The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-09-16
WHAT SHALL BE DONE NTH HLMl

ltroih the Mobile Register sept loJ
The Washington Union has an inquisitve article upon
the disposition of blr Senator Douglas among the po
cal parties of the times It thinks the solution OF the
question Of his political assignment Is likely TO involve
only the interests but the character also Of the demo-
cratic party IL says that the senator, after abandoning
this party last wnef went to and well received
and entertained by the black republicans that they re-
oeiyed him with demonstrations of Joy oorfeued upon
him all the tendeest rights Of hospitality and respect con-
ded to him their counses which he in turn received
apt and Obliged guest but that upon the question Of
admitting him fully into the family chapel, or ordaning
him as priest in their public church, they were not
merely in doubt but positively against him They re
cciyed him s visitor, treated him as visitor ana used
him visitor but they would not therefore embrace
him trusty exponent of the cations of their faith
Thus repused in the material effect OF his WRIT Mr.
Douglas shook off the dust of his feet upon their charity
turned his back upon them, denounced the articles OF
their faith and cooly walked back into the tabernaccs OF
the democracy under the rational idea that it is not good
for to follow after the strange woman, or to live
alone.
In this distress and in the seHatopa nervous inquiry
'Where shall go o. the Union is willing TO cotnpro-
mise with him. AS the republicans refused to honor him
prophet it is not therefore necessary that the demo
cratic party should spurn the odigaE 1t is therefore
willing to kill the atted calf for him upon the following
conditions that he home without arms that he
submit to the discipline Of the ranks that he confess his
vagaes, read all his speeches since the opening OF the
last Congress- rehearse his conferences with the beathen
and utterly abue IN tbe face Of the congregation not
only his heresies but also the vaSorious boast OF 'my
principles and the importance of the "Doughss party
In word il he came back to the democratic party the
Union would have him put in penance and upon
trial. and if he be found truly repentant to reward him
in future accordingly. 'a'. 1'V ~ tt.
All this sounds we'll enough. But it is not the true
doctrine of the democracy II Senator Douglas either in
sincerity of heart or Witness of politics, cannot approve
of the dogmas principles or reasonable presumptions Of
the great philosophy which gave life and being to this
vast republic, which have animated the conduct of the
patriots who hot only formed but directed the of
thao LAT inn
has yet failed FOR the want of individuals to effect
its purposes, and have fear now that its destiny
depends upon any individual within its ranks.
The experiment has been too often tried for us now to
believe that any politician however able distinguished
he may be- hinder overrue its purposes; and If
the UnGn viii give itself the trouble to- reflect upon the
history of the party; aud 10 consider how many who
have risen to greatness by the power of the democratic
party have gone asay under delusve egotsm, to find
last that Is necessary to the triumph OF its
doctrines, it may place Mr. Douglas with Mr. Clay and
Others if it WILL but find consolation in the fact that the
party will always find u Moses for its delivcrance.
Mr. Douglas has no power out of the democratic party
Whatever power he may have for evil will be unavaing
before the strength OF that political truth which has ever
nerved the soul of the democracy and given at once,
briancy and edge to its sword in battle is singu
lar fact conected with the policy OF the United States
that man has ever risen to the honos OF the presden-
cy who has either individually claimed it as the reward OF
his merits who has aspred to its dignity by the force
of electioneering Disappointment has invariably been
the consequence when any personal desire means have
been employed and Mr. Douglas will find in the course
Of his that his fate VIII not differ from the illustn-
who have heretofore erred and stryed from the
fold of the democratic to lead party in the
mazes of political wilderness.
General jackson elevated to power among the poll
cans who advancing their merits as the price of
political advancement. Mr.. Van Duren succeeded as
agent necessary to extend the policy Of Gen Jackson but
he set aside amidst his aspirations and amidst
the quarre of other statesmen in lS40 by the popular
voice, and by the election of Gen. Harrison Mr.. Polk
elevated radiance from the nextcable personal
claims of clamorous politicians Gen Taylor reward
cd by the people Of the United States for his military
vices in Mexico, the desert of his valor without any
personal search his part Gen Pierce was selected
amidst the contention Of personal patisans who claimed
leadership for their several fvoes and Mr. Buchanan
the present ruling patriot OF the nation, was taen from
the ranks of his eowctzens and transferred to his pres
ent elevaon by that abiding confidence in his honesty,
fidelity aud ability which of years had inspired
into the bosom of the nation by his devotion to the pr
cples ofhs party The presidency is the free heart offer
ing of the nation 1t dooms that politician to secona
r position who seeks himself this nesmable honor and
Mr. Douglas will ind in spite of his ''my principles
his "my party that his failure will but be added to the
list of those who have fallen from the pride of place into
obscurty from the same cause st Paul prophesied Of
the rule 'unloss you abide in the ship we cannot be
saved !" ea t4 \.