The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-02-01
statssn.nship and Partisanship.

whenever any considerable numoer OF apeo-,
pie have at the same time, interests to be
affected by the action of Government, and
the right to voice in its councils, those
whose views are alike will avail themselves
Of the benefit of party organization. Par
ties grow out of the fact Of conflicting in
terests, real or apparent, and the intensity
of party feeling must always be in proper
ton to the apparent conflict Of interests
But as Parties differ from States, so do
Partisans from Statesmen. Parties are Or
ganized for the purpose of properly con-
trolling the State and directing its affairs.
They are the means by which the popular
voice makes itself heard, and it is through
their conflict that there is hope that the
right may finally appear. But parties move
blindly; they each regard only their own
views and interests, and partisans are iden~
titled with their party, look to, and are am
bilious only for the success of their party.
Parties too, as it were, initiate views and
novelties in the way of principles and theo.
ries principles and theories that may be
true in the abstract, and cure to be ulti-
mately adopted, but which are opposed to
the present state of things, meet with the
most violent opposition from the firmly
fixed and deeply rooted prejudices and feel
iDgs of those whose interests are to them
apparently attacked. And precisely at
such a point as this, most every public man,
advocating the principles of such a party,
decides whether be will rise to the character
and dignity of Statesman, or sink into
that of a mere Partisan. Either may be
equally imbued with the absolute truth of
his own party creed, and of the falsity of
his opponents. But the partisan urges the
full adoption of his principles at the earliest
moment and at all hazards-merges every
other interest and question into the over
whelming Importance of the one policy he
would advocate.
A statesman on the other hand, the more
he is convinced Of the truth of his principles,
is the more willing to bide his time; to take
what he can get; to admit the fact of hui
man prejudices and the strength Of human
opinion; and, if he cannot pass the whole
Of his proposed measures, to accept of any
compromise or concession by which be may
carry them partially into effect, trusting to
time and experience to ensure their ultimate
and full adoption.
In no country has this principle been
more acted upon than in England. Wit
ness the successive Reform bills, the pro-
gressive amendments to the Criminal Code,
the doctrine of Free Trade, and many other
measures. In no country is such princi-
pie more needed than in our own, and at no
time more than the present. A great Sec
tional party has elected its candidate for
President. A large majority of the whole
people were opposed to his election, and
the people of section of our country,
comprising about third of the whole, are
unanimously opposed to him. Now, grant
that the Republican principles are absolute
ly correct; that the South is wholly in the
wrong it is just precisely in such state
of affairs, that, we claim, it becomes the
duty Of the Chiefs of the Republican party
to cease being Partizans, and to become
Statesmen. Be their principles ever so
correct, the South cannot see it be their
opinions the very utterances of truth. the
South does not recognize it; be their pro.
posed policy and legislation the very best
possible for the interests of the South, the
South as yet, fails to comprehend it. What
can we say to them? We are one people,
bound together by social and domestic ties,
by material public interests, and the pro-
posed object Of the Repu blican party, is
the advancement of the interests and the
glory of our Whole country! 1t may seem
invidious for Democrats to offer advice to
Republicans now. But it is not so. The
Republican party has seen its last days.
Whether compromises or secession, or sue
cessful coercion, be the final alternative, the
death note of that party, as party, has
been sounded. The questions are now ma
tional, and belong to the whole country and
not to any party. a.
We submit, then, to Mr.. LINCOLN and
the chiefsof his party, whether it be not
more the part OF statesmen to recognize the
actual facts as they exist. That their pro-
posed measure of reform or change of policy
is Of too radical character to be instantly
adopted; That the people are not yet ready
for it, and that with the machinery of free
government, it cannot now be adopted as a
whole. Take part-take the compromise
take the part that is offered, and be con.
tent that you have made one step, and trust
to the future and the soundness Oh your
vr;ro;n1cs 20 r;vo non the rpst