Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1871-11-24
The Democratic Party.
WILLIE, MD.

lhere IS rumor aiioat shat before the latc
elections nineteen Republican Senators, who
are opposed 10 the reelection Of Gen. GRANT,
gave in their adhesion to the "passive policy"
which the St. Louis RepuJiican advises the
Democracy to pursue in the Presidential can
vass next year. 1t is also stated that, since
The elections, some of the nIalcontent nineteen
showed themselves weak and watering but
that since they have studied the returns more
carefully, and made rc-survey OF the political
field they arc again disposed TO favor the
nomination Of candidate in opposition TO
Gen. GRAsr-if they are allowed 10 nominate
him, aud the Democracy will content them
selves with polling the full vote for him.
The experience Of The past as well as the ar
gumenis Of The present, are, in our judgment,
decidedly against any such arrangement as
that indicated above. The experiment. has been
tried heretofore in partial way, and signally
failed. There now in existence two poliii-
cal paries--the Democratic and the Radical
The former Of these is the organization Of the
constitution and law The latter is the advo-
caic the exponent and the executor Of all that
is vile and corrupt in morals and politics. In
deed, so vile ana corrupt has it Lecome, that
some of its more conscientious and scrupulous
leaders aud followers are becoming alarmed at
the evil work which it has done, and seek 10
shield themselves from responsibility by or
panizing new party, which shall be neither
Democratic nor Radical, but a mngling of the
less Radical clements of both.
In our orinion 10 cnuntpnonce eucb m
rangement as the one above referred TO, would
be fatal TO the interests Of constitutional lib
erty in this country. If the so-caled mode
rate or conservative Radicals have become
wearied of the evil doings Of their party, let
them manfully quit il, and join the party Of
the Consituton--thc party which is openly
pledged TO opposition to all the infguious
measures of Radcalsm. This is the proper
course TO pursue. If the Democrats enter into
any such arrangement, it will only add to the
strength Of the Radical party, and give it a
further lease upon lis political existence.
The whole record of Radicalsm, since il
has been in the ascendency, is one of fragrant
wrong, outrage and infamy. During that
time, plumber, peculaton, misrulc aud oppres-
sion, have grown to such gigantic proportions
as 10 threaten 10 involve the country in ruin.
it has antagonized every principle laid down
by the sages who formed the Constitution and
are now ruling the land in open warfare with
the spirit Of a Republic founded upon the equal
rights Of men under a written contract between
sovereign and independent States. The result
of that rule is painfully apparent on all sides
in an unhappy, distracted country, bad gov
eminent, high taxes, and grinding oppression
en- the other hand, the old party Of the
country and the Constituion-the Democratic
party--which had its origin in the founding Of
the governmcnt--can boast of long career OF
usefulness to the nation; nor is there ANYTHING
in its past or present history or position to
make it obnoxious TO the people. Il has piloted
the nation through more than scven-eighIhs oil
lis voyage, defended the Constitution, united
the states IN bond Of peace and prosperity,
aud made the country great, both at home and
abroad. AT the present time, it is the cham
pon Of the just rights of the States, and of re-
turn to that pure constitutional form Of gov
eminent, without which this nation cannot
long exist as IA Republic. This being the case
MI good patriots must act with the Democratic
party in the present and the future. What
other organization can they trust What
other party can present such a record of devo-
zion 10 the great Fundamental principles upon
which the hopes Of the Republic rest? The
Radical organization has thrown overheard
the Constitution, and is drifting upon the tide
6
for the future but discord, contention and an
archy. The regular army which is TO confront
the party in power, and contend for the Union
Of the States, The perpetuation of civil govern
ment and the life Of the Republic is the Demo-
cratic party, and that fact becomes more APP
parent as Radiealism becomes more and more
developed. The elections testify to the life
and vitality of the Democratic party, and also
prove that the masses are looking to that or
ganizaiion as the only hope for the future.
There are no signs of decay in the old constitu-
tional party OF the country. Its principles are
those which alone can re unite The States and
make the nation unit from Maine TO Texas.
The Democratic party will yet redeem the ma
lion from the hands of the spoilers. That is
It's mission, and, 10 aid in that high purpose
il asks and claims the cooperation of all good
citizens Nor will il ask in vain. Passion
and prejudice will give place TO reason and
reflection, and party ties cease to make slaves
Of American citizens. Men will take wider
views of their duties, note the action Of then
leaders with more care, and support principles
rather than be led astray by sectional Issues,
used by demagegues as stepping-stones fol
private advancement and promotion.
The Democratic party can with confidence,
appeal to the masses for support. 1t will COM
mand the support of all who are in favor of a
wise and rigid economy ia the administration
Of public affairs, both State and National Of
the choice of capable, honest and patriotic
men to fill I'LL offices of trust honor and profit,
and of keeping the elective franchise not only
free from impure Influences, but in the hands
Of that race by which this government was
founded, and by whose virtue and intelligence
il must he perpetuated aud transmitted TO their
descendants. If the government is TO be pre-
served in harmony with the original design
md intention of its ilusirious founders, il
must be through the instrumentality of the
Democratic party.
What folly then, would it be for such a