Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-02-27
The Dsnocratic Parry and slavery.

Inc OCmlLEA-AAl AAuA 6AANGNg~
We have referred before to the attempt |
now being made by the Democracy to
shift their base Of operations from pro-
slavery TO aDti-slsVery ground. However
prejHdiced the ignorant masses may be
against abolition, the leaders are cunning |
enough to see that The poW,r Of slavery as
. political balance has departed Those
Of the so-cAlled war Democrats are taking !
the lead while the peace, at any price,
Fernando Wood, Vallsndigham species,
are as yet, quite reluctant to follow in their
wake. They have been in favor Of hu-
man slavery from principle; the others
from policy. But yet their principles can
Be readily abandoned if they see some
prospect Of political success upon the new
platform.
The New York World Of Thursday, is
leading the y and congrstulates itself
warmly over the fact that its efforts are
heartily appreciated in certain quarters.
Il declares that it has had numerous let
ters Of Endorsement from prominent men
in the Democratic party.
or course it maintains that the Demoe-
rscy are to be perfectly consistent in there
sccrobatic feats Of ground and lofty tum-
bling. The new movement is only an ap-
plicstiOn Of old principles to new PrOt-
lem.
We care not to discuss the question
whether the Democracy are justly stigma
tiEed as pro-slavery. History hiss already
determined that question with an irreye-
cable certainty that no ounningiy-deVised
sOphis5s of the present day can undc.
The party for yesrs has lent its influence
and the prestige ofits name to the dictates
Of their rightful lords, the Shareholders,
Uninterrupted victory as well as uninter-
rupted defeat demoralizes apOlitical party
Defeat is having medicinal effect upon
the Democracy and they are now endesV'
oring to eyince some of the political ssgac
ity Of former times. What they might ye
socomplishss a vigorous anti-slsvery par
ty, we are not prepared to ssy; but theJ
could at least rally their ferces with q
magnificent energy and power. Mo-
would we throw the slightest obstacles il
the vsy Of their return. We shall be hear
tily glad to see the men and the neWsps
pers that for years have been the poten
defenders Of the slave power fOrsake thei
sin. The intellectual movements Of tn
masses are slow but certain. They ma.
bede6ed for while, but in the end, the
are like the tidal encroschments Of the Sc
which wash away The proudest breakWstei
and defences Of man.
The World is wise in reaching this COL
olusien after a great deal Of aOunderiug i
the swsmps Of copperhesd Democracy
"When the South entered upon this VS.
they deliberately exposed their slave prop
erty to the psrils and vicisitudes Of mi
itary centesb and they must take the col
sequences"
The Democracy, having been long bu
lied by the institution Of slavery, haN
now 8 fine oppOrtunitytc flee from the
cruel masters and orgsnize their power G
the broad basis Of eternal right and trut
Weshsll see whether they will have q
wisdom, patriotism and ability 10 seize tn
new opportunity by the fOrelOck and p'
themselves before the people as part
bent on crashing, not only rebellion itsel
but also the wicked cause Of sll our woe