The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1866-03-17
from THE STATE RIGHTS DEMOCRAT.
THOUGHTS FOR THE TINES

utteranee of the Chief Magistrate of the
United States. 1t ia the utterance of a
man who. whether honest in his course
or not whether actuated by high or the
opposite motives, acting as u true, earnest
patriot or a consummate demagogue, has,
during the past five years, contributed
largely to bring about the very condition
of things he thus deploringly realizes. A
fearful commentary embraced in a few
simple words! In the fact which Presi-
dent johnson states with ~laconie brevity
is concealed the seeds of death either of
the Republic or of that party which alone
has the will to destroy it. That m organ
ization whose existence was confined to u
particular section of the country, whose
principles were radically anti American,
whose very conception indeed, was based
upon the doctrine of "a higher law"
whose real leaders were frank and bold in
ayowing their enmity to the Constitution,
should have ever secured control of the
Government. will add another and not the
least wonder in history. But once secur-
ing power, that they should seek to take
advantage of the storm, which they in-
voked, to violently tear into shreds the
Constitution, aud partially failing in this
by reason of the too early cessation of the
nations troubles, that they should resort
to another aud perhaps a more effeetual
plan, ought not to occasion surprise. a
brave man whose cheek never blanches
amid the bursting of shells, may well
tremble at the power of a hidden foe A
wrong committed in violence, with a peo-
pie true to themselves, need have but a
temporary effect. Peace alone may re-
move it. But one committed in legal
form and under color of right, with the
tacit acquiesence Of those it concerns, may
remain an evil to confuse aud destroy
one which violence only can eradicate.
Time might teach US to forget that we
ever yielded to the %tyrant's plea of neces-
sity, but time would serve only to remind
us of our fatal error in submitting to
formal encroachments upon our liberties.
"oh, Freedom! once thy fame hath fed,
IL never lights again."
Thus is the language of President John
son peculiarly significant. As expressive
for the first time of his disapproval of the
plans of the Radicals, Republicans per Sc,
it may be regarded the signal note of the
great struggle which is soon to end either
in the complete overthrow of that party
or the utter subversion of the Govern
ment. His recent veto is butthe inaugu-
ration Of active hostilities. Presenting
the direct issue, life or death, the event
of the contest is fcarfully important
more so far, than the one lately determ,
ined by the force of arms.
The position of the Democracy, a party
which always endorses right and justice
it makes no difference whence it comes
and ~applauds a gallant deed it matters no
by whom done, is not a new but a natura
one. 1t is, as ever, BY the nations side
A President may falter, but that part,
cannot. In the fact that Andy johnson
was once an houored member of this part,
is found but a questionable assurance fol
his constancy or sincerity hereafter. l
merely j~ustiies the hope, that after tn,
realization of more than the demagogue't
%vainest dreams, there may be true patriot
ism enough left to urge a return to thos,
principles which the experience of BIZ
whole life tell him to be correct. A ney
party however, unless formed from tn
5 wrecks Of the late Union concern, is idle
A man party may fill up a part of tn
; allotted three score years and ten. 4
national party. ike the Democracy, cal
die only with the Republic. But in con
: tending for the inseparability of taxation
and representation President johnson j
only claiming right which ninety year
ago touched acommon chord in the heart
of our ancestors and nerved them for tn
; gallant contest which made us a nation
Z Il was then that old Virginia and othe
Southern Colonies stood forth to aid thei
Northern sisters. who now assume to pla
g the tyrant. This right, asserted by tn
highest or the lowest in the land, wi
, meet but one response from all not basel
recreant to the blood and name of a
d American. We will sustain it. Bu
8 there are other principles equally as deal
whether ignored, condemned or endorse
By johnson, the Democracy can neye
forget and win never surrender. Dea
2 issues! The atheists sheer, the infdel
criticism, the cynic's doubts as to til
Divine inspiration of the Bible, are a
I answered by the simple perfection
Holy Word. Asa moral code, time an
civilization, which fail in naught els
suggest no Improvement. In the form
5 tion of this Government surprising purit
LianJ e4.tas,,,.I ~