The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-08-12

The politicians of the country who decline to
cratic parties are in distressing quandary.-
They can command votes enough, they think to
make their strength tell in the next Presidential
contest, but they are utterly unable to construct
platform broad enough to hold them ALL or sufficient
ly substantial to withstand the storms and surges
of the political sea. Since the acknowledging
organization collapsed in the desperate effort to
swell up into the grander proportions Of National
party various attempts have been made 10 concen-
trate the scattered opponents Of the two leading
parties, and bring them into the field under favor
able auspices. The ''People's Party was started
about eighteen months ago, and few stray Con-
gressmen have actually been elected to represent
it; though it would puzzle both representatives
and constituents 10 state the distinctive principles 10
which it indebted for its short-ived vitality
1t did put forth a programme, in which economy
and other civic virtues were ncoherentlr
Landed, but had it advocated Gree Trade
''and Sailors Rights it could not have publish
ed a more unmeaning proclamation of principles
and woald not have been the less certain to
have elected its representatives. However, the
''People's Party broke down for the want of peo-
pie enough 10 maintain it. Then was suggested
the idea of great political array, under the title
of the Opposition" To get all the wanderers
into fold, is the first object and it seems to be
considered matter of little moment whether
community Of political sentiment or q common
dislike 10 some other faith shall bring about the
coalition. This is surely novel way of effecting
an organization. In England there is an opposi-
ton party, il is true, but it would be mistake to
suppose that it is merely antagonistic to the Gov
eminent, and without well defined principles, and
recognized objects of its own. The Opposition
there, is nothing more nor less, than Wings or
Tories, as either may chance 10 be out
of power. In France too the OPPOSE
ton is not composed of those who are simply
hostile tt an existing Administration, and nothing
more, but of men who labor to advance political
Ideas whether relating to dynasty or a system,
which constitute their bonds Of union. But this
new and unregulated Opposition-what is it, and
what does it purpose to accomplish? As its dis
cordant elements have not apparently felt the in
t1uence of any political sympOthies attracting them
towards some common centre so neither have
they shown any indications that measures repul-
siTe to one section would be even Objectionable to
another. Whether a party, if such it can be
called, that so loosely hangs together would be
likely DO any good service in Congress, or would
the more confound the ordinary confusion of that
body, 1t is hard to say 1t might he so far of one
accord as to render useful legislation impossible by
a ceaseless opposition, or, on the other hand, it
might, through its own internal weakness, be re-
duced to daily compromises, which would break
the spirit of faction, and destroy in it that
greatest of political virtues-independenc Mean
while, this Opposition party wants platform,
and it augurs sell for the peace and quiet of the
country that it should have to seek so vainly for
questions Of sufficient magnitude to excite en-
thusiasm Or interest during a short political
struggle.