Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-04-22
ICON HuNICATED

SiORdt DiSfricf, or reasons Ior rOfR9 .fof
Henry .Shacke!tord.
We propose briefly and dispassionately to
investigate the political career and acts of
the Hon. Vim. Smith, from the beginning Of
the memorable canvass of 1850, down to the
present date. We design to expose the polit-
ical Inconsistencies Of which he has been
guilty to trace Step by step his course of
action: To show his direct antagonism, not
only to the organization of the Democratic
party, but of hostility to it's fundamental
principles: and finally, that we cannot, As a
Democrat, sustain him in the present canvass
without sacrificing all that is dear and sacred
in the history of the party, it's glories and
triumphS, its traditions and principles.
We design no injustice to Gov. Smith. If
We misjudge or mi>represent him, we are
ready TO retract.
Gov. Smith cannot complain that he
should be arraigned at the bar of public
opinion. His acts, opinions, and conduct as
n public man. in connection with the poll
ties Of the country, and in view of the pre-
sent canvass, are now the subjects of fair and
candid criticism. And if so investigated
and reviewed, his complaints will return
home to him unheeded.
But does it lie in the mouth of Gov. Smith
to complain that his course of action touch
ing national politics, should be Investigated
and reviewed? Can he complain when any
portion of his constituency, after such q re-
view. should deem his opinions and acts at
war with the organization and principles Of
the Democratic party, and. therefore, refuse
him their support?
To acceie to the Justice Of such complaints
would lead necessarily TO the destruction Of
the organism of the party, to a sacrifice Of its
principles, and the complete humiliation of
the individual freedom Of its members.
That any member Of the party has a right
so to act without any impeachment of his
loyalty 10 party, ought 10 receive without
objection the appreciation of Gov. Smith.
For he himself has given us the example to
profit by. Not only has he recognized the
right 50 to do: but he has furnished us a test
by which we may note the man, who is loyal
and true 10 his party.
Now, we propose III our review TO clam no
privilege which Gov. Smith has not also
claimed; and to use no other means or tests,
u ascertain whether VI can consistently as
IL Democrat vote for him, than those which
he has laid down for his own rule of conduct.
In the debate on the admission of Kansas
into the Union. Gov. Smith was thus ~interro-
gated by Mr.. English, Of Indiana. 81 wish
to inquire of the gentleman whether he holds
Governor Wise t, be in or out Of the Demo
cratic organization ?"
Mr.. Smith, of Virginia. "Well, Sir,
hold him to be outsid' Of the Democratic or
gaai.ation. and Ido not hesitate tn say IT,!
An gsnhemsH rho reuse To cooperate wih
tie Democratic party in The great measures
"f the party. are necessarily outside Of that
party organization -
Let Us apply the test thus furnished us by
GOV. Smith to his own case.
In the Fall and Winter Of 1854. So,
amidst the excitements and passions which
had been engendered by the fanaticism
of Northern a~bolitionism, there suddenly
sprung into existence n political organiaa-
ton. which in the Northern States soon OBJ
tained Il fearful power. 1t trampled down
the old parties. and left the Democracy in
the Northern States To battle Tor their exis.
teuce against tremendous odds. Its rapid
and mysterious growth and progress in the
non-slaveholding States, began to attract at
%tention. 1t silently and insidiously began
u ermeate the masses in the Slave States.
1t disorganiaeI and overthrow the great
Wing party. The secrecy and mystery
which covered it's birth and wonderful growth,
se,luced even many Democrats into its en-
brace. 1t became formidable, and soon
threatened 10 overwhelm the Democratic
party. whose great strength was in the South.
As IT became powerful, the more it boosted
and the more bold in the development Of
its purposes and designs. The veil was ut
length removed. and the grand leading de-
signs Of Native AmericanIsm, seen and de-
clarrd.
The natural foe of this new organization
was the Democratic party, which was ever
the cherished friend Of the eSIled and OPP
pressed of other lands; and the stern and
unyirlling defender Of religious freedom
before the State. This ancient foe Of Demo-
crucv. for .1merican'Sm was but Federalism
under u new guiSc.) soon checkered Virgin
ia with its secret Lodges. The Democracy
were alive TO the danger which threatened
the country. 1t was apparent that Virginia
was tn. ground where the battle which was
to determine the fate of the Democratic par
" and Of the Union was 10 be fought.
Early in September. 1854. many of the
prominent members of the Democratic party
were written to. in order to ascertain their
views and position, in regard to this new
organization. known as the Know Nothing
Party. Amongst the number was Governor
smith. All except Gov. Smith promptly
and plainly answered. The times were
sadly out Of joint" and p%romptness and
boldness were required to save the State.
Timidity and evasion at such times indicate
neither loyalty nor craftsmanship. Yet Gov.
Smith faltered. lie answered, however. but
after II long time. and evasively. Contrast
the non-committalism of his answer. with
the plain. bold, and earnest letter of the gal
liant Henry \. Wise, who tore the disguise
from the "veiled prophet" and exposed its
hidcous features to the public gaze. The
Democracy Of the State neryed themselves
for the coming battle, and approaching the
fcarlcssn"ss and gallant bearing Of her son,
in these times If trouble, selected Henry A.
Wise a. their leader. against the legions Of
Know Nothinglsm, confident in their num-
Der. and in the prestige of former triumph.
And right gallantly did he respond to the
call Of duty and loyalty-Amidst the throng-
ed lcgions of Know Nothingism he charged
home upon them, and carried the banner Of
Democracy u a glorious triumph. Thus
did Henry \. Wise, in the hour of trial and
despondencv, when disaster threatened w,