Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-06-18


whence came the platform Of principles,
purporting to be the basis Of union of
the opposition to put down the mob party
that directs the government. That ques-
ton, we ARE unable to answer but come
from what quarter it may, we look upon it
as impolitic and unwise. We have had
enough Of platforms. Every four years
gives birth to a locOfoco platform, and ex-
perienee has demonstrated that each sue
cessive enc is more infamous humbug
than its predecessor, until the very fact
that one Is erected, is presumptiye evidence
ofintended fraud upon the people. Every
attempt to unite the opposition, upon a
multitude Of specific doctrines, must fail,
and for reasons easily set forth. The very
fact that man is an opponent Of the
present dominant party, presupposes, in
him, honesty and independence, for with
out these, he would float with the current
and take his chances for share of the
plumber, the sharing of which holds that
party together. Then, if the opposition
be, in the main, honest and independent,
they can not be united upon platform of
principles, because there will be, among
them. q difference of opinion as to the
wisdom and propriety of some Of those
principles; and in that difference, and in
theses moral elements-honesty and in
dependence-wil be found ample means
Of schism. Men can no more think alike,
on all subjects, than they can assume one
uniform complexion, or caste of features !;
and if they differ honestly on any one
point it is folly to expect that difference
to become bond of union. And to unite
large mass upon one common platform,
embracing multiplicity Of doctrines and
measures requires the cohesive power of
public plumber" or a despotic power over
the freedom of thought exercised by but
two organizations in this Countrywide
catholic church and the locofoco party.
We freely admit that the opposition can
not be united unless some principles are
laid down as the basis of union but they
should be Of such obvious truth and i'm
portance that there can be no difference Of
opinion about them, with honest and in
telligent men, The good and the patriotic,
of all parties concur in the wisdom and
Importance of preserving the Union; OF
maintaining the national honor, of foster.
ing national interests Of securing freedom
of conscience by the continued divorce Of
Church and State and of building up g
nationality for the republic by which il
shall everywhere be known, and for which
1t shall everywhere be respected. Thi;
platform is broad enough for all to stand
upon, who love their country and are will
ing to sacra6ce upon its altar, those shade:
of difference on minor points of admins
trative policy, and those sectional preiu
dices which have engendered so much dis
cord and promise no good to either section
or the Union. A party, organized upor
the broad principles here enunciated, must
OF necessity, be too honest and patriot,
in its purposes, and too enlightened in it
views, to safer its great aims to be defeat
ed by want of hamony on minor issues
that can only be adjusted by mutual con
cessions. A party, too, thus organized
instead of rewarding partizans, who hav,
proven themselves unworthy to be treatet
by the amount of dirty work they hav
done, will confdc the reins of government
to able and worthy hands-to men VIII
may safely be entrusted with the duty O
shaping the policy of the government, no
according to the chart laid down bp pack
cd conventions of demagogues, but by tn
dictates Of an enlightened judgment an
the promptings Of noble patriotism. -
When such men FIJI the Halls of Congress.
tho question with them, when grave issue
are presented, will be, not what the plat
form says, but what the interests and til
honor of the country demand. This
tho sort Of party and Representatives III
country needs and not until there is sue
an one can a remedy be found for the evil
with which locofocoism has cursed ever
department of tho government as we'll I
every leading commercial and social il
forest.
eeS~ 1t would be amusing, we're il n,
hlannsLinr 10 vii N asa tha aAc,.t. &c lA.Ac.-