Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1863-04-04
EDITED Wy LEVI l.. TATE, PROPRIETOR
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1868.
Democracy Past, Present and Future,

We agree with the Valley Spirit that
with all the contcnptuou, sneers and vitu-
perativc abuse heaped upon Democrats
and the Democratic party, the past histo-
ry, as well as the present position Of that
party and its members, before the world, is
an enviable one. No intelligent man VIII
pretend tc deny that, from the formation
and adoption Of the Constitution down to
the election Of Mr.. Lincoln, with the ex-
ceptc II Of few brief years, the Demo
cratic party controlled the policy, main
tained the honor, extended the terr tory
and made the history of the county
These facts have already gone into histo
ry, and are accepted by the civilize d
world During this time its policy was
to keep pace with the progress, and, as
occasion per mittcd, to developc the re-
sources OF the country. In all these
measures it met the firrcest opposition at
every step; and yet as years rolled
around, and reflection aud calm Judgment
took the place of passion and excitement,
these same measures were universally en-
dor>cd by the popular voice, and all Of
them remain upon our statute books un-
repealed TO the present day. Almost cv-
cry opro itlon scnator voted against the
ratification of Jcffcrson's treaty for the
purchase Of Louisiana; sud yet who, in
the next generation, would have been will
ing to see that vast aud rich tcrlito~y again
in possession Of foreign power, or who
to-day is willing to let her cat loose from
"a, snd block up the mouths of the Mis-
Sis 'ippi against the trade cf the great
Wet! The Fedeyals 10 ,nan were op-
posed to our second war with Great Brit
ain; and yet who to-day does not look
back with pride to the gallant Fl .ht we
then made for the rights OF cur young
commerce upon the high sea-. The al
mission of Texas was violently opposed ,
snd yet to-day we arc using powerful
military force to keep Texas in the Union.
The Whig party were universally hostile
TO our war with Mexico they counseled
the Mcxican4 TO "welcome our troops with
bloody hands to no pitablc graves )" and
yot who to day wishes California out OF
the Onion, coming to US as she did with
her h nds fu,l of golden treasure, or who
would be willing to give up he othcr val
liable territory then acquired The DEM
cratic party steadily adhered to the Mon,
roe doctrine refusing any further foothold
,n the North American continent to any
OF the European Monarchics :; and the hu-
initiating experiences of the past year
The possession of Mexico by the French
tell US that the only safe policy for the
United States would have been to staLd
by that doctrine to the bitter end. These
are but a few Of he many in'tonccs in
which time and sober Judgment have en-
dorsed the policy Of the Democratic par
ty, however violently the various measures
she originated were assailed at their in
ecption. Verify, she has good reason to
be proud of her hist ory.
And what is her present position in ref
orencs 10 the great crisis through which
our institutions are paSsing' 1t is true,
in the heat and passion of The moment,
she has been bitterly and Indignantly as
sailed and misrcpresented. The foulest
epithets have been applied to every one
who dared to hold fast by the old organi-
cation. Her public men have been de-
nounccd and DETAINED, But this has been
the case before, times without number
And now that the reaction Of the sober
second thought is coMing on, let US throw
political prejudice to the winds, and see
how fair her record shines in the clear
blaze of the MONDAY sun.
With the first note Of war that came up
from Charleston harbor, Democracy, true
to her ancient principles and her pledges
to the people, avowed her loyalty in un-
mistake terms. She sent her thousands
into the army, she opened her purse, she
he'd her bio ,d ou our first battle fields
Congress assembled aud soon followed
rhc hour of gloom after the defeat of our
army on the plains of Manassas, when
fear, dependency and dismay filled all
hearts. Then it was that Congress, by
an almost unanimous vote, declared that
''ths war is not waved in any spirit OF