Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1864-06-23
POSTPONED.


Gsh do John u. Stockdale.
POSTPONED.
BY reference to our telegraphic reports it
viii be seen that the day Of holding the
Democratic National Convention has been
postponed until Monday, the Goth Of Au-
gust next.
Although we were not among those who
favored postponement, it is possible that
the Committee have acted wisely, and to
their decision we defer.
bad Political Advice Censared.
A respectable and generally able demo
cratic contemporary makes the startling
proposition that, in certain contingency,
the democratic members Of Congress, in
body, throw up their positions in the legis
Iatures of the nation or what is tantamount
70 it, vacats their seats and refuse to return
70 them We are astonished ct this advice
and And it impossible to refrain from ex-
.psessins our unequivocal disapprobation Of
t.
In the first place such an act would be
revolutionary and anarchial. It could not
fail to result in increased excitement to
degree positively dangerous.
Second. 1t would throw the entire legisla-
ton Of the country into the hands Of the
radicals, who..arc now restrained by the pres
sence, the watchful vigilance, and the per-
sistent and able efforts Of patriotic men of
the democratic party; and are obliged to
forego altogether many Of their nefarious
schemes and TO essentially modify others,
out Of Difference TO the highly respectable
talent and numbers Of the opposition men,
bers. The Democratic members Of Con-
gress, by remaining in their seats, by indus
triously attending to their duties, and by
vigilantly watching over legislation, may
perform the most essential service to the
nation. By their bold and independent
eloquence they may in the future, as they
have already in the past, prevent the most
dangerous acts, may save the nation from
precedents most unisvorable to personal
rights and liberty, and may guard from
invasion and violation the most invaluable
principles. By their wisdom and care they
may preserve the country from hasty as
we'll as dangerous legislation; they may
hold in check the tyrannical tendencies OF
the administration and may save the re-
public from wounds which, if not averted
by them will not be averted by any others,
!: and may prove fatal to our democratic insti-
tutions.
Third The proposed course affords no
remedy for the evils complained Of and will
only defeat itself. If the Democratic men,
bers desert their positions, the radical MEM
bsrs who remain will be more or less compe-
tsnt-whether by the constitution or in de-
aancs to ito carry out their projects.
Even though the absence Of the Democrats
ohould leave the House Of Congress without
quorums, win any man deceive himself with
the idea that they who are such sticklers for
the doctrines of higher law" and public
necessity" will give over legislatings They
viii do nothing Of the kind; but, falling back
upon their "higher law" and necessity"
: doctrines, will bid de lance to laws and con-
oeitstions, and run riot in their madness,
unrestrained by the tact, talent, energy and
parliamentary skill Of the opposition mem
bers. It will be sad day for the country
when the government is thrown into the
hands Of these fanatics in an unopposed
majority and uncurbed by brave, resolute,
and hw-loving minority
Fourth The action which we ccnsure
would be largely seized upon by the cor
rupt and scheming administration to return
70 Congress in the stead Of democrats,
their own subservient tools and trucking
parasites. The same principle that would
LEAD democrats to abandon their seats in
.Coogpess, If applied consistently, would
prevent democrats from electing others in
theif places. Otherwise the abandonment
would be shallow and unmeaning farce
II then democrats refused to sit in Con-
grsss and declined to elect others to sit in
there in place Of those who are now our rep
rssentaivee, the administration would cause
writs Of election to be issued, and both
@oases would be filled with the plant tools
and Bringing sycophants Of unbridled pow.
e, who would trample al constitutional
oo6gAtion under foot, and run riot in PAN
dsmonium of radicalism and fanaticism.
We do not thus understand the duty Of
Ne democracy. 1t is it, duty never to des-
toisiofI The republic; never TO desert it,
whrtsoever may be its extremities never
70 surcease its watchfulness over the gener-
4 vslfars, the rights Of individuals and the
pubfic liberty. If al else beside them
prove faithless or treacherous, they must
!. yo1nain faithful and true If the admins.
traeion proves corrupt; if the party in
pswes BECOMES infatuated or phrenzied; if
~ executive inclines to despotism and if
The Agents Of government abuse their trusts,
Il d al the more necessary, it is al the
more due to the people-whose interests
IN 1Ads kesping-that oor members Of
Congress shall remain resolutely At their
posts, defying the malice Of their adversar-
iesAnd rar5ying thsif thrusts 1t that liber.
II. which i The heritage handed down to ~
~ The AtA9s, and which It IL our duty to
land down unimpaired 70 our sons and
| ~ yeds3 - sss2 ~.
tn Nsvs 1oek 11iosae il vary indisnitnt
lpefps n dsnocsaais nenbsrs Of the