The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1865-01-31
Letter From Daniel s. Dickinson.
MS VIEWS OF TRUE DEMOCRACY.

In reply to letter from George L.
Stearns, Of Boston, Mr.. Dickinson
writes as follows: A'''l''s q l''''
"BrNGHAMroN, Nov. %, 1864.
| "My Dear Sr; Your favor of the
7th instant reached here during my ab-
sence for a few days, and since my re-
turn have been too much engaged
with business matters, deferred until at
ter the election, to give it earlier atten-
tion. - t m
can invitation was sent me to at
tend the meeting ofwa democrats in
the city of New York, to which you al
lale, but was addressing the electors
in remote part Of the State, and did
not receive it. Iglanced hurricdly over
the pub ished proceedings, and believe
entirely approved them but it seemed
then, as it still do IS, that the meeting
failed to present and discuss some of
the most prominent and stirring issues
of the day-issues which will not pass
by us, if we seek to avoid them--issues
which must and will enter into the very
essence and life-blood Qfa true, and en-
larged, and hberalized democracy, and
form its foundations, and serve as its
touchstone. For years there has been
practically but little of democracy save
its venerated name, and its vicious and
perverted and demoralized organization;
and it is no matter how soon, nor how
summarily, the latter is annihilated, with
its defling leaders--to the end that its
betrayed and plundered masses may
gather again its disintegrated elements,
and vindicate anew its principles, and
re-establish its power. oei
No higher tribute, perhaps, could
be paid To mere name than that which,
for season, has been bestowed by the
honest masses upon Democracy. And
no other cause save that, and the Chris
tian religion, could withstand for a
twelvemonth such disgraceful associa-
tions ashsve gathered around it. The
chief spirits of its organization have
been recently mere machine-running,
spoils=iobbing 3 place. s.hanting n9littieians il 6 !
by trade in political exchange; but with
out one single democratic instinct, an
tecedent, theory, or tradition whatsoev-
er. Since this dastardly and murder.
Gus rebellion has been tugging at the
nations throat, few fossilized Know
nothings have come to reinforce this ig-
noble lea ership, and these twin orna-
ments of democracy () have welded
the destinies of this once great, power
ful, and controlling party have, in der
ogation of all its cherished principles,
exerted its energies to embarrass the
government and encourage the REBEL
ion--to leopard the very existence of
democratic institutions, and
Shut the gates of mercy on mankind"
Sand yet, in spite OF all these repel-
liant forces, the charm Of the democrat
ic name has assembled great numbers
around its naked framework, and COM
manded large popular vote. This
should admoni>h us that democratic
principles are dear to the masses that
tnicc very name is a strong rallying cry,
and thss.. in the ovsrturning and up
heaving of old organizations, true de-
mocracy, when restored to lis former
high estate, under the flag ofthe Union,
will bear down all opposition. Every
true democrat has, in sentiment, been
anti-slavery in the abstract. He must
now be so in the concrete.
democrats and anti-slayery men
have heretofore differed not in doctrine,
but in its application. The anti-slavery
organizations sought to wage an imme-
diate aud exterm!nating war of opin-
| ion upon the institution of domestic
slavery in the States of the Union. The
democrats, as heirs and representatives,
proposed to abide by the stipulations OF
their ancestors, and leave the i1stitu-
ton exclusively to the States where it
existed, trusting to the influences OF
time and the progress of a worlds opin-
ion to correct an acknowledged evil,
and remove foul stain upon our ma
tional escutcheon. The slave states
were wont to point to the Federal Con-
stitution as their sword and shield, and
democracy in return acknowledged
their right to enjoy the immunity. But
this state of things has passed away
forever. The slave interest, intoxicated
by previous successes, vauntingly in
quired, with the Babylonish king,
whether it had not built this institution
by its mighty power; and in an evil mo-
ment for itself, but one auspicious for
the cause of justice and liberty, inaugu.
rated rebellion for its alleged advan-
tage and perpetuity and the booming
OF the first gun at Sumpter was proc
lamation of freedom on earth and good
will towards man, and sent this modern
Nebnchadnezzar to pasture. eu13i,
!" The question no longer admits oi
expedients, compromises, or palliatives;
but the true democracy must and will
assert its fundamental principles of lib.
erty, equality, and the rights of man,
and neither slumber nor repose until the
last handcuff has been east away--the
last human fetter has been broken--the
crack of the last slave-whip has resoun'
ded---the last human being been sold
into bondage i'm freedoms holy land
until the school-house rises upon the
auction-block, and the church above
the slave-pen. Then, and not till hen
will democracy have accomplished one
great feature Of its heaven-born mis-.
sion.a i1f 3cr seoi df la s.l,iss I.rf
"I forbear at this time to comment
upon the blessings which will flow
from an improved system Of industry
and new social structure. But the
subject is replete with interest and in
struction. ~ ,r. ,sflr lf.-.ssrd .,aiva,
The financial questions which now