The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1864-02-25
Principles VS.. Policy.
FroIa the Hillsboro, Ohio, Gazette.

without code of well established princi-
pies The successful existence of the
! Democratic party is owing to its adoption
and rigid adherence to, well established
code of political faith. The prosperity
and peace of the nation under its admins
trations have long since demonstrated the
virtue and practicability of democratic
: faith. The decentralization of the party
advances in the ratio first principles are
abandoned. Defeat follows decentralization,
inevitably, as cause produces effect. As
the democracy are outside from power, ruin
and civil devastation overwhelmed the
whole people. demonstrating clearly, that
the principles Of Democratic faith embod-
les the true theory of the Republic; and
eqally, clearly demonstrating the incompa-
tibility of the principles of Abolition with
the theory of the Republic We hold
these statements to be self-evident and
within the comprehension of all mankind
save fanatics.
The slightest deviation from established
political faith is, Decentralization, provided
the object i'll view is mere partisan success.
and not reformation. There is 10 policy
IN dcviating from right, though partial
gain of votes or power itselfbe the reward.
Political integrity is the only policy to en-
sure permanent success. Concession of
political faith is the bane of the Democrat
ic party. Long as it adhered to its faith,
it deserved and received the suffrages and
confidence of the entire nation. No con-
cession Of the political principles, except
in exchange for new and t,t.er ones, can
be less than bargain and s.le for paltry
gain.
If the principles Of the Democratic party
are correct ones, let us boldly and uncom-
p-om;singly maiussiu them at the cost Of
office, life or fortunes. If they are wrong,
let those who believe thus, honestly make
the issue. But may the good Lord deliver
Us from corrupt placemea who, protesting
, TO be Democrats. constantly compromise
the honor aud dignity Of our faith 10 cv-
cry damnable heresy that promises popu-
larity.
During many years past the faith of
Democracy has been Systematically and
yiilainOusly betrayed. Corrupt. dsma
gogues cowardly pandered to every popu
lar error and base chicanery, in order 20
obtain power. The party followed the lead
of policy-de -demoralizers IN quest Of office.
What is the result? Did success attend
these base abanlonmcnts Of principles un-
der the plea of policy? Has not ';policy"
been faithfully tried? The result is We
L,st all control of the Federal and State
govcrnments-al the ofices-lost our po-
itical integrity, lost our organization, lost
the nation.
When disgrace and defeat overlook Us.
what became of the policy demagogues
who ruined us? Did they not desert to
the enemy's camp? All, or at least all
who cold obtain paltry Office did. A
few who could not get office, still remain to
curse the party. To day as yesterday they
are crying policy, Poiiey, POLICY. These
demagogues hold conventions with closed
doors, determine what in their Judgment
is policy and attempt to coerce the Demo
cratic party 4 support of Democratic
faith? No. but into a support of the infer
nal negro war Why? Because it ap-
pears to them to be popular, and therefore
policy would demand their support oft
! As for the Gazette, We want it distincly
understood that no such ruinous policy
rascalty Will receive our support under
any circumstances We shall DO all in
our power to prevent any such fatal SUI
eide, but If in madness and blind folly such
a course be taken, We will never supportt
We are asked: Are you going dsliher-
a:ely to break up the Democratic party"
We are determined, as our influence shall
extend, to save tiff possible, re-establish
it on the Jefiersonian platiorm-fairly and
squarcly on the Kentucky Resolutions of
1898, drafted by Thomas Jefferson. There
is not true Democrat North who will not
say amen!
What il it to be q Democrat? 1t is 10
stand 10y the great principles of free local
government, contradistingushed from mon
strous centra! despotism. Allegiance to
men, cli9ues or caucusses, is not con-
pound part of Democracy. The ma;ntcn-
ance @ principles, not men, is its mission.
The adoption OF the Resolutions referred
TO saved the country in 1901 from dsrup-
ton. The intelligep: adoption of those
Resolutions Will again restore the Democra-
cy to power One great reason those pro-
IL