Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-09-19

A month ago we announced that we would not be pre-
mature in our choice and that willing to sacri-
fee preferences to defeat the Aboitoniss We also
stated that would endesyor to maintain nationality
against faction.
Now that we see no earthly chance Of reconciliation
between the two wings of the Democratic party both Of
which have abandoned its ancient patforms-au there
by alcnaed the confidence and sympathy of every lover
OF the Union, and in evil hour permitted blind idol
airy OF men TO swallow up their devotion principles
well their desire for the harmony and of the
great national brotherhoOd-and that they really occupy
position OF antagonism US, and are led on by men
from whom had reason to expect better things,-we
have to the conclusion that it more patriotic TO
| support the BELL and EVERETT ticket.
We have not adopted this without first calmly
and anxously surveying the political condition Of the
country aud especially the circumstances which are
uuhapply dsiraoting and dividing the once great Demo
cratic party.
The Seocders' Convention and the acts of that body
have no claim upon a Democrat. That orgaui2a-
ou Irregular its doings not only have no authority,
but are subyersve and destructive OF objects for which
the great Democratic party was organized. Conven-
| tons grow up a necessity to harmonize conflicting
opinions TO and measures 30 that united action
might be secured for the maintenance of principles Del
egates have an unquestoned right to withdraw from
Convention and States secede aud both TO make plat
forms and nominate candidates; but by doing so in vic
aton Of the us0ges Of the party they place themselves
bcTond its pale and assume the character OF boers and
4
throw it permanently in the minority.
1t useless TO deny the integrity of government
the security of our rights and institutions threaten
ed with the appalling pers sectional anaticsms
are rapidly advancing TO their overthrow, which, if not
now checked in their mad career will surely effect the
ruin of the Republic It therefore behooyes every free
man and patriot az this crisis in history,
to exert the highest and most earnest efforts of unb
ased judgment in warding off the dangers and defeating
the enemies Of our rights and liberties
Tho candidates TODAY Hers stand
upon that impegnabe platform Of principles dear 10
the whole naiion-s Union, tie Consultation and The
L1'0s and support them fiona sense OF personal res
possibility and devotion the rights Of the South,
cured by the Federal Constitution, and also with due
Difference the sentiment OF the people of the parish OF
Vermilon and sincerely believe, of the whole
| State.
The platform of the National Constitutional Union
party approved aud accepted by Messrs Bell and Ever
ett is III the broadet national platform; frank
and manly avowsl of the principles which the
party, entirely free from generates and ambiguity, are
susceptible OF but Interpretation construction and
in these particulars essentially superior to the platforms
Of the newanglcd dogma o; Squatter Sovereignty of
re-eatng DisunOnists. 1t lisa platform too narrow for
political trmmers, tricksters and demagogues but
pansive enough aud strong enough the approba-
ton and challenge the confidence Of every citizen who
sincerely desires 10 maintain the constitution of the
country the Union of the States, and the Enforcement
of the Laws.
Placed upon this platform we have two statesmen well
known to the nation by the distinguished services they
have rendered to the country-statesmen of profound
wisdom OF tried and approved integrity, of sound con-
sutional views upon all questions affecting the welfare
and prosperity of great Republic With such
PLATFORM and such candidates enter into the contest
buOyant with hope and confident that the gallant and
generous defenders of the Uuion under the Constitution
will rally with enthusiasm to the support of the glorious
ticket which waves to-day at the head columns.