Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1867-08-17
The Political Situation.


of our citizens, who exercise the elective
franchise, TO make themselves as thoroughly
acquainted as possible with the principles
and doctrines of the different parties, as we'll
as with the qualifications of the opposing
candidates, in order that they may vote un-
derstandingly and for the best interests OF
our common country. That it is the right
of all to vote as their judgment and con-
science dictate, no one will deny; and that
the more intelligent people become, and the
more knowledge they acquire in reference to
political affairs, renders their judgm ent less
liable to be warped by personal prejudices,
is equally true. The ballot, when placed in
the hands of free, intelligent and independ-
ent people, is the most potent safeguard of
their rights and liberties; but when the SOW
ereigns, through ignorance or culpable care
lessness, neglect to inform themselves in
regard to the political issues of the day and
allow themselves to become the dupes of
those whose only object is self-aggrandize-
ment, without scrutinizing their motives or
inquiring what their principles are, the bal
lot becomes simply vehicle for the election
of bad men to office. Unless men are will
fully blind there is no difficulty in under
standing the questions at issue between the
opposing parties in this State. There are but
two political organizations, Union and Dem
ocratic, and their principles are too plainly
stated, their platforms so widely different
and the lines too clearly defined to admit of
a mistake being made, even by the most illit-
promises to be made; every question which
divides the PEOPLE, either of a national or
local character, is Incorporated in the plat
form of principles put forth by these con-
tending parties, and there is no necessity, no
room, no reason why a third set of candi-
dates should be placed before the people.
The attempt of few disappointed Office
seekers, of the "rule or ruin" stripe, assisted
by the stultiloquence of venal, self-styled
independent press" to disrupt the Union
party, has proved abortive. All of the can
didates, with but single exception, whose
names the so-called National Republicans,
with the most unwarrantable assumption,
placed upon their hybrid ticket, have posi-
lively refused their nominations and are not
only working for, but counsellng their friends
to vote straight Union ballot. To be sure
the "revisors" have ''re-revised" their ticket
and placed other nominees in the field ;
but that their sole object is to defeat the
Union party is now SO palpable and well
understood by the masses, that it is simply
an exhibition of sharp practice, dodge to
elect the Copperhead nominee for Governor,
is too self evident to admit of denial. If any
one doubts the truth of our assertion, all we
ask of him is to read democratic papers and
listen to democratic speakers. Their columns
TEEN and their speeches are replete with the
most fulsome laudations of Mr.. Fay and his
confrers, and the difference between the
''independent" and democratic press is no,
sufficiently great to prevent their copying
and cordially endorsing each others articles
and sentiments. Under these circumstances
we are at loss to determine how any Union
man, in consistency with his principles, car
vote for Mr.. Fay.
The contest this Fall, then, is narrowed
down to a single-handed combat between tht
Union and democratic parties. There GER
tainly can be no mistaking the position as
sumed by each, for their doctrines have no
changed, materially, since the Inauguration
of the rebellion. The Union party was form
ed for the purpose of preserving our nation
ality when traitors struck at the Government
Then, as Eow. its platform was based upoI
the broad principles of civil and religion
liberty, freedom, justice and equality to al
before the law. For four years the loya
masses of the North, composing the Uniol
party, fought, and at last defeated the rebe
chivalry upon the field of battle. The trait
ors, although compelled to lay down thei
Government, and the spirit of insubordina
ton Is only kept in check by the iron hant
of military rule. The Southern States per
sistently refuse to accept the measures of re
construction proposed by Congress and siren
uous!y oppose their rehabilitation. AS
natural sequence, the Government is eithe
compelled TO maintain standing army, a
an enormous expense, or give the negroes
who have helped to fight our battles and ar
loyal-the elective franchise. In othe
words, the issue resolves itself into ques
ton of ballots or bayonets, and the former l
the least expensive of the two. The neces
sity of maintaining the Union organization
until the disturbing causes of the war ar
removed ard these vexatious questions ar
/ finally settled. Is too plain to require eluci
dation. In strict consonance with the cours
pursued by the party during the war. tn
platform put forth by the Democrats is op
posed to every measure of the Government
looking towards an amicable settlement of ou
difficulties. 1t is in favor Of admitting Rep
reSentatives from the seeded States upol
the floor of Congress, even though thei
clothes are stained and their hands reekin;
with the blood of Union men. 1t Is oppose,
/ to the passage of the Const tutional mend
ments disfranchi>ing those who are stIl
rebels in sentiment. 1t says that the South
ern States are not out of the Union, but ar
entitled to tie same rights and privilege
they enjoyed before seeding. if not littl
more. 1t is opposed to Registry law. Il
fact. the Copperheac party of California, TO
day. Is advocating the same doctrines. actu
ated by the same motives and impelled b
similar ideas which prompted its actor
during the war. We are glad that its lead
ers have taken bold and decided stand il
favor Of their principles, without atte1pptinl