The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1867-06-15
[From the San Francisco Examiner.l
Reciprocity OF federation.

s,suS
When in the zenith of its power, the
Democratic party was never intperant
Il ever conceded to all, the right to enjoy
aud freely express their own opinions, and
uureslriciedly 10 eriticlse the acts. policy
and measures oi Nationaland State Admin
lstrations wherever under its control II
is yet fresh IN our recollection. with what
lIcenti0usness this right was exercised to
wards General jackson. than whom, it IL
nov universally conceded, truer patriot
never ,trod American soil. And Indeed.
for hAH century, the Democratic party
andSIts Administrations of Government
were subjected tn the exercise nf the right.
al tibitUn. by the opposite political party
" hat though ts measures were criticised
with bitterness aud nniaiTness; = relied
upon ihosr measures proving Ghcr own
wisdom aud propriety by the sale and
sure mems Of fair trial. What though
alarniists asseveraied that the country
would bc ruined by ils policy; il cheerful
~ awaited results. What though VI.
tuperaton aud viiiification attack the char
acier aud motives of It's preferred men IN
official position il was content TO let the
facts develop themselves What though
designing aud ambitious mon assailed the
Constitution and Union, in political har
angucs and trashy tracts; il relied upon
the virtue and intelligence of the people
TO defeat their puDy efforts. All these
things, and more. were permitted by the
Democratic party when il was Tie Power
IN the land" Arrests for expression 81
opinion were unknown. aud the Press was
as free in its ulierauces rs healthy man =
respirntions.
Nor was such liberation limited By the
Democratic party to tie exercise OF the
powers of the Government, but was exten.
dcd by It's individual members TO s0cial
intercourse and business transactions.
The Democrat stopped not TO enquire
whether the dry goods merchant, the gro
ecr. the butler or the employe entertained
political views in accord with Iis own. nor
did he prescribe those of opposite politics
IN the common amenities og life. These
practices were inculcaied by tho spirit Of
our institutions. aud recognized ~ neees.
sarily proceeding from a rigid Observance
of the principles Of our Constitution. As
competition IL the life Of trade" so free
discussion may be said 10 be the life OF
public affairs.
We have spoken Of days gops by, and
now what Of the present! A new party,
and "nc actaaied by different mo,i-es, has
attained the power Of Government. The
black pail Of intolerance is thrown over rhe
country. Free speech. unlegs il be adu
laiory of the powers that be-" is demon.
mated Treason: Free lom CT the press
is suppressed or restrained Political
discussions arc regarded ~ daRsxrnus q
10 the Government and the insuiEciency
Of lcgimaie civil power 10 enforce illegal
behests of party j. aided by the military
power Of large sanding army. Al
things necessary TO perpetaate the domin
ancy of the party ia puwer ls unscrupu-
lou-ly resorted i0 A Democrat is pro
scfibcd in all the ayocations Of business
and as well IN the circle of social life
simply because OF a difference in political
sentiment. What then is the duty 0I
/ Democrats under these circumstances
II il to bend the plant knee" and meek
| " bow 10 subjugation, that ''thrift may
follow fawning 7" Rather let US protect
ourselves by aiding each other. aud me
ting out to our political opponents as they
mote out to us Let us lerate where w
are tolerated, aud prescribe we're We are
prescribed Let us not institute In
tt1learnee where we End any spirit o.
liberality. but let u demand aud in
sisf upon reciprocity ii toleration =
We can live and prspt among ourselves
if forced 20 the ex eriment BY continued
intoleFance o political opponents. Strike
home at them strike ut th hsiF pocket
there you find their vital point. cap.ur,
their golden calf aud spec ~ captulaiioI
and truce will follow. Strike for you
principles, aud if intolerance must need
be meted out TO the illibcral aud intolerant
hesitate not to do IT, Let "the creates
unmber. +" and the maintenance Of tn,
principles Of free government be your jus
tification.