Smyrna times., 1858-04-29
New Party.

The plan, prospectus, platform, or whateve
it may be called, of party uniting all the ele
ments of the opposition to the present Admin
lstratlon, has been circulated through the Stat
land, as per consequence, is attracting con
siderable attention and arousing the dorman
local questions and feelings. 1t is not our bust
ness, nor is it our intention, TO review or Sc
forth the merits or demerits of The plan fol
a new party,"-we leave that to those who are
tonder than ourselves of dabbling in the dirty
pool of party politics,--but public journalists
we feel it our duty to make passing note OF
an affair so general in its interest. Where did
1t emanate, is the almost general inquiry; and,
coming as it did in nicely-directed envelope,
without postmark, inscription, name of officers,
or by order of any society or convention, no
wonder that the people are anxious to have the
mystery solved. The opposition attribute it 10
different pens,-some to distinguished Lawyer
IN Dover, others TO a noted Divine in the same
place, some to one, some to another,-but all
look upon it as the foundation of party to
battle against the dominant party at the coming
campaign in our State. In common parlance,
this circular was sent out as " feeler,' to sound
the popular pulse and set the ball political in
motion. 1t is proposed, we learn, to call a Con-
ventlon, at some convenient place early in the
summer, for the purpose of adopting platform
and etfecting permanent organization. The
planks composing the new platform, as indiea-
ted IN the circular above alluded to, will be -
A Protective Tariff, for the benefit of the me-
chanic and laboring man; !; Distribution of the
proceeds of the sales of public lands among all
the States; More stringent Naturalization
Laws, and Popular Sovereignty.
The Democratic papers are watching the
movement with eagles eye, but saying little
keeping back their thunder until it takes more
tangible shape. The signs of the times ndi-
cate that we are to have warm political cam
paign in our State the present season. The
election is an important one, involving the
choice of an Executive in the place of Gov.
Causey, and a Legislature on which will de-
Volve the duty of selecting U. S. Senator in
the place of DR.. Bates, whose term of Office
expires next March. There are several State
and local questions which will be prominent in
the cOntest-but, head and shoulder above them
all, will be the "spoils the watchword of So
many of our patriotic citizens! Slavery, which
has heretofore been national with us, POLITICAL
ly, is we fear, about to be thrust into our State
affairs, and must, at the best, be an element OF
bitterness thorn in the side of the body poll
tic. Much, in the consideration of all the
questions, will depend upon the leaders of the
respective parties; for it is evident to everyone
that the great mass in all parties merely carry
out the behest of the leaders, following them
like lambs to the slaughter" How much
better would it be if straightforward, out
spoken course were followed by our partizans,
instead of resorting to so much trickery and
chicanery, as is unhappily now the mode by
which victory is endeavored to be gained.
That " honesty is the best policy" is no less
applicable TO politics than to individuals, and
sooner or late, the person or party that resorts
to fraud will meet with merited retribution.-
We like the honest expression of that famous
old Kentuckian, Davy Crockett, besure you're
right, then go ahead;' it is the only way to
obtain an honorable and safe victory.