The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-11-25
The Relation or the Democratic
Party 90 Slavery.

The HcI0t10n Oh tuC ASOssAcSA&sAC
Party 20 Slavery.
The position of the Democratic party
during the late campaign, when reviewed
with particular reference to the platform
occupied by the Republican organization,
has been that of constitutional, union
party :" or, in other words, of a party
pledged to the restoration of the Union in
Its integrity, through the agencies of either
war or compromise, under the forms, and
by strict adherence to the terms of the
Constitution of the United States. The
object to be attained was the salvation of
the Unicn. The means to be used we're
war or compromise. The guide to be fol-
lowed was the Constitution. In the pros
ecution of its object, many constitutional
questions arose, as to the legitimate or ille-
climate use of means, ard among these
questions, claiming priority over all others,
was that of slavery. The question of
slavery was forced upon the notice OF the
Democracy simply in e constitutional point
of view, and without any direct reference
to its moral bearings Mr.. LINCOLN, it
was correctly urged, bad adopted an I'M
constitutional policy in regard to slavery,
and allowed this policy to control tho issues
of the war. The Democracy protested
against the policy, and by this action drew
upop itself the suspicion ct being tie quasi
defenders of slavery. The party was thus
placed in an unfortunate position.
We say ufort,nnte, because the DEM
ocracy of this country is not the defender
of slavery. Obliged from the very neces-
sity of its position TO advocate the constl-
tutional rights of the slave States, it does
not push the defence Of such rights beyond
Il proper limit, or seek to confound them
with the justification of an immoral sys-
tenn. The Democratic party cODcelves
this TO be great economical and social
evil, opposed to the moral sense OF the
civilized world, and operating to rotard
the progressive development OF the human
species.
The election of ABRAHAM LN"oLN eff
fectrally relieves the Democracy from its
constitutional obligations regarding slave
nv. An overwhelming popular majority
has decided in favor Of the continuance Of
Mr. L1NCoLN's term of office, and q prose
cution of the war for the complete abolish
ment of the slave system. 50 t:,r then as
the determination of the North Is concern
ed slavery is a doomed institution. Con-
demned at all times by the nloral sense OF
the Northern community, 1t must row
submit ITSELF to tho memorable logic of
events. and bow its head 10 AK Of eXecu-
ton. The enforcement of tbe abolition
policy will undoubtedly fortify the deter
mination OF tbs Confederate States.
Vigorous exertions to establish their indie
pendence will involve the absolute necea-
sity of Southern emancipation. A severe
economy in the use of the white popula-
ton for active operations Of de!ences,
render the arming and equipment of the
negroes incumbent upon the Confederate
authorities, and this can only be effected
through the form Of emancipation Ia
whichever light we view the subject, sla-
very is doomed. 1t is doomed by the
decision of the North, and by the n,oessi-
ties of the South, IA it his long been
condemned by the opinion Of the civilized
world. Events are stronger than men or
parties. Human progress demands con-
slant and wise concessions. The Demo-
cratic party having faithfully fulfilled its
constitutional obligations, now yields to
the irresistible pressure OF circumstances,
and washes its hands of the evil OF sla-
very. No longer obliged 10 oppose the
Administration III its relations to this par
ticular subject, and prompted by the in
SEPARATIONS of its patriotism 10 sustain the
President in all his earnest and constitu-
tional endeavors to restore the Union. it
Yields to him its sincere ani cordial sup
port in these dark and trying hours OF
our history, and invokes in behalf Of linn
self, and the country we I'll jove 50 well,
the auspicons smiles OF heaven
Fifth judicial 9pis!:i q.
We learn from the Faritan'r F'p"'H-
can that Judge DoNALpsoN Is probably re-
elected by small majority oyer the IN
ion candidate GEO. NJ. BArcHGiDER. Ihe