Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-02-11
CLEARFIELD. PA, FEB. IL, 1851
Anew WORDS ABOUT PARTIES.

AFEw WORDS ABOUT PARTIES.
As the time is rapidly approaching when an
other important political contest will come of
in this State, it may not be inappropriate TO
glance briefly at the condition OF parties as
they now stand. The Democracy last fall IN
dulged in their usual boast Of union and har-
mony; but 10 any man of ordinarily acute per-
ceptions il must have been plainly manifest
that it was all mere show and pretence. 1t
was only by the most extraordinary aud al
most superhuman efforts that the leaders sue
ceeded in rallying their forces. and even then
they would have failed of success'had not
pack Of trading politicians managed TO ere
ate diversion in their favor in the ranks Of
the Opposition. The seeds of discOrd that
the Democrats then prevented from bursting
forth, have since developed themselves in the
election Of q. s. Senator, and the auimosity
and jealousy that is displayed by the respee-
tive friends Of Forney and Foster towards each
other,are likely to be more than ephemeral. The
malignant and abusive attacks Of the former on
the latter, has engendered feeling Of hostili-
ty that may prove difficult to allay; and it re-
mains yet TO be seen whether the various fac
IEOUS OF the democracy Gan bG lGCDAAlASAAs tNa
their forces harmonised, at the meeting Of
their State Convention next month. Should
they fail to effect reconciliation, then all that
is required TO secure victory 10 the Opposi-
tion, is for the Americans and Republicans to
act the part Of wise men, and concentrate their
forces upon one set of candidates.
But let us see how matters stand with that
hoe. -,1a ,i.,pE
Locofocoism. The result of last falls cleo
tions, proved conclusiyely that, as parties then
stood, the Democrats had little, ifany strength
10 boast of, in numerical point of view.
Though they nominally carried both elections,
yet it is notorious that of the many thousands
that did not vote at all, comparatively few be-
longed to that party. The number of this
class who belonged to the Opposition, with
held their votes, as a general thing, on account
of the divisions that existed in their ranks,
and not because they desired the Democracy
TO triumph. They could not be persuaded in
to the belief that there was the remotest hope
OF carrying Pennsylvania against Locofoco-
ism and the treachery of .'side-door'' San
derson, discovered too late to be completely
counteracted, contributed in no small degree
10 keep alive this feeling. But we think we
can discern very strong and growing deter
mination among the masses Of the Opposition
to array their united strength against the De-
rnccracy and their Foreign Roman Catholic al
lies. To be sure, we may expect that the
same game of venality that was practiced last
fall, viii again be attempted the ensuing one
in fact, we are disposed to think that the SER
vices of the disorganisers for the approaching
contest, were included in the ssoriginal pur-
chase" But We feel confident that the peo-
pie understand them, and viii treat them as
they deserve. The sentiment of the Opposi-
tion in Pennsylvania, then, if we have arrived
at a correct understanding of it, demands a
State organization, based upon American Re
publican principles, and discarding all ultra
isms. Il asks for men as cand dates who sub
scribe TO and viii maintain the doctrine that
our national territories should be free, and
that no foreign Power or Potentate shall con-
troll our elections by bodies Of men sent hither
for that purpose. platform constructed on
these principles, and candidates to stand upon
it, is what seems TO be wanted. This, we feel
confident, is what the People desire and what
they will have-and, having these, they will
go forth 'sconquering and 70 conquer and
never rest until they have completely routed
and defeated the forces of the sham Democracy,