The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-11-28

tertained by the masses Of the people, for
its representatives and principles. On
every occasion when it has embraced-at
the motion Of some erring leader-a doc
trine inconsistent with reason and sound
policy, ii has experienced defeat. Thor
Oughly imbucd with the spirit Of progress
and improvement based upon the real vel
fare of the sovereign people, seeking moth
ing beyond the intellectual and moral
elevation of American frcemcn, whenever
the inherent good sense Of the rank and
file, the bone and sincw, has diSapproved
the theories Of leaders and politicians and
dcmagugucs, with an adap:abi'ity not re-
pugnant to the stability Of eternal justice,
it has boldly cschcwed the favoritc dogmns
of any or oil Of its priesthood, and as n
party, planted itself upon that basis sane
toned rs sound, by the experience of the
past, or the convictions Of present reason.
In this way it has maintained its proud
position, since the inception Of its organi-
zation-a position it cannot forfeit with
out dishonor. Scorning to trucklc to the
allurCmcnts of immediate success-above
the base instincts and low arts and tricks
Of seductive dcnngogues, it has, without
hesitation, changed front, ut all times,
when enlightened reason and sound policy
discovered the vulncrability of its array.
It is related Of MclanctlIon, when he was
rcprOached by some one with changing
his views upon certain subject, he wisely
replied: "Do you think, sir, that have
been studying assiduouSly for thirty years
without having learned anything.
Through all its mutations, however,
Democracy has preserved an untaruishcd
consistency in its elemental doctrines, and
throughout long years Of its existence,
can point with pride and qualification to
the directness Of its general course. Bit.
terly denounced, Shrewdly ridiculed,
fierccly assaulted, basely slandcrcd, the
fundamental doctrines of its creed have
survived the vigorous onslaught Of open
opposition, and the cowardly attacks Of
household treason aud the apOstacy Of
profeSScd friends. Offered alliances abso-
lutely certain TO ensure temporary tri-
umph, without sacrificing any Of its car
dinal principles, yet it has never straycd
from the path Of political duty, to enjoy
the fruits and flowers temptingly display ed
upon the waySide. Onward it has gone
towards the fulfillment Of its heaven-born
destiny, regardless Of the difficulties i'm
peding its progress often footsore and
discouraged and betrayed, deserted by
those whom Utmost honored and rewarded,
-PaUsiRg awhile to recruit its strength,
With an eye undeviatingly directed to the
goal Of universal good, its journeyings
again recommended, and under the i'm
pulses Of an unwavering faith, has, during
its years of existence, approached still
nearer the Mecca Of its hopes.
Oftentimes when the clouds were thick.
est and darkest, mountain barriers barred
the way, and relentless foe pressed in
the rear, the insidious emiSsari,s Of con-
Citation and compromise, have come with
a flag Of truce, or the willy messengers Of
covert isms-tle gucrrilIas of modern pc
ltical warfare-have profcrcd coalition,
but each and all have been rejected and
Ecorncd the Democratic legion prefer
ring the cypress wreath OF death, to the
laurellcd glorics of All ANONYMOUSLY pur-
chased peace or victory. Look to the
National Democratic party for the proof
Of this assertion. Some Of its champions
in tho late contest, We regret to say,
flinched, others deserted to the enemy, or
for motives Of personal ACKNOWLEDGEMENT or
revenge compromised on vital issues, and
they will have to pay the severe penalty
If such violations Of correct principles.
Such secessiOns have never materially
lcsscned the strength or retarded the pro-
greSs Of the Democratic party. 1t has
always recovered from defeat, and renewed
the contest with increased enthusiasm
and vigor, and it will do so again.
In particular localities, where thu Dem
Ocratic party has yielded to the pressure
Of individual or State interests, it has suf.
fercd keenly by disaster and from the
StingS Of rcmorSe. Chagrined with the
fruits Of past mistakes. even the fugitive
and the iaithlcss will hereafter stand firm,
and in the next contest will act as one man
to repcl the disgraccful assaults of section.
alism and ianaticism on the Constitution
Animated by the convictions of conscience
and patriotism, the Breckenridge Demo
Gratis will illustrate the might of politica
morality, when arrayed against the COW
ardly clans of treason. With unshaker
confidence, they hazardcd the dissrace(u
coalition Of their enemies, determined, j
destined to fall, "to fall with their backs
to the field, their feet to the foe." Th'
fanaticism which aims at success, though
it he obtained by the fearful sacrifice O
the Union, cannot secure lasting ascen
dency. The good sense Of the American
people must at length convince them tina
the noliiical nlInirs ncIha cnnnirv cnn nnl,