Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-10-31
SATURDAY MORNING, OCT. 81, 1863.
The Fruits of Democracy.

The Fruits of Democracy.
Every days developments show more
clearly that leading Democrats in the North
not only sympathize with the Southern cause
but actually counsced resistance to the au-
thority of the Government in the event of
the election of Mr. Lincoln to the Pre+dcn-
CIV. 1t is now generally conceded that Mr..
Buchanan openly avowcd his belief in the
right of the South to seccde from the Union,
and lent his influence, as Chief Executive of
the nation, to encourage the rebellion. In
doing this, he was but carrying into practice
what the Democratic party which elected
him President, avowed as one Of their cardi.
nal doctrines. His predecessor, Mr.. Pierce,
held to the doctrine of secession as is clearly
shown by the following extract from letter
written by him to Jefferson Davis, now the
President of the Confederate Government,
dated Clarendon Hotel, Jan. 9th, 1860:
"Wiihout discussing the que 'tion of risht-of
abstract power 10 secede ! never believed that
actual disruption Of the Union could occur with
ont blood; and il through the madness OF North
crn Abolitonists that dire calamity must come,
the fighting will not be along Mason and DiXon's
line merely. 1t will he within our own borders.
in our own street between the two classes Of
citizens to whom | have referred Those who
defy law and scout constitutional obligation
will. if we ever reach the arbitramcnt OF arms,
find occupation enough ut home.
Here we have an unconditional endorsement
of the withdrawal of the South from the
Union, and a distinct pledge, not only Of
sympathy with them, but an intimation that
il the Government attempted to coerce them
into submission to the Laws and Cons,itu-
ton, the Democracy would be found fighting
under their standard in the cities and streets
of the North. When it is remembered that Mr..
Pierce and Mr.. Buchanan were the acknowl-
edged leaders of tho Democracy the eight
years that preceded the election Of Mr.. Lin
ooln, and the breaking out of the rebellion,
are we not justified in believing that the
Democratic party is responsible for the pres
ent war? No sensible man will believe, for
one moment, that the South would have de-
fled the power of the Government, if they
had not believed that the Democratic party,
as pledged by their great leader, ex.Presi'
dent Pierce, would join their ranks and thus
compel the Government to acknowledge their
right to set up an independent government of
their own. When President Buchanan was
appealed to by Gen. Scott to strengthen the
garrisons in the Southern States, to prevent
their falling into the hands Of the rebels, he
refused to do 80, on the ground that there
was no power given by the Constitution to
coercc State to remain in tho Union; thus
encouraging open resistance to the laws
which he was sworn to see faithfully exc
cuted.
The Breckenridge Democracy, true to
their principles, have from that day to this,
opposed the war by the use Of every means
in their power, and they now avow this to be
their purpose. If this is denied, we have
only to refer to their leading organ published
in New York city. the Caucasian. That
paper Of September 18th, has the follow
ing:
ARE THE DEMOCRACY IN Favor OF THE WAR;
The following incident related to by reliable author
y, furnishes Of the hest tests have vet encoun-
tered of the extent which the Democratic party en-
dorse the present When the election of dele
gates for the Assembly Convention select a delegate
to the State Convention took place in the town Of
Flushing, Queens County, L. l., the meeting large
and well attended, the number hi Democrats present
being 1885, There difference of opinion, of
course among the leaders to the war; and each de-
sired to have delegates elected who should represent
his views. 1t therefore proposed as emneny fair
and just that each side should fully explain its position
and that then there should be division of the house.
and erch abide by the result The merits Of war and
peace were therefore duly canvassed after which the
house was divided with the following result Anti
War, 443; War, So! Such an uncxamped result was
perfect astonisher to the Tnry, and similar one
do not doubt would be the effect Of tken al
most anywhere. The Democracy not, and never
have been in favor of this war; only the shoddy leaders
and corrup.ionists.
Democrats who were opposed TO secession,
have long since united with Republicans in a
Union organization. Those who adhere
to the Democratic party, and embar-
ass the Administration, are opposed to the
war. 1t is very evident from the result Of
the late elections in California and in the At
lantic States, that the great body Of the peo-
pie so understand it