Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-02-08
Parties.

10 the otQteSg u lhcI WHICH WAS well known 10
the parties at the time the negotiations commenced
Parties.
The frequent recurrence of popular elections in
this country has occasonCd frequent changes in
the organization of parties; and has occasionally
modified, according 10 the eregeneies Of the times
but has never changed the leading ideas, and es-
sential differences upon which they were originally
formed. We regard this important fact that
cannot be too often impressed upon the popular
mind. Men may call themselves wings, Know
NOthings, Americans or the Opposition as surround
ing circumstances may dictate, but the two great
opposing elements Of the country are sill the sane
that they were 10 the early history of the govern
ment, Federalists and Democrats.
HAMILTON, disbelisying in the capacity Of the
people for selfgovernment, adhered to the old Eng
sh ideas Of consolidated poWer-ofnslional strength
and wealth and greatness concentrated in III favor
edfew who should be the selfconstiluted guardians
Of the many. Let government take care gifts most
wealthy and favored classes, thought he, and they,
in their charity, will take care Of the poor. His
school Of politicians from that day to this, has,
notwithstanding their asseveraions the contrary,
been advocating and legisating upon the same iden
tical ideas They have labortd TO consolidate pow
in government, both State a7d Federal, by going
beyond its legitimate purposes, and seeking to do
in legislation what the people shonld be left free
do for themselves. Privileged corporations have
been established, delegating to some rights that
should be enjoyed alike by all; building up classes
that exercise an undue influence aud power in
matters Of common concern. Improper systems Of
taxation have been imposed, making the burdens Of
government fall dsprOpOr;ions to its benefits They
have industriously incuca:ed the idea into the
minds Of large class Of people that government
was instituted to make mOaey thrOuy h the ans of
Banks; improve the country ty constructing works
Of internal improvement; build up factories by
means of high and unequal tariffs, density the
population, crowd the cities, and do sill manner of
things never contemplated by those who originally
drafted our form of government. This same class
of men has constantly legislsted for Capital, fos-
tering the incidental rights and artificial interests
Of men, to the neglect and often subjugation, of
the absolute rights and real necessities of tie people
No elaboration is necessary in order 10 give force to
facts apparent in the history of the country that
no impartial and intelligent mind, Of that very
party, can question them.
Ia direct opposition to this theory Of Mr. HAM
ILToS, and the practices Of his sdhereuts, s;sod
Thomas JKFFERsoN aad bis ideas, to which he gave
successful application during his public career, and
which have, in the msin, been adhered 10 rs the
policy of the country, and enforced b. the Demo
cratic party, from that dsy TO the present. Mr
JEFFERsoE taught the doctrine Of political squalty
and popular rlghts-thGt with u, all sovereignty
was the people, which aggregated, formed The
sovereignty Of the States; aad that the Federal
Government had none of it and could only exer-
else, therefore, such powers clearly dee
gated by the States in its formation Reversing
the idea of Mr.. HAMILTON, he was fer adapting the
government the people; not The people 10 the gov
ernment HI believed and taught that the most
simple form of government was the bes,-ihat chieh
gOrerned least That every citizen should be left
free possible in the exercise Of his individual
sovereignty TO govern and take care OF himself, so
that he did not tresp4ss upon the peace of society
OF the rights of others This was sublime idea OF
Mr., JEFFERsoN's Ii elevated every American ciii>
zen 10 the political status Of the proulsst 10
bility of Europe. This it was that impaired such
life and energy to our people This it is that has
enabled to Ousrip he world in all that is great
Epd glorious. Tn it is that has extended cur ter
Iitory from ocean TO and increased our family
q sister republics from thirteen to lhirty-5ne ami
nat will continue TO extend them until 'the whole
bread continent is ours" This it is that makes
every citizen soldier, and every fre-siie an altar
This it is that gives cheer TO the American mother
when she sends heI orphan boy out upon the world
This it is that gives Light and hope aud Courage 10
WrODged and oppressed humanity in every country
and in every cline
Whatever tends TO the reverse Of this great prin
CPlS Unpopular sovereignty, tends lessening of
she power in the people, and its consolidation in
the government Just in proportion as the FEDERAL
authorities grow strong, the people grow weak.
There is 4 universal ten ency to the abuse of power
in irresponsible hands. There is no danger of the
people depressing themselves Ii is important,
therefore, that they should continue to hold the
power. The entire history CT the world clearly
shows that it will be sad day when they snail
cease to hold it.
Hence the Democratic doctrine in favor Of Strict
Construction Of The Constitution and against the er
ercise Of all doubtful powers. Hence the doctrine
OF States Rights and the rights of the people
Hence the doctrine of Free Trade in oontradislinc
ton to Protective Tariff; by which enc section |
Of the country is made 10 bear al the burdens OF
Government to enrich the ether section. Hence |
their opposition TO special legislation and to large |
grants Of power TO sunless corporations, securing
peculiar privileges TO the few the pense of the
many. Hence its opposition to wild and reckless
sxtravagancs and the waste OF pubic money. Hence
its attachment to the Interests of the rssses and its
fostering care of the labOrng and producing classes
in preference to the artificial and incidental inter
ests of society
Questions Of policy may change but these carr
dinal land marks OF free republican government
can never change.
Thousands have claimed to be democrats who
never knew what Democracy Eas. Oiters have
worn the party badge, not from the love Of its prn-
ciplss, but from mere personal advantages which
thew supposed it would confer. There are others
again who have some impulses for democracy, but
who from interest," association or prejudice against