Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-28
influence of Political Associations.

Influence of Political Associations.
The failure of portion of the State Off
GERS to properly discharge the duties incum-
bent npon them; tie recent legislative in
vestigation and consequent impeachment, is
traceable to the laxity of principles, and I'M
settled policy of the opposition. AS party
they neither exhibit steadfastness of prin-
ciple, nor even fidelity to their professions
They cannot do this from the very nature OF
their associations. With them one party
succeeds another with such rapidity, that
they cannot maintain their political connec-
ton with them, and cultivate those firm and
actise public men, and which has ever been
the peculiar and unfailing strength of the
Democratic party.
The changes constantly transpiring in the
ranks of the opposition parties. may be en-
inently favorable for the growth of quick
and active talents. and for' the formation of
class of men, shrewd, vigilant, inventive;
of men whose dexterity may occasionally
triumph over principle; whose presaging in
stinct, no sign of the times, no incipient
change of public feelings can elude. The
success of such a party is almost certain to
be followed by disasters similar to those we
are now experiencing, and which are now
exerting frightening influence upon the
prosperity of the State at home, and hel
credit and influence abroad.
Men who connect themselves with the ev-
exchanging opposition, can make no accu-
rate observations on the higher parts of po-
litical science, or acquire any considerable
distinction as Statesmen. Before til ey
succeed in identifying themselves with theil
party, it is scattered. What change ha'
the past four years presented in the ranks
of the opposition? The old wing party bro
ken up by the death of its leaders, and sue
ceeded by another, to whose oath of allegi
ance its members have barely subscribed
when their articles of association are spurn
ed and rejected by an indignant and out
ragged people, and their party scattered, t.
float whthersoever driven by circumstances
and connect with the charities islands Of ia
natcism with which the political SCI
abounds In the midst of the constant edd,
and change, and the eternal whirl to which
the opposition are now subjected, it is a tasl
|
them, to keep itself from becoming giddy
Public spirit is out of the question. A lax.
| ity Of principle, without which no public
man can be eminent, or even safe, become:
too common to be scandalous, and they re
gard with complacency instances of politica
apps tacy, which would startle the foules
turncoat in the palmy days of the old Wing
party.
| Under the circumstances, it is not Sc
much matter of establishment that men O
the opposition forces should be derelict il
the discharge of their official duties. i
would seem to be the natural result of theil
political associations, which is but schoo
Oh eAceSseS anu cuapSes, Vi conuuct unreSC'
lated by principle, and which, il pursued fol
length Of time, must undermine the bes
intentions, and the purest individual char.
acter. 1t was this unsettled policy of The
opposition that gave birth to the Vigilance
Committee, in whose widest excuses tht
opposition re7elled with delight, and were
only checked in their mad career, by thu
firm and unwavering principles of the Dem
cratic party, who successfully combattet
their wild hereses with the constitution anC
laws. Thus, for the first time in the history
of our State, has the wild excuses of tht
opposition turned our State Senate into :
High Court of impeachment