The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1861-12-04
PARTIES.


have vitality just in proportion as the,
represent living and practical princi
pies, A party may exist for an indef
mite period of time, based upon sin
gle apparently abstract truth or politi
cal axiom, so long as 1t does not attain
to1ipower. But when such part,
once receives the reins of power, ant
is thus compelled to apply their prin
ciples practically in the guidance of thu
shp'o State, their real truth or falsi
ty at once becomes apparent, and tn,
important question of their success OIL
final defeat is very soon disposed Of
50 with party representing principles
antagonistic to each other, but the
lnembers' of which are held together by
the cohesive power of a common antag.
onism to another party, it will only
live and flourish so long as it does not
attain to power, and is not compelled
to act upon a, definite line or policy
which shall 'repudiate the one or the
other of these antagonistic principles.
But to any party constituted like eth
er in the cases above named, success is
farr ore dangerous than defeat; in fact,
it is but the signal of dissolution
That party can only live and endure
which has for its basis platform of
principles which covers the whole field
of governmental action, which are har-
monious as a whole, and arc adapted
in their practical working to the capac-
tiles of man as he is, and to the varied
wants and interests of the whole coun-
try, political and geographical. Such
a party is not ruined by success, nor is
it cast down by defeat. Though it may
be beaten at the polls time and again,
though it may be betrayed by those
whom it has, elevated to power, the prin-
ciples still live, and will always rally
around them from the masses a vigor-
GUS, energetic and hearty support.
The Republican party when it came
into power was composed Of elements
= -lLII. a
radically antagonistic. 1t had within
its organization, recognized among its
members, four-ffths if not ninc-telths
of the old radical Abolition parity
These men left the Gcrrit Smith and
Garrison organizations not because of
any change of opinion on the subject
of slavery, but because they expected
to effect through that organization, by
gradually giving it an Abolition direc-
ton, that which they could not hope
to do with the feeble numbers of the
original Abolition party. Their scnti-
ments are represented by the Summers,
the Beechers, the Giddings, the Love
Joys, and now by the Greeleys of the
party. 1t is this element which is now
demanding proclamation of the Pres
ident emancipating all the slaves of the
rebel States. 1t stands by Fremont
in his proclamation, and opposes the
President in his modification of it,
It is imbucd with an invinciblc hatred
of the South and Southern institutions.
1t is fanatical in the extreme, and
would like to wipe out the South and
slavery at a single blow. The only
real difference between this class and
the Garrisonians is not in their princi-
pies, but in the mode and means of ac-
complishing their purpose. They think
they can accomplish the desired re-
suit through the Republican organiza-
ton sooner than they can by the reg
ular Abolition--that is all the differ
cnce there is between them. On the
other hand, there is large conscrva-
tive element which repudiates these
Abolition sentiments and doctrines, and
has no sympathy with their purposes
or designs. 1t Was, this element, with
the aid of Greely-who was impellcd
by vindicitivc motives to act against
those with whom he sympathized in
opinion--which just succeeded in nom
mating Mr.. Lincoln to the Presidency
over Mr.. Seward, who then was the
candidate Of the radicals of the Repub-
ican party, but who now in the Cabi-
net, it's understood, occupies con
sergatiye position.
Between these two extremes is grad
uated every shade Of opinion; but the
members of the organization may gem
erallv be classified under the heads of
either additions or conservatives. The
conservative portion are as radically
opposed to abolition as arc the Demo
Gratis. Indeed, they really at heart
believe in the position Of the Democ-
racy on the slavery question, but yet
from prejudice or dislike to change
their political associations, or for other
reasons satisfactory to themselves, they
refuse to cooperate with that party,