Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1859-01-22
what II Democratic Dootrinsf

What n Democrats Doctrinef
In the search for Denoeratio principles. ana In
the difficulty they are eucountering whilst seeking
10 amply the old landmarks Of party to the mot
lev herd now gathered under tho banner oil mod
ern Democracy, our friends of that party are as
sadly pusslsd as was Japhet in search OF q Father.
What is Deuoorsey. and what is the true doctrine
of the p.rty' This is the absorbing question
much moro easily asked than answered. Times
are sadly out of joint with ''the only national
Marty" and in THAR cforts to trim their sails to
every brsese, and to absorb oil spposing elements,
they have compromised their principles to such
m extent. that it has now become a serious ques-
ton among themselves, as to whether they have
really any principles left, except those attributed
10 them long year. ago by Mr.. Calhoun
Even the President, aud his Cabinet have failed
to make a decent show Of agreement in their res
pectixe recommendation to Congress upon qnes-
stions OF grave public Importance, and for the first
time in the history Of the country have we seen
the Executive and n member Of his CABINET thus
publicly proclaiming their dissensioDs 70 the
world. 1t seems, however, that this subject IL be-
ginning to excite serious apprchensions at the
Capitol, and that it is proposed to held u caucus
.to define and expound the old Democratic land
usrks;'' or, in other words, to determine whether
the President, or Mr.. Cobb is n Democrat.
A marty Of select friends, tsays the correspondent
of the Washington States. are reported 70 have as
sembled ut the Treasury Department night before
last to take into consideration a new tariff bill.
The assemhlage is said to have been convened at
the instance Of the Secretary o. the Treasury and
the Chairman OF the Committee OF Ways and
No.. Aaar rn,,rt, Aiscs.aS,np InvuIyinp consult
cradle diversity Of opinion, the meeting adjourned
without coming to any settled conclusion. From
this and other indications, Congress may prepare
itself for q tariff bill in a very few days. 1t is APP
parent that tho whole influence Of the Executive
IL being directed 10 this end.
The prospect excites no little sensation among
the States right BcmocratsH the South and West;
and there is talk to day Of assembling q party
caucus TO define and expound the old Democratic
landmarks. 1t is easily foresccn that the II after
Of tho tariff once before the House, there is no
hope against a protective tariff, with specific du-
ties on coal and iron-the majority sentiment of
Congress running strongly in that direction. 1t
was hoped that, by the aid of the Committee of
WAYS and Means. and the rules of the House, the
project might he smcthercd this session, and time
gained ~ get the opinion of the country ON the
issue; and as well to give opportunity for II rcvi-
sal Ia business and revenue to show the want OF
necessity for a further increase Of taxation.
AFTER much discussion, involving considerable
diversity Of opinion, @ the meeting adjourned
without coming ts any settled conclusion." Still.
it would appear that "the whole influence of the
Executive is being directed in favor Of the tariff :"
against the Secretary of the Treasury aud the no
tions of the Southern Democracy. Further, that
the majority sentiment of Congress is running
strongly in that direction !" We have little doubt
that if the matter is brought fairly before Con
gress, the President will triumph in his scheme
for coneiliating the manufacturing intew sis Of his
own State, and that Southern Democrats, loudly
and fippantly as they have acclaimed against
specific duties and u protective tariff, viii quietly
submit, and the country will witness u Wing tar
if ito which we have no oh~iection) revived under
a Democratic President, by n Democratic Congress.
Where, then, may we look for the old landmarks?