Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1860-06-09
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Before the lapse OF many weeks, We will be en-
ragged In heated political contest 1t impossible
70 estimate too extravaganty the magnitude Of the
issues involved in the approaching struggle. tits
apprehcnded by many u the clearest intellect and
most hopeful disposition that disasters such as have
-er before befSllen US as q people. will be the
fruit Of the pgrtiSuu UcrfmOny which pervudcs the
land On every side, the dissolution Of the Union
Is threatened as one Of the probable results ola de-
feat Of the Democratic party. Whether this catas-
trophe awaits US, dependent upon such contingent
cy the future will decide. 1t cannot be longer CON
cealed that the Confederation Is IN imminent peril
To the most unrehecting IL begins 10 be apparent,
that when the reins Of government shall be IN the
grasp Of those who reckless OF the canSns Of the
Constitution, the end of harmony between the North
and South will be nigh at hand II is the duty OF
the patriotic in this alarming condition OF our pub
lie affairs to make Of all means consistent with
virtue and right, IN bring about change in thepop-
nar mind and TO divert the present tendency OF Po'
iticaI events Assuredly of the most eilicaclnuS
of these means can be found in the continued dnm-
inaOn Of Democracy in the councils OF the country,
and in the administration Of the government. There
is nothing in Democratic doctrine, subvcrsve OF the
interests Of the inhabitants Of any portion Of the
Union. Those doctrines draw their liic-bl00d from
the declarations, provisons and eitPrtse ~ the
Constitution. The antagonists Of those doctrines IN
the contrary wuging relentless and snngunarv
warfare. against the fundamental law Of tins land
the rights If their fellow citizens in the Southern
States, -guarnniced and designed 10 be- protected
forever by that law Such is the relative position
of the two bellgerants in the ensuing contest The
triumph Of the one leaves the country IN peace ana
prosperity the sue ess Of the other opens the door
10 endless strife and paSSibly to iratcrnal b00dshcd
Who Gun hesitate in q choice between them? But 1t
is not sufficient alone that the conservative patriotic
Union loving portion Of our fellow citizens, should
be convinced Of the pure ntenis OF Democracy, and
the ultimate good results to How to the country from
n continuance Of its influence in political concerns.
Every man thus convinced, should be up and doing.
Every auxiliary which can be enlisted ~ the
IF no ne
marshalled in battle array, in November next. In
California there is but slight ground to fenr the
triumph Of Gacti0R.-Bu in several uf the Atlantic
States in which the hopes Of the patriotic have bth
erto eposed the signs indicative of discontinue
to orr forces. Only by ceaseless vigilance, and
wearess effort can the victory be won over the
hosts OF Republicanism II will be hardly thought
fight. Every precautiOn should be taken which can
at all add to the chances of Democratic triumph.
One thing should by no means be overlooked Ii is
all Important that the best men OF the party should
be put forward as the standard bearers. Our prin-
ciples may be iufexible, our cause glorious one,
In this Is not sufficient. Men must be regarded
almost as much measures, 10 accomplish success.
IL has been well said, "nedsures and not men Is the
common cant Of affected moderation. base, coun-
terfet language, fabricated by knaves and made
current among fools. Such gentle censure is not
fitted to the present degenerate state OF society.
What does it avail 70 expose the absurd cOntrvance,
or pernciOus tendency Of measures, II the man who
advises or executes shall be suffered not only tO
escape With IMMUNITY but even 10 preserve his pow
er and insult US with the favor Of bis political party
To reform and not TO chastise is impossible; and
the best precepts, we'll the best laws prove Of
small use if there are no examples 70 enforce them.
To attack vices in the abstract, without touching
persons may To safe fighting, but IL is fighting With
shadows"
Let us, especially in California ignore the llaCy
which has already too often led the party astray.
Instead Of the watch.word, which is cry Of delu-
sion-meGsurss and not men, let us cling to the more
rational proposition, MEASURES AND MEN, and we will
be gamers in the end in the elevated tone OF
our partisan organization.