Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-05-24
OppositiOn I

OeICalu OeuOCrhIlc Jouiuaio aleSS w iieiSNiS
the name of the "Opposition" party. They take
very great exception to the inference that our
creed consists mainly Of opposition to Democrat
ic policy and misrule. As this is precisely what
it is we are glad to know that our true position
is exactly appreciated.
The Wing party, essentially, is nothing but an
opposition party. That is really the meaning
of the word. 1t was its meaning in England
whom the Wings opposed the tyrrany and cor
ruptions of the Tory oligarchy--and it was its
meaning in the American Revolution when
those persons were called wings who opposed
the pretensions and exactions of the mother couD-
try, as against the Tories who sided with our
transatlantic enemies.
Recognizing it as the first duty of every pa
triot to defeat the Democratic party-not stop
ping by the wayside to dispute upon subordi-
nate points of difference-we have lesgued to-
gether under the appropriate and expressive til
tie of the Opposition, to accomplish that very
purpose. And we hope to be able to do it.
But if there be any one, either in our own ranks
or the ranks of the other side who is in any
doubt of the real character of the Opposition
to the Democratic party, we propose to enlight-
en- him by giving a comprehensive resume,
which we find capitally done to our hands by an
able Tennessee contemporary. Should any one,
then, enquire what is the nature OF our "oppo-
sition," let him be answered as follows:
Opposition to the enormous and unnecessary
increase of the public expenditures, and to the
extravsgances and corruptions practised under
the existing Democratic rule.
Opposition to the policy Of eutrusting to the
Executive the purse and the sword, as illustra-
ted by the S3O,OOO,00O bill and the recommen-
dation by the President to Congress to transfer
to him the war-making power in respect to
Mexico and the Central American States.
Opposition to the monstrous project OF bank
rupt law, which, together with other measures
of Federal ACKNOWLEDGMENT recommended and
sanctioned by the present administration, lays
the axe to the root of State Rights, and in COM
parison with which the high-toned Federalism
of the alien and sedition laws dwindles into utter
iusigni6canoe.
Opposition to Presidential interference with
the freedom OF elections and the right OF suffrage
as exempli6ed in the removal by Mr.. Buchanan
of his own appointees to Office in Illinois, be-
cause they would not war upon Senator OF the
United States of his own party for pursuing q
course, as Senator, contrary to the wishes OF the
President.
Opposition to the national indulgence Of a
morbid and unhealthy appetite for territorial &C.
QUESTION, which, losing sight Of every principle
of honor, Justice and sound policy, and at
the imminent risk of war, would, by cunning
and dishonest contrivances or open force, if nec-
essary, extend infinitely the limits of the Repub-
lie and absorb into ou: system mongrel populs-
tions, which, after years Of trial, have conclu-
sively show their utter ina bility durably to es-
tablish and peaceably to live under free repre-
sentative government.
Opposition to the further agitation of the
slavery question, as leading TO no practical good
to any portion of our country, but fraught with
peril to the peace and perpetuity OF the Union.
Opposition to the division of the country into
two sectional parties-which will be the lnevi-
table result of the continued ascendency OF the
Democratic party in the Southern States.
Opposition to the fomentiag ofjealousies, dis
sensions and heart burnings between different
sections of our common country by misrepre-
sentine the aims and opinions of the people oi
the different sections in regard to one another.
Opposition- determined, untirlng opposition
to dissolution of the Union, and to all par
ties, as such, which cherish and uphold as lead
srs men who are known to entertain the spirit
of dsunion in their hearts, or whose professions,
doctrines and acts manfestly tend to that result.
Opposition to the wild policy of an exclusive
" metallic ourrency which, ii carried into effect
would, in the language of James Buchanan, "at
once diminish the nominal value Of all property
more than so per cent? -''would, in effect, dol,
BILE the amount of every mans debts"-"would