The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1857-08-28
THE POSITION OF PARTIES.
From the Iynchbure, virginian.

we expressed me opinion, lew days
since, that there would soon be reconstruc-
tion Of political parties all over the country,
but particularly in the South. Indeed. the
position of parties has already been material
ly changed, within the last twelve MONTHS
One year ago the American party of the
North maintained distinct organization and
boasted of its sirength-but 1t seems now to
be generally admitted that its organization is
almost gone, and the great hnlk of its mcm-
bers have settled down either in the Demo.
cratic or Black Republican ranks. There are
here and there, few Of them who cling to
the shadow Of their former greatness. But
they are impotent for good, and their efforts
20 accomplish their purposes rs frutless and
MS proftiess MS the labors of Sysphus.
At the same time a serious schism has
arisen in the Democratic ranks, North and
South. The unholy union between the two
wings of the party, with nothing in common-
but the mere party name, has been preserved
as long as pOssib;e--and a rupture has be-
come inevitable. Thus, while the Southern
wing is, naturally enough, dissatisfied with
the Northern wing, by reason of its broad
departure from the ancient Democratic land.
marks, il cannot yet express that dissatisiac-
ton without also producing division in its
own household. There are Democrats in the
South-or men calling themselves Democrats
who profess themselves yet willing to trust
TO Northern Democrats, notwithstanding it
has become the rarest circumstance that they
vote together in any measure of legislation
involving political principle, that comes to the
consideration of Congress. These Southern
Democrats are, necessarily, separating them.
selves daily from the bulk of the States
Rights Democracy of the South. 1t is not, by
any means, Walkers Kansas policy alone,
that is causing the rupture. That is of too
temporary character to cause the disintegra.
tion of great party. The cause lies deeper,
and is founded on principle. The old strict
construction notions of the Southern Demo.
cracy have been invaded and trampled upon,
in repeated instances, by their Northern allies
and thu. issue between the two Southern
wings of the party now is, whether the North.
ern and Western Democracy shall still be
accepted into fellowship, notw outstanding
their political hrresies, and for the sake of the
spoils-or whether the Democracy of the
South shall adhere to their traditional prinri.
Piles through thick and thin, and regardless
OF all consequences.
| In the mean time the growing political
power of the North-destined, to be so great
that we will be entirely helpless if th. North
choose to exercise it--has alarmed the saga.
cious statesmen of the South. Mr.. Calhoun,
years ago; foresaw the result, and adnionished
the South, at all hazards, to maintain its po-
lltical equality in at least one branch of the
National Legislature. What would Mr.. CAL
houn think, were he alive now, of the pros
pect of half dozen additional Free States
without single circumstance of compensu.
tion TO the South? And, in view of these
threatening dangers, Southern men will for
get party allegiance, and will not hesitate to
repel any association with Northern men, of
whatever party, who will not give the ampIest
aud most unqualified assurance that the po-
ltical power of the North shall not b. used to
oppress, and degrade, and punder, the weak.
| er section.
AS for the American party-now confined
exclusively to the South-there is no pros
| ipt nf lti isin t,,, II,
ern allies to proptiato by concessions, even
were it SO disposed. 1t stands on its distinc-
tive principles. 1t ressts the introduction Of
ignorant and debased foreigners, to build up
and populate the Free Soil .Slntps of the
Northwest. 1t resists the extension of the
right of suffrage to Free Soil immigrants
from Europe, before they become ctizens.-
II ressts the granting OF the common Terri
tory to the Northwestern States, by which
these States are gradually overshadowing the
majesty of the South. 1t loves the Union
but it must be that sort of Union which is
uEion of equality.
We repeat, that all the signs of The times
ndicate revolution in the organization of
parties, and the formation of new combina-
tions. Out Of the entanslrments and com
plic"tions now existing, will arise other par
ties, with issues clearly and distinctly defined
The day of pallintives and compromises nnd
concessions is past. For the future. the
issues which involve the safety of the South
will not be blinked or avoided-but will be
met boldly and without hestancy. Let the
people of the South, who are true and loyal,
keep their weather eye open to the machna
tions of politicians who would sacrifice every.
thing to the success of party, for the sake
| only of the emoluments that thereto attach.
ALL PRINTERs-It is n singular fact, that
not only the two United States Senators
from Pennsylvania, and the State Supreme
Court Judge, but the present Speaker, Clerk
and Assistant Clerk of the House, the Clerk
of the Senate Of Pennsylvania, and the Dem
ocratic candidates for Goveaor aud Canal
Commissioners nre all practical printers.
BUSINESS OF THE STGE RoAD.-The At
anta IntelIigcncer says that one hundred and
| forty loaded cars arrived down the road on
Friday last, the largest number that has ever
passed down to Atlanta in any one day.
sN- A Printer down South offers to sell
his whole establishment for n clean shirt and
| n meal of yictuals. He has lived On promi-