The contest was fierce, un-
relenting, and bitter; but the result made the
assurance of the safety Of the Union doubly
sure, and even as though the power of the
Almighty had been directly interposed, the
troubled waters were stilled. The name of
the patriot chieftain who was called to the
head of affairs, inspired confidence among all
conditions of people; and despite the treason
Gus appeals of insane fanatics run mad in
their devotion to the African race, return
ing sense of common duty to the Republic
was manifested even in the hottest beds of
abolitonsm.
Following this happy result of contest
which involved the perpetuity of the institu-
tions established by our Revolutionary faith
ers, came, and quite recently TOO, the most
important political decision that has ever en-
enated from the highest tribunal in the land.
This decision confirmed the high National
ground occupied by the unwavering Democ-
racy in the Presidential contest 1t estab
lisled the right of the people, whether in
State or Territory, to regulate their own do
mestc affairs; it abrogated an act of Con
gress, of nearly thirty years standing, by
which it was proposed to nterpose Federal
power to an extent beyond the limit which is
pointed out by the Constitution. Never was
there a more righteous decision made. Our
children and our chidren's children will bless
the Supreme Court that promulgated it.
The calm continues, and we trust it will
continue. We trust that there never again
will be a time when the Union of the States
shall be considered in danger We trust that
in all time to come. a majority of the people |
will frown down the unnecessary agitation of
questions calculated to ALLEVIATE the States |
from each other.
1t is well, in contemplating the happy re-
suit that has been achieved, to stop and think
how and by whom it was brought about
The Old Guard Democracy, who have bat
tied lifetime for the cause, through good
and through evil report, should not forget
that they withstood the severest assaults of
the enemy in the last grand conflict. While /
they most gratefully remember those who
patrioticaly lent their assistance in the coun-
try's hour Of need-while they have enrolled |
their names forever to remain with the legions
of the Democracy the Old Guard should /
remember that they are the Old Guard yet /
Party revolutions lead estray those whose
Democracy is not as deep-seated as it should
be; and although they are sure to return, and
generally better Democrats than .hey were
before, still they are not the veterans who
have proved themselves worthy Of implicit
reliance under all circumstances.
We write this with no disposition to make
invidous distinctions in the ranks of the De
mocracy, but from sense of duty to the
party whose cause we espouse. We consider
it our duty, we knoio it is our duty, to remind /
the Old Guard that eternal vigilance is the
price of liberty" and that, at this particular
juneture, great care should be observed, lest
corruption, deep and dark, fasten itself upon
the party In overwhelming strength. there
is danger Of this. The Old Guard should
also remember that now, since the great battle
has been fought and won, vast numbers who
have never been Democrats before, are now
knocking at our doors for admission. In
granting them entrance, we must be exceed |
ingly careful that they bring not with them
a single jot or title Of the hereses they have
heretofore embraced; for if they are not first
divested of these, they bring foul eontagion
into the house of the Democracy
Anon, we may have more to say.