Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1859-07-28
Tho Duty of the Opposition.

gong on TOT some Time past, between certain
Republican and American Journals, in refer
ence to holding two Conventions in New Jer-
sey, for tile purpose Of nominating a suita-
bic candidate for Governor, to be supported
by both branches d the Opposition. We
have all along inclined to the opinion, that
the Convention called by The Opposition mem
bers Of the Legislature, would be able to make
such a selection. and that.tbe nominee of that
Convention would be triumpbantly elected.
But a portion Of the American party tho't
it best to call q Convention Of their own, in
order, as they say, to more thoroughly unite
the Opposition. To such a course we have
raised no serious objection; still, we are oan-
did to admit, that we have had, all along, our
misgivings as to the utility Of the measure.
In order that our readers may fairly under
stand this important question, we copy the
following moderate, and well-timed article from
the Trenton ." Gazette and Republican" of the
2dth inst, and eheerfully recommend it to the
serious consideration of every opponent of the
present corrupt Administration:
"fhe signs Of the times are propitions for a
glorious Opposition triumph in this State at the
ensuing election, The Democratic party is
dls0rgan'ged, divided into factions separated
ON q vital question, and with union and reas-
able energy on our part, doomed to overwhel-
ming defeat. The Opposition, on the contra
ny, are becoming every day more cordially uni
ted, The illjudged American movement for a
Shn0 fp iiAu Vppti0O hos hao, ,rn1I - H.
doned; all the wiser and more prudentm men of
that branch of the party discourage it. and
we cannot permit ourselves to doubt that the
project will be suffered quietly to die out
Among the Republicans, the DISPOSITION To
submit without reserve to the decision of the
general convention Of the whole Opposition
party is unanimous. That should be, and
we trust will be, the only Convention held
1t is all that is necessary, all that is desired
by reasonable men, and its action, if frankly
acquiesced in, must lead the way to success.
But While our success seems so well assured
and 50 good a spirit prevails generally, we re-
greet to see language held by some of our con-
temporaries which, while it is well meant. and
perhaps harmless, tends to get up a feeling of
division. We allude, of course, to such Ian
guage as represents the Opposition Conven-
ton as composed Of the representatives of sep
arate parties, to meet together and agree upon
terms Of alliance-to dicker and bargain, or to
oVerreach each other on points of advantage.
Such is not our conception of it. At least so
far as State politics are concerned, we know
Of no party but that known as the Opposition
party, organized in a spirit of mutual conces.
sion, on the 4th of June, 1856, and still adj
hered to by a large majority of the people of
the State. On all questions of State policy,
and on nearly if not quite all questions of gen
eral policy, we are all of one mind, united by
a common belief, by the memory of common
victories, and by the common hopes of future
triumph. in fact, with the exception of that
known as the Democratic, we know of no 9TH
er State party organization. This being the
plain, Weii-known fact, is it not time to cease
this talk OF a union as something yet to be eff
tected :! Is it not time to take it for granted
that we ali compose but one party? Certainly
this is the only rational method of action. and
the only enc that can build up the Opposition
into a great, harmonious, homogeneous and
victorious party.
Tho Convention Of the Opposition has been
already called by regular representatives of
the party, and is cordially acquiesced in by al
most every one. To talk Of calling other con
%ventlons under such circumstances, must bear
the appearance Of an attempt to overreach, or
at least to obtain an undue advantage over
those who frankly and fully adhere to the only
regular call, and for that reason alone, if no
other existed, cannot be acknowledged or toll
Grated. To recognize a convention, represen-
ting but a small faction of one portion of the
Opposition, as all independent and equal body,
would be to endanger the whole organization,
by introducing Jealousy, d~istrust, and finally,
disunion. Let us then all, of every portion of
the State, of every branch of the party, free
ly come together as one party, and take coun-
sci as to the best means of perpetuating our
organization aud power. Let no remembrance
OF past divisions, or of differences of opinion
on questions no longer at issue, no jealousy of
different sections appear in that convention,
but let US only remember that we have acted
together successfully for three years, and that
we are supported by the majority of the peo-
pie, and our meeting will not only be harmo-
NOUS, but enthusiastically so.
On the question of a candidate we should
enquire; not what his opinions were ten, or
even three years ago, but what his opinions
are now; whether he has acted throughout in
good faith with the Opposition party, and now
subscribes to its principles, and will aid in its
objects. If he is satisfactory on these points,
and is a man who, by character, ability and
position, will command the cordial support of
the masses OF the party, we care little from
what part of the State he may come, or for
which candidate for President he may have
voted i'll l856-Fillmore or Fremont. It is
only necessary that he be right now, and the
choice of the Convention. This is the spirit
in which we should act, if we wish to insure
union and harmony in the future, as well as
success In the impending election, and such,
we take it, is the object of the mass of the
party. We recognize but one party in New
Jersey as entitled to our support, and that par
ty We wish to see pursue the path which rea-
son, as well as policy points out. That path
is PLATA and clear, leading directly to the re-
suits We all desire, while any other can only
end in discontinue now, and hopeless distrac-
ton and defeat in the future. Let us all then
drop all thoughts of foreign organizations,
and recognizes only the united Opposition, as
a distinct, homogeneous party, united and
agreeing upon all essentials as fully as ever
party did in the State, and resolutely refusing
to recognize, or even to acknowledge the ex-
isteuce of other conventions, whether called
Republican or American, or by any other
name whatever. but pursue with honest and
purpose the policy that leads to union
and success, now, and in the future.
THE PoTAro CRoP.-This important crop
promises to be an abundant one in Monmouth,
this season. In fact, throughout the West,
and in the New Enoland States the nrosnect