Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-04-29
tOMurSlCATEn.

yionaR District, or reasons for rof'"g for
Henry Socke!to,d.-No. :.
We have now, step by step, traced the
political career of Gov. Smith, from ls5i-'55
down To his vote on the Oregon bill. when
he opposed the admission of that Democratic
State into the Union, because that State, IN
the exercise of its sovereignty, conferred on
alien residents the right of suffrage. And we
have seen, during that entire period, that he
has been hostile to the great principles OF the
Democratic party: that he has at times united
with its most implacable foes to destroy Its
organization; and that he had adopted here
sizes the most abhOrrent to the Democratic
party. and which called from the Richmond
Examiner that whitening. blasting denuncia-
tiun. that they we're Of 'IiboiiiiOn uireHtion."
COY. Smith has never expressed any change
of convictions ON these important questions,
and from his late action on the Oregon bill,
we have a right to presume that he still en-
~,ertains the same feelings and views.
How. then, can any Democrat sustain him!
If we are battling for principles, and not for
mere party and men, can any Democrat, VIII"
is mindful of the history OF his party, with
all its glorious principles consecrated by its
triumphs, and even casting brightness over
the gloom of it's defeats. be loyal IL the slo-
rious past, be consistent and faithful to his
own convictions, who will support and nus
tain one who has abandoned the party, who
has been taithlcss IL its dearest principles,
and who has openly entered into negotiation
with its deadliest foes, Il defeat and destroy
its organization?
BY 80 doing, it seems 10 us that Democ-
racv has ceased to become a pearl of great
value" and that it has become bat Il mere
counter for the cunning and designing ones
10 play with. BY 50 doing. it is claimed
that Gov. Smith is endorsed and approved.
Can any Democrat lay his hand on his
heart. and say, conscientiously, that he APP
proves the conduct and principles of GOV.
smith? And if you vote for him. he claims
that you thereby approve his conduct ami
principles.
Henry Shuckelford voted for him in 1855,
and Gov. Smith, throughout the District, has
proclaimed that, by so doing, Shackelford
has approved him. Are you willing, Demo
Gratis. to place yourselves in such n position,
where your acts and principles are 30 OPP
posed one to the other?
If. however, you are battling for men alone,
do so, and So proclaim it: but do not out
rage the maine of Democracy in such a con-
tcs,. If you are battling for a mere party
name. do SO; but say, at the same time. that
it is II contest for the triumph Of faction, and
not for principle. But if, on the other hand.
you are battling for the great principles OF
h,,,,,,r ,h., Ian .,p.isfapf Snta fhaSp
principles. and vote for those who consls-
tently, and with irmness, represent these
principles. .
Henry Shackelforl is the representative Of
these principles. Gov. Smith is not only the
representative. but he even boasted that he
was the parent. Of the Smith Flournoy Know
Nothing heresy. Look upon both! Mediate
for one moment, and then say, Democrats.
for whom, under the impulse Of conscience
and duty. you should vote!
But you are told that you should vote for
Gov. Smith. because he is stronger than
Sharkeltord, and that this is the only way TO
secure the defeat Of Henry W. Thomas. Let
IT, grant all tt.i- Tor the argument, and what
is it worth?
We must. it is said. vote Cor Smith TO beat
U 'IIli w ~ wv wv DptNn' i'e ~
cause he does not represent the Democratic
principle. If Gov. Smith then does not rep
resent that principle, why should We not
also oppose him? Heis equally with Thomas
opposed to the Democracy. They both rep
resent the Smith, lournoy-k w-Nothing
hrresy. They both should be reprobated by
the Democratic party.
But, it is again said, that voting for Shack
eIforI is indirectly voting for Thomas, and,
therefore. we should vote for Smith. Beau
tiful logic. Forgetting that, in voting for
Smith. We are equally taking hold OF q
"tarrei rope" that whilst voting for either
Thomas or Smith. yet We vote for principles
essentially and fundamentally opposed 70
those OF Democracy. We then might more
truly retort the charge, that in voting Tor
COY. Smith YOU vote for II. W. Thomas, be-
cause you are voting against Henry ShpkeI-
ford. who truly and consistently represents
the principles Of your party. The Democ-
racy 10 not battle for mere party Is an end.
Party is q means by which great primer
pies and objects are successfully carried out
and accomplished. The very moment 1t
ceases 10 be controlled by principle, 1t h--
comes m evil: n Inere faction. Hence each
Democrat should be ever ,olicltOus {" see
that the great principles which animate him,
should not be sacrificed Ia accomplish the
views or interests Of individual men. 1t IS
III this way only that n great party can be
preserved. 1t is in this way only that the
triumphs Of party can be honorable and
pointed To with pride. Us all evidence OF the
achievement of truth and principle. The
principles of the Democratic party ara her
jewels, and to which that party points with
pride and satisfaction. DO we not, however,
abandon them. when We entrust their safe
keeping to one who has turned his back upon
them. and sought their defeat by the over
throw of the organization which represent
Ell them? Can II Democrat consistently SUE
tain Gov. Smith. who arose in his anger, IN
-. aud endeavored Ia smite down his party!
Can any ma,urallzed citizen vote for HIM,
when h. has made war on the foreign exile.
and declares that immigration should be
checked?
When the time shall come that We must
bend the knee, and kiss the rod that smites
us, then true republican principles will van.
i-h. aud We shall show forth t" the world
that We are unworthy Of that right OF sui
rage of which we boast - much.
let. then, Democrats be pure AMI consls-
tent. faithful to principle. and the resPonsl.
hilitv If defeat will not rest upon them. II
they triumph. they will reap their reward.
The friends Of Gov. Smith afcCt that Henry
Sharkclfprd has but a handful OF friends.