The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-06-13
Ths New Departure.

We differ with our correspondent in re-
gard to the policy of accepting the new
departure platform, and for our reasons
refer him to the article entitled Kentucky
Politics." published elsewhere, in which
the subject is deliberately and ably discussed
bv Hon. J. G. Carlisle, the nominee of the |
Democratic party of Kentucky for Lieu
tenant Governor of that State. In the
views of Mr.. Carlisle, both as regards the
policy of the movement and the principles
involved, we heartily concur, as we believe
nine-tenths of the conservative men oil the
South must do.
But there is no reason why we may not |
labor jealousy and earnestly with Effort
da" and the true Democrats of all sections
of the Union for the overthrow OF Radi-
calism and the restoration of constitutional |
platform or no platform. 1t
matters very little what platforms are
written. The issue to be determined IN
the next Presidential election is thoroughly |
understood by the intelligent masses OF the
country. The contest, the result OF which
is to settle the fate of the Republic, is to
be between those who desire to preserve
the government framed by our Revolution
airy fathers-a constitutional Union OIL
States--and those who seek to establish on
its ruins centralized despotism. The
latter-the true evolutionists-arei in pos
session of the government; their end will
be attained if they can retain power; de-
feat will be their utter and lasting over
throw. The people need no palmer,
stronger platform.
But If the issue were yet to be made up,
we of the South can have no part in ar
ranging the platform. We can, however,
preserve our consistency and self-respect
by refusing to accept and adopt as finaltles
the innovations that have been made upon
the constitution. We have pronounced
these usurpatons political crimes, and we
are unwilling now by professed acquies-
cence and approval of them to make our
selves accessories after the fact.
Let the Democrats of the North and
West pitch their own battle. In the fight
at the ballot box for the restoration of the
constitution and the rights of the States,
they will find the true men OF the South
staunch, unwavering allies.
We copy the above from the Savannah
(Ga) Neaos of the 9th, as another evil
dence of the hearty acceptance of the
"New Movement" The new departure
will be adopted, yet it will be found impos-
sible to suppress such men as Davis, Ste
phens and johnson, besides the news
papers, honest enough to prefer
defeat to sacrifice of principle.
Such straws indicate the blowing Of the
winds and although they may succeed in
inducing the friends of the Union to be-
lieve that 1--WE favor the constitution as 1t
is" it will be done through falsehood
and hypocrisy.
This subject is at present attracting the
attention of both parties Democracy
claiming that in good faith it has accepted
the situation, while we deny it, and charge
that it is another "wool-pnlling, introduced
by some INSCRIPTIONS Southern Democrat
who has employed Vallandigham to put
the ball in motion. 1t is, however, impos'
sible to gag and shut the mouths of the
more honest politicians of the South, many
of whom scorn to do a dishonest act, ever
for policy sake. We have before giver
sketches of speeches delivered by Davis
Stephens, and number of others of theil
own stripe, none of whom have spoken
more plainly upon this subject thar
Governor Leslie of Kentucky.
We will add word of his testimony
Gov. Leslie, who at the late session of thu
legislature stood as an impregnable wal
between the Kuklux and justice and thu
negroes and mercy, is canvassing the State
for reelection, and in q recent speech HI
aid
"The thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth
constitutional amendments were forced
upon the country by fraud and violence
and the party recognised them as law, bu
only until they were decided unconstitu
tional, phich they intended to prore at III
first opportunity"
Again he said
GAS to the thirteenth, fourteenth an,
fifteenth amendments, ! am out and on
opposed to them. | care not who in In
diana, Ohio or elsewhere may be for them
Those amendments were engrafted upol
the constitution of the country, and pro
claimed to the country as part aud parce
of the constitution by force and by fraud
and not 10 the legitimate way laid down i
the constitution. Ten States of this Unio
were tied hand and feet, and bayonets wer
presented to their breasts to make ther
consent against their will to the passage {
these amendments. The procuring {
these amendments was fraud upon thi
people and upon the people of the Unite
States, and having been thus obtained,
hold that they ought to be repealed. Their
may be some Democrats who are not 70
their repeal, but the great body Of oar pari
is. for It,"
The Louisville Ledger, the organ Of Gov
ernor Leslie and of the Democracy of Ker
lucky, referring to the Ohio platform, say
''the amendments are accepted as accom-,
plished facts, but with construction tha
will render them harmless" and it adds
"No one questions that the amendment
are accomplished facts; and the resolu
lions do not accept them as finally or il
revooably accomplished. JEFF. d.