Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1859-10-06

convention or caucus, and every private
member, from senator down to a simple
voter, was required TO obey Implicitly
Discipline was strict, and rigidly enforced;
and hence the wonderful unanimity with
which (untll very lately) all the measures
of that party have been sustained by its
members, however opposite 10 each other
in principle and policy. Among the Wings
on the contrary, quite different system
prevailed. Their discipline, like the party
itself, was based upon the idea of the intel
ligencs, as we'll as the honesty and patriot
ism oftheir members. Discipline was COM
puratively lax, and there was allowed to
every member large latitude Of private
Judgment and individual opinion upon oil
unessential doctrines and all incidental ques-
tions. And hence the frequsn; differences
Of opinion among the most-eminent members
of the Wing party, in its best days, upon
collateral questions. While this is evil
dsnce Of the intelligence and freedom Of the
party, it may also be the cause of its defeat;
for despOtism, at the head of a nation or
party, has more energy than freedom; and
can more easily accomplish its ends, when
no one has the right to oppose or question
its commands. But party success, won
by tyrannizing over the Judgments and con-
sciences Of men, is not The success We de-
sire; because il is wrong in itself, and is a.
once an example and fl instrument fox i'm
posing upon our country an arbitrary gov
ernment.
But The question returns upon us, what
ought the Wings 10 do in the present cri-
Sis? What can they do? You inform me
in your lotter that 'the object OF this meet
ing is to call together and reorganize the
scattered fragments Of a once glorious par
ty, believing as you do, that it is strong
enough to effect seme good purpose in the
coming elections" Yes surely, you are
right! 1t is strong enough to DO much good,
if the attempt be made, not in passion and
violence, NO. in urging extreme opinions,
offensive TO others and useless to our cause,
but in spirit Of Cancellation and peace, and
with the prudence and moderation which
marked the character Of Wings in the days
Of their glory. But it is not strong enough
to net Sc parately and alone, To accomplish
any real good for the country and for the
cause Of truth and freedom, it must COOP
crate with the other elements Of opposition
to an Administration and party which hare
divided the nation into sectional factions,
and have destroyed The peace and confl-
dence of the country and endangered its in
tegrity. Such cooperation. demands no sag
riice Of Wing principles-nOt title. On
the contrary, it requires the exercise Of the
best attributes Of genuine Whig-the pa
triotism which would lead us willingly to
sacrifice our personal prejudices and prepo-
sessions if we have any for the public
good-the courage which would enable US,
when fully convinced of the right, to main
tain it against all odds-and the moderation
and forbearanco which, Giving and letting
live) freely iolerates minor differences of
opinion among brethren co-aotins the same
cause.
This is all that is required for the accom-
plishment of the good you indicate; and just
this much I think, our country requires Of
us. You are not the first to begin the good
work, Already the Wings In several 9TH
er States. Maryland, Virginia, North Caro-
lima, Kentucky, Tennessee, and perhaps ]
might add Louisiana and Texas, have begun
their organization. In soms OF those States
they call themselves Hhigs, in others, The
Opposition. No matter which mans is used.
Ths fact will speak for itself, and united
opposition will insure success.
During this year have had occasion to
write so many letters in answer to calls like
yours, that | am unwilling to trouble you
with any detailed statement Of my views
upon the various topics which your letter
necessarily suggests. My letter to the
New York Wing committee, last spring,
and my answer to the committee Of the OPP
position Jubilee, lately held at Memphis,
Tennessee, have been extensively published
and probably have fallen under your 0bser-
vation. To them refer you as true ex- !
preston of my opinions, as far as they go.
Thanking you for the invitation, and 'iill
more heartily for the respectful courtesy Of
its terms, remain with oil respect,
Your obliged friend and follow citizen,
EDW. BATES.