The Constitutional. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1860-1861, 1860-08-04

In presenting this paper to the public,
the editor aud the numerous friends who
have urged him to the undertaking, desire
to express to the community the motives
OF its publication. From the title we have
adopted, and the eminent names which
head our columns, it viii be readily and cor
rectly inferred that our leading design
is to advocate the opinions and views
entertained by the Constitutional Union
party on those important national !ccts
which have given rise to the controver-
sies which have reached such an alarming
intensity that unless they are allayed BY
an exhibition Of yirtuous patriotism and u
general sentiment OF Cancellation viii soon
bring upon cur nation that crisis which
all well-intcn,ioned citizens Cannot Lut
lcplore. 4 f1ther design is that our
paper shall se4Te as a vehicle. of public
communicate aud expression, and in
which We Shall cLeorfilly give a place to
all contributions having for their object
the prOmul CATION OF national and patriotic
sentiment, the dissemination of knowledge,
the advancement Of literature and morals.
the reformation Of public abuses, and in
line for all purposes worthy of a respecta-
bic journal. To cur cotemporaries we
would say (afier paying our respects as
lew coine:s in the Paternity, that though
"rrycl against them in tic advocacy of
political opinions AMI in the support Of
the men whom our fellow partisans and
ourselves have chosen as leaders we never
theless feel confident that they, ike our
selves, are animated in their purposes by
o feeling of interest in the national well
fare, aud we cordially invite them to take
part with Us in the amicabie discussion Of
all subjects tending to the promotion Of
those great general ends OIL which all good
Americans must agree. In unfurling the
banner Of the Union party, we are conf
dent of receiving the sympathy of many
of those in this portion of our State who
have discomed with much anxiety the
progressing enlargement from ench other
Of the various sections Of orr country, ana
who entertain the opinion in common with
ourselves that this enlargement is the
result of an unconscientious partisanship.
Political duplicity and the peryersion Of
the Constitution and laws of the land have
been carried to such an extent that to
many good citizens they appear to be dis
crelitabe, and party schemes brought
forth through the most impure motives,
instead Of meeting the reprehension they
deserve, are applauded for the ingenuity
with which they are devised aud too fire.
,ucatly carried cut. Many of our most
eminent public men whose talents, if en-
ploved more commercially, would be al
honor 10 the country, have attained high
degree of excellence in these departments,
and with that influence which talent must
always command, whether it be directed for
good or evil, have been the cause of the
mgcncrous feelings which now pervadC
our laaG--a propensity for aggression in
one quarter, and an eagcrness for resist
ance in the other.
1t was the worthy object Of the virtuou'
and patriotic men who lead the Unior
movement 70 couutcract these pcrnicious
influence BY the organization of one great
redeeninc column intended to comprise al
citizens Of ell sections OF the Union favora
BILE to tho re-astablishment Of confidence
and cordiality. and Wiling to make al
reasonable Concessions necessary for th(
restoration Of harmony and the preserva
! ton Of the Unior-concessions not on the
ono side Of presumed rights, nor on the
other side of pretension conflicting will
those rights, but suspension Of eontro
versv and a mutual forbearancc in tbs
agitation Of The questions which hav" beer
. she cruise OF ua'iclilv feeling.