The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1864-07-21
Principles VS. Policy.

The resolutions adopted by the Demo-
cratic State Convention held at Indianap-
oils on the 18th, are, from the best infor-
nation we can get up to this writing,
strong In nothing. Neither the resolutions
of 90, embracing the real States Rights
doctrine, nor the sentiments OF our party
against the war, were enupciated with
sufficient clearncss 20 be called either the
one or the other This. we fear is nothing
more than abandoning principle for policy;
and We also fear, that too many have mis-
understood the real question. Some would
have it believed, that the enumeration of
full and Ineligible resolutions, as those Of
9S; and one taking decided stand against
the war, is tantamOunt to the ostracism of
all who have favored the war. and arc still
IN favor Of It's constitutional prosecution.
This Is not So Their aid is needed; but
1t should not be forgotten, that while the
peace men are willing to have as allies and
friends the war men, they are unwilling to
sacrifice that which is a matter of con-
sclence,-namely, principles, which they
regard as fundamental; and men must
reconcile themselves to the fact that while
the peace men are willing to yield aim ost
everything for the sake of harmony, they
will not yield principle. No personal
considerations will stife their opposition
to the war in all its phases; and 1t should
be enough for the war men to have the
Offices, the spoils, the honors, without ask
ing the peace Lien to sacrifice primer pie
We are not stickler for a single man; but
we are welded to principle; and believe
equally as firmly that the only hope the
party has Of success, is in adAering to
principle. For. if We shall succeed upon
principle, we will have no one to deceive.
on assuming the reins of government
and if we fail thereon. our party will re-
main an organized one. If, however. we
shall 90 into the election upon policy. and
succeed, We shall have to belle all our past
professions, and discover just what We are
opposed to the war; but if VIC shall be
defeated our organization will be forever
destroyed, for We will have denied our
faith and stultifed ourselves. and We eau
never reorganize. The question is prac-
teal one. Shall We maintain our faith
with the certainty of ultimate success =
Or, shall We deny it when the scale hangs
doubtful: and beng defeated, know that
we are dishonored and subject to the con
tempt of our enemies through all time
In conclusions let US, if needs be, embrace
the wicked, the impure, the unholy and
the dishonest; and everybody, but let us
maintain, by all we hold dear, and by all
our hopes Of hereafter-our time honored
principles and our opposition to the war
\ victory on no other basis will be last
ing. Cromwell gained victory-but it
did not restore to England her Consttu-
ton; and his timely death saved him from
violence ut the hands of people whom
his cunning had deceived
We cannot maintain a war. 1t is GER
tain dissolution. War constitutionally con-
ductcd under our Federal Constitution to
maintain it, is a heresy; and the very day
it was resorted to, disunion became as in
evitabe as death; ard time will prove this
to those still holding on to the sword
Even before the Presidential election the
event will have transpired, as We think
TT. IIayne Times.