Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1858-11-10
WEDNESDAY MoRNING:::::::::::::Nov. 1o
FOR WHAT ARE THEY C0NTENDING

FOR WHAT ARE THEY CONIENDlN6
The Opposition to the Democracy are con-
stantly shifting their platform. They have been
in the habit recently of annually presenting 10
the people new issue Thus, in 1865, the
standard of reli gous bigotry was unfurled TO the
breeze, and large number of Americans citizens
denounced as traitors and the enemies of their
country, because they worshippsd God according
to the, dictates of their conscience The clause
Of the Constitution of the United States, which
declares that Congress shall make no laws re-
spcctns the establishment of religion or prohibit
ing the free exercise thereof, was treated as
nullity, or at least disgrace to that instr u
ment-of which we had good reason to feel
ashamed. In 1856, new principle was lnau-
gurated; the dangerous, pernicious and sectional
doctrine that Congress has the right to exclude
Slavery from the Territories. The difficulties
incident to the sett lenent Of the Territory OF
Kansas by emigrants from Northern and South
ern States were exaggerated. and all the blame
of the roting, carnage and hloodshed thrown on
the Southern emigrants, In 1857, they con-
tinued their whining over Bleeding Kansss, but
had little or nothing to say against the doctrine
which has jusr closed. they abandoned in great
measure their sectional platform, forgot the
wrongs Of the Negro ard the aggressions of the
South, and became remarkably eloquent on the
subject of the Tariff and Protection to American
Industry. Thus it will be seen that the Opposi-
ton have within the last four years annually
adopted q new platform, and abandoned the
principles fo1 which they contended the year
previous. When we thus see a powerful combi-
nation of men acting together year after year,
without any fixed principles, the question natu-
rally presents itself to our minds-For what are
they contending2 The answer i, obvious. Their
leaders are aspirants for political honors and the
emoluments Of office, and endeavor to keep the
rank and file of the party in good humor by
constantly presenting &c them new principles and
abandoning old ores as soon as the charm of nov.
city is worn off, Any humbug, however dishon'
est or even reasonable it may be, that will an
swer for the time being, and tickle their dupes, il
Instantly adopted, without any hesitation o.
compunctions of conscience. The spoils is will
them the "consummation deveutly to be wished
for" Principles are as nothing, power and pat
ronage everything. 1t is for power they are con
tending, and not for principles
A party that thus ignores principles and !
controlled by selfish demagogues can neve
achieve anything but temporary triumph il
this country However the People may be de
ceived and go astray for time, their sobe
second thought is always right, and they vii
never allow the helm of State to long remain il
the hands of men "who know no motive bu
-
it is nevertheless true, that even the temporar
triumph of the Opposition over the Democrac,
Is always calamity to be deplored; for the pas
sion and delusion of the moment often inflic
Injuries which time cannot repair. Thus til
constant agitation of the slavery question has i
several sections of the country weakened tt
love of the Union which once warmed the brea
Of every American citizen, and caused many
regard the probability of its dissolution, as a
event rather to be desired than avoided.
While the Opposition are constantly changir
their platform, the Democracy amid the rejc
cings and elaton of success or the gloom of Z
ieat,still remain true to the principles they ado
tel during the primitive days of the Republic
Holding that .'while man is but the creature of
day, principles eternal" they always lefu
to sacrifice their principles for tie purpose
securing temporary success. While the Oppos
ton are contending for the spoils of office, Il
Democracy are la5oring to perpetuate aud upho
the principles which sustain our free institution
Of Government. The Democratic creed is Gle
and simple. at is the retention Of as much i
dividual liberty as is consistent with the sscuri
OF each and the general harmony. Il respec
the persons, the rights, the property, nay ev
the very prejudices, of all. 1t lcgisates for
individuals or classes, but for the whole. 1t leay
TO mon the control of their own actions and pr
suits, as far as they do not encroach on the rigl
of others. 1t recognizes exclusive privileg
no selfish monopoles Its creed may lie SUNNI
up in this brief formula: as little government
possible, that little emanating from the peop
and uniform in its application to all.