Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1858-07-27
TUESDAY MORNING, JULY p, 1s5s.
"a The Bonner asks US to explain how the dem.

~ The Bonner asks US to explain how the dem
ocrstie party has so long maintained its organiza
ton, in spite Of the differences among its members
The fact which the Bonner wishes US TO explain re-
flutes the gratuitous assumption which it desires
as to reconcile with that fact. No political party
can long continue to exist, where It's members diff.
Ter materially among themselves with regard to the
principles and policy of government They must pur-
sue common object and direct their efforts to the
accomplishment Of the same results or they cannot
set tremendously together Some conflict of opinion
may arise as TO the means of attaining their ends
without affecting thei integrity Of their organization,
for when the end is attained either by one curse or
another, provided the means adopted be consistent
with the constitution, they find themselves necessa
riy reunited The theory Of the Democratic party
IS that our government was established by the PEG
pie for the purpose Of protecting their rights and
liberties snd ii has always struggled to eonfne the
powers Of the general government within the strict
est constitutional limits, to prevent any infraoOn
or violation Of the rights Ofindividuals We have,
therefore, favored rigid and literal construction Of
the constitution, for danger to be appTehended
from close adherence to that instrument, while the
free Interpretation commended for by the opposi-
~-sAs WtuAu pldob IL pOheI "a III N4sG u uto
pOtie rulers pursue any scheme Of folly oropprts
sion which caprice might suggest or ambition
might dictate. We know that individual liberty is
secure, while the government is restricted to the
exercise Of the powers expressly granted in the
constitution, but when the representatives of the
people the right to follow any course of policy
which promises probable good to the country or
certain advancement to themselves, the experience
or the world that popular rights and civil
equality are at an end. The fixed, immutable prin-
Clip es Of the constitution which wise men formed
and the people sanctioned, are surer guarantees of
individual and national prosperity than the unguid
ed Judgment reckless, ambitious andinexperienced
politicians. The doctrine Of strict construction,
then, is the leading principle upon which all true
Democrats harmonic When a plan is proposed
BY which the UtOpian schemers of the day expect
the nation to realize incalculable wealth. when the
government is invited to embark in banking OF any
other system of speculation, we are accustomed to
inquire whether the scheme is sanctioned by the
constitution, and if not prefer Orego the bril-
liant advantages which are promised, rather than
permit representatives to exercise any doubtful
or usurped powers When the great American sys
tenn was proposed in Congress, and eloqueaoe ex
hsusted itself in describing the benefits it would
confer upon the country the Democrats Of that day
did not allow themselves to be seduUed by the in
vitiDg prospect of national wealth and greatness,
but went to the constitution to find whether it con-
ferred the power to establish such a system before
they inquired into its policy. Whenever any meas
Ure conflicts with that instrument the Democratic
party steadily aud tremendously oppose 1t; Bhene-
a measure is proposed for preserving and pros
tectng the rights Of the people against invasion or
restoring to the people the rights which have been
Wrested from them, the Democratic party steadily
and tremendously support it. They have one OBJ !
ject towards which all their movements are directed
one chart by which their course is guided one com
mon and patriotic motive which stimulates them to
honorable eIertion. 1t is not wonderful that our
opponents should be astonished at an example of
Permsnence and consistency which they can neither
understand nor initiate. They have no bond Of
union except opposition to the democracy, no COM
mon principle of political faith; they aekuowl |
edge no constitutional obligations, they recognize
no fixed and unchangng rule ofconduct but each |
adopts that plan or advocates that policy which
promises the most advantages to their own State,
section party.