The weekly mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado County, Calif.) 1861-1862, 1862-02-08
The Duty Of Democrats.

The Duty 81 Democrats.
In view Of the collateral issues to which
certain political factions unite their coun'
teDance and support, Democrats should
have but one answer-but one rule o.
action to adopt, and inAexibly adhere tc
it. That government which is best cal
culated to secure the greatest good to thC
greatest number, has ever been favored by
the Democratic party us most consistent
with the character and policy Of the in
situations of the country; and no matter
whether our organization is strong oil
weak, efficient or inefficient, dismayed by
defeat or distracted by disSensions, al
present, no better, purcr or truer senti'
ment can become the basis of our action,
or present a stronger motive for united
and available effort, both now and for all
time to come. Wesay nothing, just now,
about the faith or principles Of other par
ties. 1t is enough that our own may be
contidcd in and relied upon as altogether
genuine, and as being identified with con.
stitutional liberty and the best interests
Of the people. We seek to maintain the
Constitution and restore the Union," and
every patriotic citizen Of our beloved but
distracted country should unite with it
for the accomplishment of these holy pur-
poses. 1t is enough, that for more than
half century they have withstood and
! iTiU0oDbed over all the attacks Of their
avOwed enemies, throughout the most
desperate and exciting political campaigns,
and had the Democracy been united at
the last Presidential election they would
have triumphed over the worst and most
dangerous faction that ever opposed thtlz>,
In short, it is enough that they are eter-
nal truths, that, crush them as we may,
will ultimately rise in all their native dig
nifty and force, to establish and maintain
their dominion over error and falSehood.
Democrats are not obliged to 60 far to
find the causes which have led to all the
reverses and disasters the party has suf-
fered. DemagOgueism, trcachery, faction
and beStDwipg EaynrS upon unworthy as
pirants, tell tale in the Democratic fam.
lily the particulars of which we have no
inclination to dwell upon. But what is
past cannot be recalled, neither can what
is done be undone. If VIC are wise we
will profit by the past and be more care
ful in the future. There is no cause for
discOuragemcnt or desertion or despond-
ence. Thank God, although some of our
out-postS have been driven in, the old cit
adel has not surrendered. Brethren, what
shall we do? Shall we, coward-like, de.
Sert our noble standard, strike our colors
and give up to common enemies, what it
has cost US so many years Of labor and
dauntlesS resolution to get possession OF,
or trusting, clinging still to the noble
barque which has weathered more than a
thousand storms and kept atloat amid
them all. shall we gather up the fragments,
reorganizc our forces, seek to regain the
ground we have lost, to retrieve the bro
ken fortunes of the Democratic party, and
once more make our power and influence
the terror Of multitudes of political adven,
k,,r opA ay,;l JN.-e0 W.
selves TO Democrats who are such from
principle, not from interest. The party
has but to say the word, to use the means,
and the future, and by no means distant
future either, is its own.
Notwithstanding the present distracted,
divided and weakened state of the Demo
cratic party, we are still proud to be called
one of its devotees. Although shorn of
its pristine strength and glory by intestine
fruds, it still has history to which it can
point with eXultation and pride. The
progress of time only demonstrates more
clearly the wisdom Of its measures and
the value of its achievements. We say
we are proud to belong to this party, and
we desire to see it rebuilt on its old foun-
dations. What but defeat can be gained
by two Democratic organizations? The
great mass Of Democrats agree in princi-
pic, arc opposed to the spread and tri.
umph of RepublicaniSm, and if there are
any professed Democrats who do not agree
with the mass, iftbcre any who's strongly
tinctured with Republicanism and Justify
and applaud Lincoln's Administration,
they should not be retained to disturb the
harmony Of the rest. There are enough
who do agree and who can act together to
carry the State at any election.
A prominent and influential Douglas
Democrat, gentleman of unblemished
reputation and devoted to principle and
who has filled important offices in this
State. closes lengthy letter to us in these
significant words:
"As was remain, Democrat, unchange.
ably opposed to Republicanism. My party has
been broken up, but live in hope that time
will reuuite us, not on policy but on 'princi
pie.' II the Democratic party can be united on
platform that can only be construed one way,
will work as cheerfuly and actively as ever
for the good old cause. Wer. in your place
would suggest and advocate a reorganization
on principle. 1t can be done, and the troubles
Of our country demand it,"
We are in favor of reorganization
on principle" not on policy. We prefer
defeat to a sacrifice of principle. No
Democrat who is opposed to Republican
ism can object to uniting on principle and
fighting the common enemy. The Re
publican party is responsible for our
present deplorable state of affairs; it has
"cost the country treasure and blood, dis.