The Placer herald., 1860-12-15
Political.

The DOu glas press of California as well as in
dvdua members of that party, speak with con-
fdpnce of the election of an U. S. Senator this
winter representing that political faith. When
1t is known that they have not majority upon
joint ballot, and can only elect by securing the
vote of Breckinridge Democrats or Republicans.
1t is evident they rely upon the votes of those
they expect to prove faithless to principles they
represent and the constituency that elected them.
Whether they have had assurances to this effect
we are not informed, but from the honeyed
phrases used by some Douglas prints, and their
appeals to bury the hntchet, it is evident the
wheeding process is to be strong lever in effec
ting their purpose. At the meeting Of the Charles
ton Convention, or in fact long before that time,
there was ascertained to be o radical difference
in the views of the members of the party, upon
the paramount and all engrossing question of
slavery. And when in Convention. opinions
were so conflicting, the antagonism so great,
division became inevitable. That division ex
tendel throughout the land The party divided
upon principle, and the separate organizations
were arrayed against each other as though no fra
terniiy had ever existed between them. The
election has passed, and both Breckenridge and
Douglas men have failed CT success in the na-
tional contest This result deprives some ardent
lovers Of principle of all courage, and they i'm
mediately throw down their weapons of warfare
and say ''let us again be brothers" Now if the
two parties are again to unite, why did they ever
separate? If they divided upon principle, how
can they unite upon principle when each cla m
to hold to their faith? Are Democrats only
office seekers, or are they governed by higher and
nobler impulses? These are questions pertinent
to the subject. II the former, there can be but
few obstacles in the way of reconciation--if the
latter the differences cannot be healed the sep
aration is permanent. Democratic doctrines and
Dough- doctrines, as we understand them, are
irreconcilable, and the two organizations cannot
be merged into one, without an abandonment of
aud disgraceful prostitution of their respective
creeds.
For ourselves, we went into the fight upon the
Breckinrdge platform, believing it the only true
exposition of Democracy, and we stand by it un'
falteringly to-day. We make no concessions and
ask for no compromises. If members Of the
Douglas party, who accord in sentiment with
but who believe Mr. Douglas was the regular
nominee according to party usages, desire to
unite with us. we bid them come, and We will CO.
operate with them cheerfully. Minor differences
are nothing. cardinal doctrines everything We
think that the mass of Breckenridge men in
California feel the way; and so far from des-
ring any fusion with the Douglas party, they de-
sire only affiliation with those who accord with
them in sentiment.
Division and fusion have been tried before, and
we have seen its worthless fruit. We want no |
more Of tit only serves to sap the strength and
demoralze the party
The Breckinridge Democrats to the coming
Legislature have been elected upon platform
that is utterly distinct from that of the Douglas
men, and from the Douglas men they received
violent and bitter opposition. They cannot.
without II sacrifice Of principle, good faith and
'efrespect, aid them in any manner in the
election of Senator; and any one OF them who
'honld do would be held recreant to the
party that has honored him. Any overture that
nay be made TO our members for fusion upon
Senator. should be rejected to the end.
And let it be understood by those who are pro
posing that the two State Central Committees
shall meet together at their annual meeting and |
call but one State Convention that the National |
Democracy will make such terms We have |
our organization, and will retain it, and all |
hose who desire to net with us can come in |
wec ONE.