Pointe Coupee Democrat. [volume] (False River [i.e. New Roads], Parish of Pointe Coupee [La.]) 1858-1862, 1858-02-13
MEASURES, NOT MEN

Inc enemies OF the Democratic party
are everywhere predicting its disruption,
ard rejoicing i'll the hope that it is soon
to be broken up and destroyed. Whilst
we arc in 10 way surprised that such
a hope should fill them with JOY, and can
readily understand the grounds upon
which their predictions are based, we do
not entertain the slightest fears of their
lever being realized
1t is true that prominent members of the
Democratic party have seen proper to
differ with the Administration upon its
Kansas and CentraI-American policy,
but it by no means follows that in 50
doing they intend to cut themselves loose
from the Democratic party and, indeed,
If such be their intention, it would not
necessarily, Or even probably, end in the
disruption Of that party The very idea
upon which the Democratic organization
is based, and on WHICH it has invariably
acted, will save it from such catastro-
Iphe. With measures, and not men, as
the foundation-wall upon which it is built,
it necessarily follows that it can never
be destroyed so long IS it adhcres to this
as the fundamental doctrine of it's exis-
tence. Like all othe, parties it has its
great Hglits-men tc whom it is deeply
attached, and whose lead it delights to
follow. But this attachment springs less
from any partiality Of the party towards
its leaders than from admiration of com
manding abilities, coupled with long
and consistent devotion to the great
doctrines upon which it is founded and
whenever, therefore, we find one Of these,
no matter how great bis personal popu-
larity, dcserting the leading. measures
OF the Democratic party, we will surely
see that party as promptly deserving
him.. "Men change, but principles live
forever )" and immutably fixed as it is
upon the unchanging rock Of principle,
neither the Democratic party, nor any
respectable portion Of it, can ever be
made to follow permanently those who,
misled by error or influenced by the
promptings of ambition, may choose to
depart from the great political chart laid
down for its government. We are not
without many examples in support of
what we have said-The merest tyro i'll
the history of the Democratic party is
familiar with the fact that attempts have
again and again been made to destroy
its organization, by men who had enjoyed
its fullest confidence and occupied its
highest places of honor and trust. All
know the fate Of those who deserted their
party and made war upon the Admins
tration of Gen. Jackson. Whilst he, for
adhering firmly and unflnchingly to its
great principles, was applauded and sus-
tanned by the people, they, as a conse-
quence Of deserting them, were driven
into political exile, and stripped Of their
power and influence. And few there are
who do not remember the fate Of one
who, after having spent the best years
of his life in the ranks Of the Democracy,
and worn the highest honors in its gift,
ingloriousIy buried himself in bold
attempt to bury his old party We
might give other instances of a like
character, but these are sufficient for cur
and enough to show how vain
is the idea that any mar, or set Of men,
no matter how commanding their talents,
or bow high their positions, can, by
deserting the principles Of the Demo-
cratic party, destroy its organization, or
materially damage its prospects OF con-
tinued and ultimate success. Such at
tempts have often been made, aud as
often failed and such predictions as our
opponents are now putting forth have
always ended, as these will certainly |
end, in idle prophecies and unmeaning
boasts. Washington Union.