Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-10-09
War of the Factions.

l. H.
erng hosts of Republican sectonalisrn, marshall
ed in solid phalaDx, threaten to usurp the reins
OF government, the Douglas and Breckinridge
factions of the late democratic party continue to
wage their splteful warfare of crimination and
recrimination, utterly regardless of the lnpend-
ing evils that hang over the Republic. In
time of peril like this with the crisis of the cleo
ton only a few weeks off, what boots it. wbetb-
er Squatter Sovereignty or Congressional Inter.
vention be the real principle of the divided and
defunct dernocracya Who cares whether Doug
las be the regular" nominee of the late democ-
racy, or Breckenridge be the choice of the South
ern democracy What good can result from
the determination of any matter in CONTROVERSY
between these factions at this timer Their
strife only serves to divert conservative men
from the actual issue of Union or Disuon, which.
tor veal or woe, is SO soon to be decided at the
ballot box; and we coDjure democrats, whether
they call themselves followers of Douglas or
friends of Breckenridge, advocates of Squatter
Sovereignty or Slavery propagandists, or by
whatever local, sectional or fantastic standard
they may define their democracy, to pause and
refect Let them drop their petty quarrels for
a season, and consider what is the duty of pat.
riotism in this time of peril to our system of
free government. The great problem of the ca
pacity OF the American people for self. govern
ment hangs upon the coming election for its So
luton, and it is the nfatuation of folly in demo-
Gratis, and suspicion of treason in their leaders.
to divide and weaken the Union forces, by fruit
less and Improbable contentious upon minor is
sues. Neither of these factions can resist the
tide OF Republican fanaticism; neither can ac-
complish any good result by their insane and
suicidal course; it is only as accessories of the
great conservative Union movement-which by
allying all the elements of opposition to Repub-
licanism will alone be able to repel and to crush
out Northern sectionalsm, these factions
can hope to acquire respect and confidence, af-
ter partisan prejudice shall have had its day
1t is, therefore, that we call upon the democ-
racy, mot the leaders, but the masses,-to meet
the real issue like patriots.
a united South, rallying in support of single
national ticket, and foregoing every dictate of
sectional interest and partisan prejudice, would
present a spectacle of moral grandeur and de-
voted loyalty to the Union and the Constitution,
before which fanatical Republicanism would
shrink and sink into reproach and condemnation
But instead of seeking to bring about such re-
suit, the organs of the divided democracy are
fomenting discord among the opponents of Re-
pubcanisln. And what's it all for2 Every
body knows that neither Breckenridge nos Doug
las stands any chance of eectionl We cannot
think the people will suffer themselves to be in
forget they have a country to save, and des-
tiny to prescribe for it, which affects the well
fare OF unborn millions, and must define the CIV
ilization of the Nineteenth Century. Let them
remember, that the hopes of humanity are CEN
tered on the, perpetuity of the Federal Union,
and its failure mnst entail despair of free govern
ment end a relapse to monarchy, or perhaps,
barbarism. 81
1t is not our design to overdraw the picture,
deeply as we are convinced of the momentOus
consequences at stake. Our form of government
is an experiment, and the aggressive attitude of
Northern Sectionasm is the most violent ordeal
yet presented to it; indeed, more fearful one
cannot be conceived. Thus far, no nation has
ever prospered in the arts of peace, or acquired
such greatness and renown, as ours has in few
brief years, under the benefcent influence of
popular rule. The domination of a sectional ma
Jorty OF the people or OF States, over the reluc-
tant residue, would be contest over a subju-
gated portion, an oppression, at variance with
and destructive of the spirit and letter of the
Constitution and when so dire calamity
threatens the only safety for the Union is in the
conservative sentiment of the people. 1t is
logical consequence, that those who do not aid
to promote the objects of conservatism, give
''aid and comfort to sectionalism; and in this
category must be included those who foster strife,
whereby the strength ofa conservative organiza-
tion is rendered powerless and Intellectual.
No citizen of this confederacy can escape the
responsibility thus devolved upon him. The re.
suit is in the hands of the people themselves, and
if they will cling to the behests of faction, when
the government is in danger of subveraion, they
must expect, in common with the loyal friends
of the Union, the Constitution and the enforce
ment of the Laws, to be buried beneath its ruins.
-Eraminer (F}ederick Nd.)