The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1857-03-13
A PAGE OF HISTORY.

We do not like to excite unpleasant memories even
among our political opponents but 1t would be wrong
to avail ourse of the useful lesson which is TO be
from The history Of the opposition in the late Congress
This opposition was composed in the beginning Of two
elements each Of which started into life with preensions
Of extreme purity and PATRIOTS and loud promises Of
reform. a
The black republican party originated to considerable
extent with men who found neither Of the old parties su
6ceny Just and pure to be worthy Of their companion.
ship Some OF them not quite satisfied evep with
the constitution and offered "highcr law of their
to the practical legislation of Congress Their feet
on the earth but thir heads seemed very much in tbs
clouds Clothed with prodgious quantity of selEright
eousness aud claiming rise superior to all party
sderaons they banded themselves together the for
orn hope of virtue and Christianity in degenerate age
and invited around their standard all those who thought
they had plenty Of goodness and philanthropy 10
for benefit of their neghbors and the world. AS he
followers gathered it curious TO see not only how
abundant virtue in quarters where its existence had
never been suspected before but how suddenly grea
many people Rad changed all their ideas with respect Il
parties and office In this sedenying and dsnerested
band of reformers fousd, miracuously brought
geher, decayed politicians of almost every grade and
order 1t perfect hospital Of political invalids, and
quite wonderful it TO observe how many of these
old aud political hacks then willing tc
pursue of service for no oil er motive
earth than the public good Their object in the begin
ming control the local legislatures in the free States
and secure majority of representatives in the Thirty
fourth Congress- To this end they seized upon the Nebps
ka BILL and so insmed the public mind that in the hea
OF excitement they drew into their ranks many persons
who had usually been and Who by this time
begin to wonder themselves at their Authorization
The demcc attic party of course it's organiza
ton and kept its flag flying.
But the tide rolled on and with the aid of the secre
ORDER the republicans OF the North elected almost all he
congressional candidates. Their would have beer
far less general without this aid for although in lsrg,
majority of cases the kpow-nohlngs and republicans
New England were essentially the same this was not uni
yersally so at the Northand besides secret organization
made black republication dangerous In 1854 tb,
and the black republicans looked kindly
upon each other, both North and South
This know-notbng party another organization, made
up Of who bad exuberant share Of patriotism and
virtue Their love Of Christianity great that tbey
could not tolerate free religion. Their philanthropy
80 exalted that they looked with fear upon the immigra
ton to shores OF the poor and needy and opprese
abroad They had deep respect for republican
institutions that they jealous Of any participation in
their blessings OF paiurazed citizens And these
views they held be excessively pure that they would
not allow the sun 10 shine upon them, They held tbe
conclave therefore, at night and administered their oatb
in darkness and laid upon their associates moreover IL Il
to be feared the amentsbe necessity under crcum
stances of choosing between ssehood uttered openly and