New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-02-10
"syCTEONALIsM.o


the art of dominating over men with the weapons
of language. This word, Sectionalism," has
been skllluIly used by them, and with powerful
effect upon the elections. II is too useful word
to be relnquisied and we expect it will be made to
do duty on great many occasions during the next
nine months. A very large majority Of the orators
and editors who pronounce it so trippogly will not
probably ever be ashamed of the use they make of
it; but there are men who, we trust, may be made
to see its iraPplcablty. Mr.. Edward Everett is
one Of these. His age must put him beyond the
temptations which beset Douglas, and his intelli-
gence and integrity ought to be such as 30 prevent
him from misuse of terms, such as expect from the
demagogues of the Democratic party and their
dupes. We infer that in his recent letter to
the Union Meeting at Philadelphia he has talked
about sectionalism' carelessly rather than ignor
anty or malicously. What does Mr.. Everett say
"Of the two great parties which now divide the
country the Republican is Of necessity purely sectional
suo the Democratic BY the force OF circumstances, ID
RAPIDLY becoming The former party does not
pec control single electoral vote at the approach
ing election, beyond its sectional limits the latter
though possessing strength in the Central States is not
sure of carrying any one Of them.'
Why =" Of necessity purely SECTIONAL" VIII Mr.
Everett be good enough to point out anything in
the purposes of the Republican party, as declared
in its National Platform, or its State Platforms or
he speeches of its recognized leaders, which makes
4 of necessity secticnali We do not expect
him to reply BY citing extrayagant speeches writ
inss by individual members of tie Republican party
or by individuals who do not belong 10 that party.
We rely upon his candor to answer the question
fairly, or keep silent on the subject hereafter. VIII
he undertake to say that the Republican platform
is more sectional than the speeches of Mr.. Webster
from 1920 to 1850; or than the resolutions of the
Wing Conventions held in Massachusetts and the
other Free States from 1910 to 1862 Or, if no
prefers to rely upon acts rather than platforms will
Re tell US wherein the Congressional action of the
Republicans in Congress H mere sectional
than his own course on the Kansas Nebraska
bill, his friend Mr. Winthorps course in relation
to the various questions of Slavery which came up
while he was in Congress ? VIII he point out the
difference between Dir. Seward the Republican and
Mr.. Seward the trusted AID honored Wing; be.
tween Mr. FesEendcp, and Mr.. Collauer, and Mr.
Corwin nCw, and Mr.. Fessenden, and Mr.. Col
lamer, aud Mr. Corwir, in 1850 Or if he insists
upon looking at the acts of individuals and sections
of the party, and directs attention to the Per-
sonel Liberty bills which have been enacted, we ask
him to explain in what particulars these bills are
worse than those which were passed while the Wing
party was in full yieor, the " Latiner law" of his
own State, for instance.
Perhaps, however, Mr.. Everett will say that
the Republican party has other than legislative pur-
poses; it means to take possession of the Govern
mebt, and use its appointing power for Anti. |
Slavery srds or in ether words, as far as possible
to hinder the extension ofSavery.
Wsmay admit that in thisrespect tho Republican |
party differs from the old Wing party. Aud the
difference is in favor Of the Republicans 1t is
tainly very dishonest for party to undertake to |
maintain itself at home by prcclaimiog its deter |
mination to adhere ut all hazards TO certain line
Of political conduct, and then to proceed TO elect
men 10 the very highest stations, who will pursue
q directly cpporIe policy. This was the cause of
The death Of the party Of which Mr. Everett was
such distinguished member. When the pinch |
came, in 1884, he found himself in political union
with set of men directly opposed to him on the |
great question Of the repeal Of tho Missouri Com
promise. These men went over TO the Democrats |
enemy, and the inevitable result was the ruin of |
the rational organization composed of such iacon-
sruoua elements. Surely, if party has principles
and purposes, it should carry them into effect.
We find then that the purposes of the Republican
party are not mo'e sectional than Mr. Eyeretts,
Mr. Clay', and Mr.. wsbstsr's purposes, and that
in seeking to elect President, aud Vice President,
rs we'll us Members Of Congress, it merely seeks to
avoid the fatal error Of its Wing predecessor If |
tie purposes are just aud constitutional it can do no
harm to elect President to enforce thsm. II un-
Just and unconstitutional, which Mr.. Everett will
not pretend, they mutt be reinqulshed.
II in any sense the Republican party is sectisual
Il has become 80 by the course Of tho shareholders
who control the Democratic party We fad fault