The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1865-12-02
. The Democratic Party.
Alas. how has the mighty Fallen {.

There IS something grand in the contemplation
Of great party, sweeping down through the an
nalsiof nation like some rich argosy, under
wise and honest leaders, freighted with sound,
national principles and bearing away all opposi-
ton by the force of its inherent virtue. Butsuch
are not our feelings when we think of the once
great Democratic party. Taking its origin far
back in the early days Of the Republic, it grew
withits growth andstrengthened withitsstrength.
During most Of that time it exercised absolute
party sway, controlling the national policy and
dispensing the gifts of Office with imperial COM
posure. Good men there were connected with it
at all times. But its great. strength lay in its
name. With no argument but this, and with
no policy but the spois, it vanquished every po-
litical party that ventured to give it battle. In
no country perhaps, was there ever more sweep
ing and arrogant political organization, than the
Democratic party. 1t claimed an entire monop-
oily of the patriotism aud craftsmanship Of the
land. 1t took the Slave institutions of the South
under its special guardianship, while g tho
rich Irish brogue and the sweet German accent
always had peculiar charm for its friendly ear.
Long and brilliant has been its career; deep
and lasting its overthrow. Had it been managed
by wise aud prudent leaders it might not stand
forth to-day, like giant shorn of his strength.
But step By step it wandered from the trus faith
until calamity came upon it and it found its grave
amid the ruins of The institution which it cher
ished.
The desolaton which 1t has brought on the
land may be repaired. But its own caseis beyond
the power of political pathology to restore. IT is
dead and there are few patriots to mourn its loss.
All during the war, in every Union victory, wheth
er at the ballot-box or on the battlefield, it might
have had a warning of its fate. But il was re-
served for the late elections throughout the coun-
try to strike its death blow, and to teach future
politicians that no party can survive which ar
rays itself against the spirit of national faith.
The history of political parties in this country
might have taught Democratic leaders what they
had to expect. Opposition to the war of 1872
dug the grave of the old Federal party. Hostil-
ity to the Mexican war was the death blow of
the Wing party. How much more fatal to party
would be oppositionto war whose object was
the preservation of the nations very life?
The Democratic party is dead. The foster
mother who SO faithfully nourished her children
and fed them so abundantly at the public teat, is
no more. The mustard plasters of DR.. Seymour
and the mild aperients Of Van Buren, are alike
hopeless. Since New Jersey has come back to
the Union there is no longer any hope. The
-nnctors have put up their nostrums and gone
home, sadder ana hope wiser men. There
is little left TO be done but the decent burial
of the once powerful monarch.
What great lesson is taught in the fate of the
Democratic party This, that honesty IN poll
tics is the best polcy-that in the long run it is
principle, not article, that succeeds in America.
The Democratic party was founded on great
social wrong; il set moral laws at defiance; it
sought to govern by compromises, evasions, nc
TONS concealments This policy would answer
in Europe where the people are ignorant, sub
missivc and Influenced greatly by tradition. But
the American people think and act for themselves.
They may be deceived for timc-not always
They are actuated by patriotic motives, and will
sustain that party which, in their calmest moods,
they think most nearly right. s+sa
-. Rest, calmly rest, from every strife, st
"a Your Death is better than your Life
And this one line shall grace your grave -
7,. Your death gave Freedom to the Slave.