Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1858-03-13

al struggles in former years, the Democratic
party had arrayed against it powerful organ
izatiOn, Of many years growth, with certain
leading, well-dcfined aud clearly under STOOD
principles, supported by able y | well know
statesmen-by men OF worth, integrity aud
ability-by men Of enlarged views, soundjudg-
meDt and vast experience. But that great par
ty, according To the prediction Of one Of ito
most eminent leaders, "nOw lives only in his
tory" After the defeat of Gen. Scott it dis.
banded, and from its ashes sprang the illiberal
Know Nothing abortion, which tiourishcda brief
period and then sank into utter nothing less
Another faction, more dangerous and fanaiical
than Know Nothingism, and which has COM
pletely absorbed the former, next presents its
hideOus front. 1t is strong in enthusiasm, fanHt-
icism and zeal, but as it is purely sectional
organization, without principles, hitherto it
has made but little Roadway in California. 1t
vehcn,ently opposed the Nebraska Act, de-
nOunced it's author as traitor to his country,
insisted upon restoration of the Missouri
Compromise, and swOrc vengeance against ev-
cry man who voted for its repeal. Suddenly
crate what it recently condemned.
The Black Republicans, with characteristic
Inconsistency and insincerity, in the face of
most positive proof against them, audaciously
step forward rs the supporters and champl-
ons Of the Kansas. Nebraska Act 1t is true
they recently denominated II fraud, swim
die, stain on the American name; but what
Of that? Surely they have perfect right to
eat their own words, and advocate "swindle"
| il it suits their taste. But what has produced
this sudden conversion? Is it because they
have at length discovered that the doctrine Of
nOn-intcrventiOn, squatter sovereignty" is
popular and that the people sustain it! Is it
because they believe in ita-that it is useless
to war against itG Not at all. They would lie.
nOunce it as ficrccly tomorrow US they did
six months ago, it they supposed it would
strengthen their faction, give them power, in
Huence, patronage. 1t is because they expect
and hope and pray that it will ultimately re.
suit in a rupture Of the Democratic party. 1t
is a wcll-knOwn fact that the Democratic party
do not present on undivided front On the ques-
ton. Mr.. Buchanan takes ono view of it, Mr.
Douglas another,-cach has ardent supporters
neither is disposed to rcccdc. Although they
do not differ materially, nor is there any pros
poet Of the breach widening, yet the niger
wOrshipcrs think that by supporting Douglas
they will drive him and those wh0support him
inopen rebellion against the Democratic party,
and by causing split triumph over both. They
| Nhnf nao nf
Aatter them extravagantly and encourage them
10 take grounds against the Administration,
and promise them ''aid and comfort" at the
same time they invidiously advise the friends
of the Administration to drive the Douglas
men to the wall, force them to take sides, de-
nOunce them as "Dlack Republicans at heart, "
and read them out Of the Democratic party
A few simplctons have listened To and follow
ed their treacherous advice, but the Niger
w0rshipers will find ere long that their labor
has been in vain.
When danger threatens the Democratic party,
come from what quarter it may; when sec
tional faction enters the political arena against
it and exultantly predicts its downfall; when
dcmagogues and knaves and tools combine to
defeat, it Buchanan men and Douglas men and
all true men will forget their prejudices, bar.
moniously unite, and " carrying the flag aud
keeping step to the music Of the Union, march
against the common enemy. 1t is utterly i'm
possible for q Democrat to coalcsce with the
Black Republicans; their principles are widely
differcnt-ther feelings and associations iii fer
cnt. Even for temporary success they would
not, could not prove SO rccreant to their early
teaching. They would destroy their influence,
lose their identity. and become the mere i'll
struments Of a faction they dctcst. The Black
Republicans evidently think that Democrats
are as unprinciplcd us thcmsclves-urea rs vacil-
lating and as easily led astray, but before the
next election they will find that they are de-
ceived. The mere act Of voting for or against
resolutions, presented by no authority and OF
no binding force, is not indicative Of the future
course OF any man. Self styled leaders, with
out ability or discretion, may assert it as test
of Democracy, but until the Democracy author
ize them to do 50, their assertion will be taken
for what is itworth-nothing more. That man
Is no true Democrat. no safe teacher who
threatens to read the "Old Guard" out of the
party because they dare TO differ in opinion
| from him.
We respectfully, earnestly caution tho De-
mocracy not to make any new issues, not to
strike plank from the National Platform, not
to introduce senseless and unnecessary tests,
not to permit any question to disturb the har-
mony Of the party. Re6ect-if Democrats are
driven from power, into what hands will the
administration Of the government fall? What
principles will control il! What line Of policy
will direct its operations? Who will be at the
head Of afEairsI If there were great, mag
unanimous, open, chivAlrOus party, as in days Of
yore, cOntending against the Democratic party,
we might calmly wait the issue, feeling conf
dent that we had no serious danger to appre-
bend from the triumph of our opponents. But
such unfortunately is not the case. A faction,
composed Of the worst material, Of men who
care nothing for principle, who have belonged
to and betrayed all parties, are arrayed in OPP
position to the Democratic party. They are
seeking, working necessarily FORTS dIsmember.
ment, so that they may once more attain place
and power Disappointed politicians and in
discreet Democrats are aiding them, uncOn.
sciOusly perhaps, in their insidiOus movements.
Are the Democracy willing to place power in
the hands of their enemy Are the Black Re.
publicans qualified, by experience or ability,
to relieve the Democracy of the duties of gov
eminent, and TO assume the grave responsible
ty of governing the cOuntryS What does the
country know of this new asDirant for power