Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-01-13

The Harmony OF the Democratic Party.

The Memphis BallstiA, and other Oppositions !
prints are feiciating themselves over what they re
gsrd ss the disafecIiOn of portion Of the Demo-
cratic party on the Currency question. They pre-
tend to see in the future general disrupure Of the
Democracy Of Tennessee over this question. And
they hatter themselves, that by keeping close upon
the heels Of these Democratic troubles they viii be
enabled to gather enough Of the odds and ends OF
the heretofore dominant party to give them
strength, and bring them once more upon the tide
Of successful fortune.
We are unable to believe that the opposition pa
pers are altogether serious in their representations
of the distracted condition Of the Democratic
party We ara unable to believe that they are hon
est in claiming to discern such dissensons in the
present party in power as give them earnest hope
Of speedy success. We have been too lOrg accus-
toned to such pretensions. We have learned too
much Of their Unauthorized representations; and
understand too well their brsg and bluster policy,
to believe otherE Use than nat it is one Of those or
binary cases with snxiuus expectants where the
wish b father to the thought.
We profess to know more Of the condition Of tho
Democratic party than its sdyerssries DO; and if
they are earnest in their belief that Ihers ser>
subject of Currency, promising them rich harvest
and complete triumph in our coming State cleo
tions we cEn assure them in sll seriousEess that
the ere laboring under delusion, and are doomed
to another disappointment. It's the masses Of the
people, the aboriDg and productive classes the real
interests Of society, that constitute the Democratic
party. and that will cont, oil its fortunes. Among
tkess there bat little difference, and no dot''oH, on
the Currency question. Let the opposition mark our
language The great masses Of the Democratic
party are now, ss they have ever been, the advO
Gates of 8 CoNsFITUTIoNAL CURRENCY and the enc
mics Of SH1xPLAsTERs, based on the mere faith OF
soulless and ,di shonest corporations.
They know, too, that the opposite policy has
characterized the history of Federalism, under all
Of its aliases, in this country. Having sought to
centraIiss pOWer-to place the rights OF the many
under the control of the feW-snd to make Labor
pay tribute to Capital, its natural policy has been
to make the absolute rights Of man, subordinate to
the artificial interests of society, and to build up
corporations and privileged classes st the expense
of the general welfare. The position o. the Dem
ocraic party on the Currency question is therefore,
natural one-shs one which it has always occupied,
and must continue to occupy. In this particular
the masses of the Democratic party are, and have
always been agreed.
Differences of opinion have to some extent, exist
ed in our party, as to the precise policy that 1t
would be best to pursue with regard to ertsAg eri'
connected with our present banking system But
these differences are Of comparatively unimportant
character and while it is to be hoped that we may
all be Of one mind in suggesting and Supplying the
remedies for these evils, they will not, necesssri-
Iv. disturb the harmony of the Democratic party.
The great mass Of the Democratic party agree upon
all essentials. They agree that gold and silver is
the only constitutional currency of the country, and
that no other currency is equal in value to it. They
agree that the system of sham money or paper no es
established under the plea CT general convenience
and commercial necessity has entaied greater evils
upoui be country than it has effected good, and that
n would have been far better IL no Batk Of issue
had ever existed in the world. They agree that
the Tennessee system of Banking is the worst of
ell systems. They agree that if left to the Banks
themselves, or to the advocates Of Banks, these
evils wocld never be remejied. They agree that
this subject will form legitimate question in the
mart canvass. and one which should be frankly and
fairly met
The principle of Reform was insugurated by the
Democracy in our last Legislature; and though
there were a few even of our own party, who we're
unwilling to 20 to the extent it was carried, yet
brisf experience has 50 demonstrated the wisdom Of
that action. that not q voice will be heard in the
nsxt canvass in favor Of its undOing. Even the
Rsnks themselves have been forced to admit its JUS
tice and propriety.
That policy Of reform, so gloriously inauguTated'
the Democrats party intend to adhere to- and ad'
vance step farther, in the next canvass Upon
this. too, all are AGREED And here We reach the
only ground of di agreement. In the future, as IN
the past. some may be more laggsrd thsn the rest
The over-cautious and timid may be content to |
move at a snails pace. The impetuOus and over
bold may run equally on the other extreme. be
this as it may the faces Of ell will be turned IN the
same direction, and all will be working to the same
great end and sill the devices of the enemy and |
the power and corruptiens of the Banks, and OF |
the slavish followers cannot impede us in that go-
riOus march.
Let Know Nothing editors mark this, and treasure |
n nm for future reference, that they may see how
true We have pointed out the path that lice before
us.
In speaking Of the harmony that pervsdes the great
them like band Of brothers in the approaching |
contest we do not embrace dissatisfied and factious
politicans-place hunters, who scent advantages to
themselves in division and strife, and who do not de-
sire peace. Such men are interlOpers, whose ONCE
Is TO use the party not to it, and should De
taken into account. They may annoy, but cannot
disOrganiIs the Democratic party. They will Cow
er before it's tread seek shelter with other desert
srs in the ranks Of the Opposition.
The Patriot Of yesterday Acknowledges its error
with regard to Gen. JAcKsoN's tariff vote in 1921
but commits greater error in suPPosing the dOe>
trues of the Farewell Address are not antsgOnistie
and inimical to the protective policy. The Dem9-
srsic party have always held that tarh OF duties
high enough to supply the economical wants oil the
government and none other was cOnsti'atiOna'
The object Of the tariff should be revenue aud while
"a; ed a. a collect Only