The daily Butte record., 1858-05-26
The Dsmosrasy Must Adhere to Principles.

Inc Uem0eEasy Must homcf . " HhhnesYsoes
At the present time when portion
of the press of the State are making
daily appeals to the Democratic party
to remain united and harmonious, i'll
may be well to take a retrospective
glance. and, if possible, ascertain the
cause Of the great commotion that has
started so many patriotic Democrats (if
we may take their words for it, in such
a terrible stew. II must be som mething
unusual, for the Democracy have gen.
orally met together, established their
platform Of principles, and have gone
forth in sincerity and honesty to sustain
them at the ballot box. Fortified by
correct principles, earnestly and zeal
ously sustained, it is seldom that we
have been overthrown-so seldom, in
deed, that even when the opposition
have7triumphed, the Democratic senti-
ment has been sufficiently powerful to
give something of character and force
to their administration Of government
affairs. The defeat of the National
Democracy in 1913, is case in point.
Mr.. Fillmore, who had formerly given
his assent to the most ultra free soil
doctrines, conducted his administration
upon Democratic principles to such an
extent as to be considered safe man,
and in subsequent campaign received
the vote of a Southern State.
1t is little unusual for Democrats
to preach harmony, while portion OF
the party are practically repudiating
the principles embraced in its platform,
1t savors more of men than of principle.
IL is making an instrument of the Dem
ocratic party to sustain certain men,
and to repudiate and condemn others,
regardless of principles, policies and
measures. II seems to us that the De-
mocracy have never pursued such a
policy, and that it cannot be adopted
now with success 1t is in opposition
to the resolution of our last Democratic
State Convention, which invited men OF
all parties to join us in aiding the tri-
umph of the principles put forth by us
as party, and to assist in carrying
them into practical effect. This course
was Democratic and triumphant. 1t
was regarding the American people as
one family, and our free government as
a common inheritance, and inviting all
to assist in sustaining correct princi-
pies, which the Democratic party be-
licved to be best calculated to promote
the happiness, unity and continued
prosperity of our common country. Ii
was not saying to those who had differed
with the party on princple-You are
the natural and eternal enemies of the
Democracy and the government, and il
is easier for the Leopard to change hi,
spots than for you to abandon your po.
litical errors and assist in the triumph
of correct principles. 1t was not say
ing that men who have heretofore acted
with the Democratic party, are prefer.
able when they abandon correct princi.
pies, than those who have heretofore
acted in opposition to them can be
when they accept OF the invitation ex-
tended to them by our convention, and
accord our platform and national prin
ciples hearty support.
Since the days Of Jefferson, it hal
been the custom of the party to assem-
BILE in convention, declare the principles
by which they would be guided in ad
ministering the affairs of government
and ask the people Of the Union fo
authority to carry them into praetica
effect. This authority has rarely beer
withheld, for the principles avowed b,
the party have generally commended
themselves to the good sense and intel
r ligcnce of the masses. 1t is thus tha
, the Democracy have heretofore achieve,
, series of almost uninterrupted tri
umphs, and by rigid adherence to tn
usage, and regulation of their officia
conduct by the principles which hav
been accepted aud endorsed by ma
jority of the people, they must continu
as heretofore, the governmental part,
! of the country.
AT the opening Of the last nationa
campaign, the Democracy establishe,
their platform of principles, which wa
c accepted and endorsed by the people a
the election. Not a murmur was hear,
Q until the authorities, thus chosen. ha
n refused TO extend to portion of tn
. people of the Union, the benefit of th
y principles they had solemnly promise,
$ to uphold. Grave Senators have rise
q in the Senate house, and endeavored I
!. show that the democratic party neve
contemplated extending the principle Q