The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-09-04
THE RIGHT SPIRIT AND THE RIGHT DOCTRINE.

THE RIGHT SPIRIT AND THE RIGHT DOCTRINE
The following article, from late numbered the
Nashville Union, is written in such truly democratic
spirit that we bespeak for it careful pernsaL In
the course of the present year the legislatures Of
Tennessee Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, South
Carolina and Texas win have 70 elect eight United
States senators fill existing and anticipated yacan
cies The timely advice and suggestions of our re-
specsed Nashville contemporary, it win be observed,
are not calculated solely for the meridian OF Tonnes
see:
1t il now universally known that the democrats will have
a majority of twenty votes joint ballot la the next
Legislature and IL seems generally desired and intended
that two senators shall he chosen supply te vacancy
that exists and the which viii occur before the
asseblage Of another Legislature This Is an Important
event in history and its determination will exercise
serious influence the interests Of country and party
for the next eight years. II proper
ected for these Offices have reasonable guarantee that
the future will not be disastrous, and the present ascen
dency party viii be secured and preserved Should
fail in selection 10 the services OF men true
the principles of the party and TO the interests Of the
country scarcely escape the odium Of the result
and 1t will go far to weaken the bonds Of our Union.
We have heard the of many leading democrats
mentioned In connexion with these Offices and there
scarcely seriously thought OF to whose nomination or
election would nterposc the slightest objection They
good and true long tried under the ire OF adj
mcy We have in common with Others our private
predictions, and If member Of the Legislature
might actively indicate this preference but occupying
present position, it Is not wish intention to
interfere between democrats for all Of whom enter
tain the kindest feelings and to each of whom the party
is much indebted for its present success.
There are two suggestions, however, that we
deem material the general interests OF party and
which, as faithful sentinels the watchtower
not withhold from the consideration of friends I'm
der the theory of constitution the actual vote for sem
is ntrused to the members Of the Legislature and
practice much is and ought to be trusted TO their Judg
mcnt and discretion it, for instance their assemblagc
and conference it should be found impIaccable to con
centrate majority III favor of two individuals without
sacrifice of opinion ot thc sake of harmony. then their
constituents will and ought to be satisfied that their
representatives should honestly decide what was the best
alternative, and their intentions should be judged With
kindness and liberality.
We wish, however to- indicate that we hold TO the
great leading doctrine that the people the fountains of
office and power that it is their interest and wishes that
ought to be represented in appointments or elections. as
well in of policy and therefore It Is the duty
Of each member of the legislature carefully to ascertain
before he repairs to the capital, who would be most
ceptablc to the OF those by whom lie was elected
and If possible, to carry out their wishes i'll ms ioa
Of candidates 1t must always be remembered that rep
rescnative, in the true of the term ought to he
reflection of the Judgment and will Of those by whom he
is ntusted with authority and that in true representation
he ought never to imbody his interest Partially
at the expense of the people II Is great element in the
success Of republican institutions that should have
men in office whom the people desire and between cand
dates Of equal honesty and ability the preference should
always be given to those in whose favor the
united.
Our opponents in the legislature will be watching with
great esernes to embaas the action Of the democrats
to save of If possible, the election OF both
tors and il this il found impossible then to widen
breaches between friends encourage hostlitics between
opposing candidates. by holding out promises of support
to the weaker party.
The democratic members ought in opinion to dis
countenance any abse Of prominent democrats Nv ne friends Of
each oer and try to make the contest friendly pos
sble that the successful candidates may leave sting
in the bosoms OF those who defeated except that
gendered by honorable rivalry.
We offer these suggestions with the kndes feelings to
all the candidates for senator and best wishes that
the persons finally elected may be those most acceptable
to our party and most beneficial to country.