The Washington union., 1857-05-23
UNITED WE srANn-pIyInEp WE FAII..


is the truth taught by the fable Of the bundle Of
sticks, which, whilst bound together ts strength Of
giant could nethe- freak nor bend them, yet, when
npound and taken separately, the efforts Of child
were sufficient to snap each one.
Whilst the States Of the Union remain bound to-
gcther by the strong bond of the constitution
by the sympathy of common interests, common
wants and common dangers--hy the memories Of the
past and the hopes of the future-no power earth
them II is equally true of the democratic party.
An the experience Of the past goes to prove that
long as it remains mited-as long its members act
in concert, and are governed by the same prnci.
ples--they always successful, always nvincble.
1t is only by divisions, eaouses, chickering's, aud
misunderstanding amongst themselves that they lose
their party strength, and beaten by their enemies
The identity of the principles of the democracy and
at the same time their justice and fitness, constitute
their strength and long the party acts harmo-
niously upon these principles, standing up boldly
and manfulIy to the issnes and measures which grow
out of them, victory crowns their efforts and success
follows their banner wherever it is unfurled.
Seeing that these things are so-and that they are
so entire political history proves to be truehow
is it that we frequently see restless and ambitious
men of party rebelling against its usages, resist
ing its reasonable mandates and requirements, and
distracting and dividing it by their complaints or
impatience for their promotion? Eternal fault
finders and croakers they. If every whim and
caprice is not gratifed, they denomce and abuse
their friends and endeavor to render others much
\. al.
reasonable as their imaginary griefs. And thus it
happens that the rasping complaints of some dsap
pointed aspirant Of who runs before he is
called, some sore-hcad whose aspirations and self
love never can be satisfied, have just influence
enough to distract friends, and, in local contests
where the strength of parties is nearly equal to de-
feat us by division and want of harmony. Then
there are extremists who be made to coin
eide fairly with their political associates They are
always little ahead or little behind the policy of
their party; and no persuasion or argument can
change or satisfy their discontents. Such are
a disadvantage to any organization. BY their mprac
tcabily and obstnacy they bring trouble upon their
friends and discredt upon their cause. They for
| get that no reasonably carry out his
treme opinions. They forget that in all associations
of men, for whatever purpose, if they would be har
monious and successful there must be spirit of
Cancellation and compromise. The organization Of
society itself is upon basis of compromise. Gov
ernment is a compromise. The constitution is a
compromise, And even party organizations proceed
upon the same principle of surrendcring little
for the purpose of securing greal dealof submit
ting to be bound up with the bundle of sticks in
order TO become strong and irresistible.
| We make these observations because we have
seen and felt the manifold curses Of divided party,
in particular localities and the damaging effects of
obstinate spirit ofresisance to the usages ofthe de-
mocracy We make them, also, because we desire to
the attention Of party friends and
them to reflect upon the vital importance of unity of
counsel and unity Of action. Let them illustrate the
maxim, as polite as it is true Everything for the
cause--nothing for men, We make them also, be-
cause we have examples of this unyielding
spirit and obstinate persistence in facous course
where harmony aud unity would insure success, and
stubborn pertinacity must certainly bring defeat
This ought not to be SO; and the party should
deal summarly with men who, to accomplish their
own mere personal advancement, would distract di-
vidc and defeat their political friends.
Never had the democratic party stronger claims to
the confidence of the country than at the present
| time Their success in November last was tri-
umph Of principle has demonstrated their national
ity, and the conservatism of their and their
policy. Their policy has become the policy Of the
country. The opposite policy has been totally repu
dated by the people United States Banks, tariffs
for protection, internal improvements by the general
government, and the distribution of the proceeds of
the sales Of the public lands amongst the several
States have become obsolete ideas and are no longer
the issues or the measures of party. 1t is true
however, that at this moment distribution has been
resurrected for the occasion, and its skeleton form
again dressed in the gaudy garments of sclishness
and hopes of profit. Appeals are now being made
to the people of Virginia, who being for the moment
under the pressure Of high taxes, the hope is in
dulgcd, that some may be incaut;ous enough to be
caught by the delusiyc brbe offered to their hopes,
and thus be made desert their coors and go over
TO the enemy. The thing is being done in Ten
ncssee and Kentucky. But let the democracy re-
member that this doctrine Of distribution is wrong
in principle and wrong in policy 1t is at best cheat
and deluson. Let them beware lest il divide and
defeat them. Let them remember that @unitcd they
stand--divided they fall"