The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-03-20
Political independence.


1t is with unfeigned and unallOyed
pleasure that We witness the revolution
now going on in the opinions Of men
They are evidences of the stability Of
the republican theory Of government
are indications that the masses arc fully
equal to any great emergency
VIXEN men adhere to party, regard
less of the principles upon which it is
based, and Of the course it designs to
pursue, while in power, the liberties OF
the country can scarcely be considered
safe. Itis to independent thinkers
not to partizans-to whom Republican
ism must turn for its support
In every country where the people
constitute a power in the State, there
are to be found two classes-partizans
and Independents; and the relative
strength Of these sections is a pretty
eair indox Of popular Intelligence Es-
pecially is this truth applicable to our
country, and the present, and imme-
diately preceding era
We have had what is called the Dem
ocrstic party; and in its folds were en-
braced nearly all who acted from preju-
dice, and who voted without thought;
who accepted the action Of their leaders
without question, and who supported
any principle, provided it was CARRIED
in mantle dubbed democracy; "
while on the other hand, there has OK
isted, within the last thirty years, at
least halfa dozen distinct combinations
Of independents, eoalescing for the ac-
conplishment Of purpose, and separ-
ately again when they wero unable
further to agree upon limo Of policy
Parties originate upon living issues;
but these are necessarily transitory in
their character; and whenever an or
ganization survives them, it can only be
done by sn application Of discipline
which is inimical to personal independ-
ence and therefore necessarily drives
from itself all who are not prepared to
follow its leaders blindly There
were once many great men in the dem
ocratic party but they have all been
compelled to sever their connection
with it, or sink their manhood; 80 that
the party to-day is mere skeleton OF
what it once was; a souiless, spiritless,
political corporation q relic Of the
past, calculated to attrac the attention
of the curious, but incapable Of inspi-
ring the enthusiasm Of the patriot It's
members now are those who cling to a
name, whom the substance has depart
sd who adore a term above q prin-
oiple.
That party organization has survived
half dozen others, composed of the
intelligent classes Of tho country; and
though in power most of the time, its
opponents have really given character
70 the legislation Of the country. The
independent man, when ticket is
presented for bis suffrage, asks: what
are the principles it represents ? while
his opponent demands was it "regu,
ularly nominatedY'
The public mind is fast being oduca-
ted up to the point of independent po
litical action; daily, party ties become
weaker; and at no distant time, we
hope to see organizations based upon
living issues, and dissolying as these
cease to agitate the country
The work Of disintegration IS going
on among what was once termed the
democracy" and when that party
has ceased to exist, another organize
ton can never hope to succeed it by
the same process. If prejudices, and
prescription arc too weak to hold the
organization together, there viii be no
hope of constructing another which
has no long prestige in It's favor
The lead in the present disintegra-
ting process, is being taken in New
York by the members Of the Tamma
ny faction. We yesterday gave our
readers an extract from the platform of
that party, as adopted at recent meet
ing; and by our last nights mails we
have received confirmation of our opin-
ion, that the words uttered were not
mere empty sound but that members
Of tho party intend 10 act in accord
anoe with the views promulgated
Mr. Carolin OBrion Bryant one of
the Tammany representatives from
New York City in tho State Legislature,
and understood To represent moro ea-
peoially the powerful interest whereof
Mr. Peter B Sweeney is the leader,
few days since submitted to the General
Assembly the following important pro-
position:
Rhereas, In the present crisis Of the
country a speedy and successful conclusion
Of the War should be the chief and con-
trolling purpose Of the Government, and
that such termination Of the struggle now
progressing against an stTociOus Rebellion
can best be achieved by final and consti- /
tutional abrogation Of its rad cal cause, the I
system OF African Slavery and
Whereas, slavery is practically apuihi- 1
lated by the War, and that its prohibition 1
IN ali the States upon q basis authorizing 4
Congress TO protect the rights Of loyal /,
owners OF slaves, would provide the most /
practical form of Cancellation with which 4
We could follow up the march Of our vicio- +
riOus arms and /
Fhereds, Such final and constitutional I
abrogation OF Slavery would clear the patb 4
OF our manifest destiny, in the acquisition 4
and development Of necessary territory .
and its industrial organization as new. or "A /
Tegenerated States, and also restore US 10 I
the position Of a united people, where we
can declare and enforce the integrity and
the exclusive prerogative If democrats in
situations on the American continent. as
against any invading or usurping FOREIGN
power; therefore,
Rss0lsca tif the Senate concur. In pur-
suance. Of these reasons our Senators IN CON
grese be instructed aud our REPRESENTATIVES
requested 10 prepare aud sublait Tor sdop-
zion By the Legislatures Of several States
such Just and proper amendment 10 the
Constitution Of the United States as shall
forever prohibit aud terminate the system
A