The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1857-08-01
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WHY is IT STILL
IN THE AsCENDENT?

i Whcn political contests are enchanting the attcn
ton Of the people, and the prcudices Of parties
fully aroused IL is. perhaps not unnatural thatargu-
ment should be oyfr-rulcd and that error should not
be apparent TO those who persist in IL under the idle
belief that they IRE right. But after the battle Is
over when the tumut and'cvcitcmcnt are ended and
all are allowed an opportunity Of pondcring dispas
sonatcy, and deliberately deciding upon the merits
OF principles not men, it is then indeed that the vic
tory of Democracy becomes complete.
| Thousands who. under the influence of parlizan
prejudice and pride, honestly but without dclbcra-
ton engage in an unsraring warfare against the
Democratic party. after the close of the contest re-
fleet and regret and become converts to lis teachings
1t is TO this fact that our increased and ever ncrcas-
ing strength, witnessed in each succeeding con
troycrsy. is attributable. Our ranks arc recruited
Ivy the voluntary enlistment of patriots who rise
above party. from the convictions of their judgments
in defiance of prcconccivcd preiudiccs. And hence
TOO not unTrequcntly arises the impuoton of Join
ing the stronger party from selfish motives follow
ing the victorious army for the sake Of gain. That
this i true to a considerable extent, we do not
doubt.
l'nt, while there arr some who are acinatcl alto.
eethcr by such considerations in changing their no.
iical position there are hosts of Others whose pre
JUDGES have at last yielded TO their better Judgment
and who have tine manincss TO obey these impu.es
o. patriotism. by rcnouncing error and marching up
hoidly 70 the standard ofpoliical truth Not few
Of tho most eminent and efficient leaders Of The Ne
moclncy were once arrayel III The ranks Of The oppn
stion. aIIording an Apostle illustration Of The
nphor"in, that "orror ceases 10 be dangerous when
reason is left free to combat IT,"
Until within few years. acces'ions to the Demo-
cratic ranks we're not known by such immense mum
bors as have been more recently enrolled together
II That Irresistible army OF conservative patriots
which i now almost without opposition ii The South.
and slll holds Us ground against The combined enc
my in the North.
Ten years ago, the Southern Democracy received
rcniorccments hy squads and companies. But OIL
late they have come over in battnon.. Then n,pI
principles Of the Whiy party wore still plausible
now they have been proved totally inapplicabc 10
Tie ends q our government. and have been aban-
doned as the errors Of many able, patriotic and Well
meaning. bit misguided men
Tlie W.ie party was 10 phnntnSm. 10 luIrlc y
burst upon tic pillows ana he swept away fproycr
on the tide Of time. the moment II came in contact
with the trident Of Democracy Unlike Know MIN, |
nsisnl, it had substance rs well az sound Tls Ias.
was upon To'1ieoi priae,1les It's organization was
national, and lis warfare was conducted in n manner
worthy powerful party in republican country.
~ experiment and experience have proved IT, Ia
efficiency And il passed or tlc stage defeated aud
'enounced, hlt with page in history illustrated
With 9aaniry and good sense. ana cmballishcl by
Inc names Of leaders which the American people.
irrespective orrarty, will always cherish with respect
md pride. Know nottingham. the bastard claimant
Of succession TO the Wig party has been CONSIGNED
mo onI'vion' and for The sake Of the great theory
of so-govcrnment. the record Of its existence slonI
be blank page; there should he no cpitaph ON H.
omb' to tell either of lis follcs or its fate.
Mtcr all the changes. tho shocks of sections the
'eYolnions in politics attacks on all sidcsand under
III circumstances, the Democratic party still stand
sovereign of the aseondont." Is This owing 10
,hance or management. fortuitous advantages. ar
S II thc result Of firm foundation upon the tmo
md proper principleso Of our Government 10 NOR,
oppoftnhr occasion than That now Offered IN Tho nrn
eht condition Of politics. can over occur for fair
lspas7onato and impartial answer Of these s,g,,o.
Fe Undergraduates. which must arise in Che mind of
very man who is nj all sccptical in regard 10 Inc
principles and policy Of the Democracy. II roourcs
10 very minute analysis, but simply plain. pracfi-
al and unparalleled review of events rs they have
DaFscd from one stage to another of Tho noliical
condition OF the country. There has never been
'eflod IN the history Of onr government. when the
'lnclplcs OF the Democratic party have not been
're-emlncnlly naional-sutnd not only to all soc-
IONS as great fundamental doctrines lnt uneycon-
lohally adapted TO the immediate cyiecncos of The
ay' whether pertaining 10 foreign or domestic mat
ers. And MS other parties have been tried AMI :
phnd wanting, The Democracy have risen in innu- ,
nee and Increased in strength The old Wha nori y g
al broken down. after obstinate STRUGGLE AGAINST II
ur principles. and no new party unless we NAV cv-
ept the Abotionsts. has ever been coraho or
laklng even hopeful resistance The apti-slovorv
ar'y Is now acknowledged to be the only formidable
'emy OF DemocaGy-nnd the fact that IL is 50 Is o
sIaehcc irretlaGablc, that when the Constitution
M the Union are openly assailcd, the nation seeks Il
lelter in the policy and principles of the Democrat
party The growth of our country, in wool,t :,
I'D strength in territory and influence, undcr tho Y
isplces OF Democracy, proves conclusively that Y
lose principles which now recognized as in tho
cehdent, have their origin in Tie essential elements or fl
n Government 1,