The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-03-01
Tho Irrepressible Conflict.

Bas'tAb-
The Irrepressible Conflict.
We have heretofore furnished our
readers with liberal extracts from the
speeches Of certain prominent politi-
clans, Of what IS sometimes termed the
Democratic party, eyincing that, finding
slavery was no longer a paying institu-
ton, they were prepared to accept the
situation, and let it slide; we have also
quoted extracts from leading journals,
endorsing the views of their representa-
tives, and urging that the party be at
once relieved from a burden which must
crush tor rather must keep it in its
present PROSTATE condition
There can be no question but ma
iority Of the party would gladly change
base; but there are those who win not
listen to the proposal and what is Of
the greatest importance, these men en-
brace three-ffths Of those who manage,
and control political conventions.
This faction is led by the Woods,
Vallandigham, Voorhees,, Richardson
and Ancona; and It controls such jour
nails as the New York News, Cincinnati
Enquirer, Chicago Times, and Indian
apolis Sentinel; and they squarely, and
unequivocally announce that they viii
control the party in the interests Of
peace, or let it disintegrate We have
before us a copy of the Cincinnati En-
quirer Of the 9th, containing an article
evidently designed to foreshadow the
action of the peace party Of Ohio, and
TO forestall any factious efforts Of the
war men to get control Of the party
organization. 1t says:
We believe that the masses Of the Demo-
crat darty N Ohio, Indiana and Illinois are
in favor Of Immediate peace; and are ready
10 accept the political conditions which
peace, ct this time, would necessitate.
All viii agree that the political
conditions" which peace at this time
would necessitate, would be dissolution
Of tho Union, including surrender Of
the border States; and tho Enquirer
announces it's readiness, and that Of its
faction, to accept them.
Taking its proposition as basis, and
adding 10 it q falsehood-that vast
numbers Of the Union men agree with
the Peace Democratic declares that
"a distinct and uneqaivocal dec la
ration of peace principles by the De
mocracy-the absence. Of which now
stands in the way Of its progress
would bring many of these immediate
~ to its influence
It, however, refuses to further discuss
that subject than to make tie assertion;
but confines itself to the Democratic
organization, ans it recognizes itself
and is recognized" It then says that
whenever a party is led astray, as this
party was early in the war, there are
always two tendencies one to go for
ward IN the wrong direction the other
to revert to original principles; and then
ii adds.
seThese two forces are now at work in the
Democratic party; the one influencing the
movements Of many Of It's leaders; the other
silently, bat efficiently, stirring the masses.
The Democratic party, SO far as Il has aided
and encouraged the present war, has de-
parted from IFS principles; and, with q
Presidential election in prospect, the Ques-
ton now presents itself shall IL continue
and increase its departure; or shall IL return
70 its original creed, and stand, so far as it
has the power, in an attitude Of resistance
90 that process of Executive usur7ation
which, under the pretense Of preserving the
national Integrity, is overwhelming the
liberties Of the people, and pulling down
those mountains which were established for
their projections"
It then proceeds to declare that it is
of the highest Importance that the
party now return to its old devotion to
the South, and 70 slavery; and il urges
its brethren for their own sake-for
the sake Of that domestic peace, to pre-
serve which Is the most important
duty of all civil governmental is OF
the highest moment that they resist
lievery attempt, coming from within OF
without their party, for their democrat
iEaiion"
The Enquirer then adas
tits surely question demanding no long
sine 70 deliberates Shsll party adhere to
It's principles, or shall il abandon them 2
Should II return IN those respects wherein
II has departed from its organ doctrines, or
snail II depart sun farther2 Men are free
agents. Every man has the right, If such
are has convictions, 10 favor war !; but being
N favor al Har--a var not Tor defense bnt
for conquest and coercion-ha has ~ ri,bt
70 call himself a Democrat. Tbe 80,
may charge ne material, but il Ia ~ -;,,t+
70 change It's place. The tile haio,-s
70 the principles. not tor the 49,
viduals, any farther than thew NAL
the prirciples their rulo =, ,,ii,s-l,
action. The great question ii onr
politics. question 20 momcntous that il
absorbs and extinguishes ali Uthers-is thu
question 81 var or peace. II Is q question
presenting an Issue Of principle 80 wide
and 50 strongly marked that no man is 81
liberty 10 make his choice between the two
turn upon COMMUNICATIONS Of mere expodi-
encv. A War Dsnocratis thereiore thins
i1npossfble. The title be chooses 10 q con-
PREDICTION ia terIns--as inconsistent Is thai
Of an honest thief Or s yirtu0us proaieaie
Ne averfuaut OF Democratic autecedents can