The daily press. (Cincinnati [Ohio) 1859-1859, 1859-06-02
THE PRESS.
CINCINNATI THURSDAY, JUNE 2.
An Administration Party and an Oppo-
sitiOn Party,

plAhpiy pOOduSo poiI III pOWoT 10 r6-
sponsible agent, its doctrines and pur-
poses becoming causes ofpractical effects
An opposition party has no direct respon-
sibilities, and but one object. 1t wants
power, and to acquire il, is everything
by turns, and nothing long" as regards
its policy, its declarations and general
tone. 1t follows Power, menaces its po-
sitions, combats its efforts, and over
whelms it by complications. The recent
decision of the Supreme Court of Ohio,
which nullifes in advance the contem-
plated State notification of plain
section of the Constitution of the United
States, and law of Congress giving it
active force, is a great political feature,
not to be overlooked. The fugitive slave
law, so long a rallying point for the Re-
publican party of Ohio, is now under the
protection of the State Judiciary, which
has confrmed-if such word be proper
in such a connection-the decision of the
U. S. District Court of Ohio The logical
consequences are apparent. The ultra
Abolition wing of the opposition is para
lyzed-it is defunct, cut off from legal
pretence, even, by this decision. 1t will,
however, continue to act, as mob power
and disturber of the "due course of law"
The Republican party, as nucleus of
an opposition" general has acquired a
prestige and vitality which has given it
renown and political effect, which could
not be secured by development from
within itself; it has gathered bulk by
outside additions, like SNOWFALL, instead
of from an internal development. The
Americans" rejoice at this victory over
Northern notification. All good citi-
zens, sound practical men, are satisfied.
The decision of our Supreme Court is u
quietus in fact and theory. What will
now be the shibboleth of the opposition ?
In answer to this question so interest
ing to politicians we can speculate only.
The war in Europe, an outside press
ure, great national questions bearing
upon immense material issues, may come
up to divide our people, and form the
bases of new political parties. The civil
dissensions and local jealousies of the
past few years, will probably die out
Let us see Matters of finance, of free
trade and maritime rights, of supplies of
food to continent in arms, and more re-
motely manufactures, are all involved, to
say nothing of those less tangible but
quite as exciting topics, the civil and re-
ligious rights of millions of people, de-
pending on the thunderbolts of war.
Already the organ of the selfstyled In
fallible Church, in this city, has blown
its trumpet of alarm, is rallying its
strength for blow to its head in Europe
will be felt to the remotest extremities of
its body. 1t may be, that the American
element in politics is to be again vital
lied, and assume commanding position
"a watchful neutrality. 1t may be, that
the shock of empires, the tottering of
thrones, the overthrow and founding of
dynasties, the removal of all the old CEN
ters of social, civil and religious gravita-
tion, may reach this great republic. 1t
may be, that excitements and intrigues,
and attempts to change American policy
to suit subordinate interests, may call fer
an earnest and emphatic demonstration
from the American people Who can
know what is to be in year. in few
months? Our great strength as a nation
is appreciated by all; our influence NAV
be counted by antagonistic factions
whose political power in this free land
will be offered as a conciliatory boon to
contending politicians and parties. But
1t is to be hoped that the United States,
that our people will hold to a purely
American course. Our country will be,
as it has been, free to all who come here
to peace and plenty, to be Americans in
act and principle, and nothing else
The battle Of civil and religious liberty
HAS been fought on this continent, the
victory HAS been won; and while we are
ready to welcome all, and do welcome all
from abroad it is a part of the contract
that ALL foreign allegiance be thrown off,
and all become Americans Our institu.
tions are our own, and unlike all others
Our position is in advance of other ma
tions, as regards social equality, civil
rights, and religious liberty. Let us keep
it Meantime, whatever inevitable dis
sensions- the fruit of free thought and
its free expression - may arise, let us
never forget that to this generation is
confded the task to keep alive American
doctrines and sympathies, and all their
practically realizing instrumentalities.