Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1859-07-09

other sections that Republicanism here burns
brightly.
IMP ORT.lNCE or A UNITED OPPOSITION
There has probably never been a period in
the history of the Republic when entire har-
mony and cordial cooperation on the part of
the real friends of the Union and of constitu-
tional liberty, as understood and promoted by
our fathers, were more thoroughly demanded
than the present. If ever men we're called up
on to lay all selfish considerations upon the
common altar Of patriotism and humanity it is
certainly now.
Not only is it true, that our government has
reached degree of corruption seldom parallel
ed in the annals of any people, as may be seen
by the reports to Congress of the special COM
mittees in the Fort Smelling swindle, the Viii
let's Point swindle, and the naval contracts
and xpcnditures-reports whether of the ma
ority or minority that should put the admins
traton to perpetual husband may be read
lily inferred from the contracts made in relation
to the army transportation and supplies, and in
the attempt to place thirty millions at the dis
posal of the President; but it is equally true
that there is settled purpose, acquiring strength
every hour, to effect radical change in the
character of the government itself in its most
essential feature.
The leading object of this government is full
ly and unqualifedy stated in that well known
document, commonly entitled the Declaration
of Independence. The people of these colonies
had been oppressed by the mother country
They had horne the oppression as long as 1t
was supportable They then declared them
selves free and Independent, and in maintaining
that declaration they consecrated their fortunes,
their lives and their honor. During the pres
ent week this declaration and the principles
therein embodied have been the theme of many
a speech, the burden of many a song.
What was the cardinal principle of this decla-
ration upon which, as upon a string, all its
glowing and brilliant political axioms like pearls
were strung? What was the grand purpose
for which all this toll and suffering and sacrifice
were endured? The pen of patriotism dipped
in the best of blood of our revolutionary faith
ers, has inscribed it on the scroll of fame and
however false we may be to the sacred trust
committed to our care, it shall remain perpet-
ual memento to their faithiulness and devotion
to the cause of Universal Liberty. However
democrats Of the present day may affect to re-
gard these principles as passionate declara-
tons of "glittering generalites." our fathers
gave the best evidence of their belief in the Vi
talizing, humanizing force of these doctrines by
sealing their faith with their blood. They
founded this government for the purpose of ex-
tending the area of human Freedom and for
abridging human Slavery and servitude. GAIL
men are created free and equal and are endow-
ed with certain inalienable rights, among which
are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"
This is the keystone of our political fabric and
it is this that is in danger of being removed.
During the last quarter of century modern
democracy has generally been in the ascenden-
cy, and during that period the power, claims
and usurpations of Slavery have been constant
ly increasing until they are likely to eliminate
in the bred Scott decision, the revival of the
African Slave trade, and the creation of the
power to hold property in Slaves in every ter
ritory and State of this Union. 1t is to this
end the energies of the democratic party of the
present day is directed. Some Of the demo-
Gratis of the Northern States protest feebly
against some of these claims, as they protested
against the enactment of the Fugitive slave law
and the repeal of the Missouri Compromise,
but now as then, they will not only tamely sub
nit in the end but become the most vociferous
members of their party in defending the Or
thodoxy of the now obnoxious doctrines. A
devotion to the Slave power that never tires
and seldom falters, even for single moment,
is the leading characteristic of democracy as
exemplifcd by the present administration.
In the midst then of prevailing corruption
aad in view of the dangers which thickly beset
our path, is it not the part of the highest wis.,
dom to review the foundation of this govern
ment, and imbibing the spirit of its early faith
ers, and laying aside all mere personal prefer
ences and prejudices and governed only by true
patriotism, in the language of the constitution
endeayor to "form more perfect union, estab-
fish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide
for the common defence, promote the common
welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to
ourselves and our posterityP"
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