Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1873-11-29
WILT Axe TIE FACTs.

There are a few news papers IN Ten
nessee aud elsewhere, protesting
democratic principle, who urge a
change Of party name and organiza-
ton, on tine grounds Of expediency
Their argument, if they are sincere,
is that a change Of party name, or a
new organization, viii more effect
ually unite all the elements Of oppo-
sition to the Republic al party
Giving them credit for patriotism,
and honesty of purpose, we propose
to test the erpediency OF their argu-
ment, by the infallible rule Of expe-
rieuce. To do this, we will make q
statement Of facts, which cannot,
will not be questioned, and to the
study of which, we invite Wings,
Democrats and Conservatives. TAX
ing the Northern states, the political
battle field Of the Republic, we find
that every doubtful state carried since
the war by the opposition, every Con
gresham gained, in short, every vic
tory won, in either local, State or
National contests, in which parties
figured, were won under the Demo
cratic banner and organization. In
the elections prior to the Vallandig-
lam departure, the Democratic party
in square fight with the Republicans
carried the Governorship, and Legis-
latures OF several Northern States, and
gained thirty or forty Congressmen.-
Under the "new departure, " inaugura-
ted By Mr.. Vallandigham, the oppo-
sition lost every Northern State car
ried before by the Democrats, and
several Congressman. Still, yielding
to the solicitations OF the minority,
the Democratic party abandoned its
organization, and went into the ''libe-
raj movement, under the leadership
Of Horace Greeley. The result was,
complete, universal disaster. These
successive, overwhelming defeats, I'M
der the leadership of the new depar-
turists," and their allies, the Liberal
Republicans, disheartened and de-
moralized the entire opposition. But
in the face Of all this, the Democratic
party once more unfurled its banner,
nominated straight tickets, and with
the old battle cries, boldly entered
the field. The result was a splendid
victory, as the recent elections amply
testify. Now if facts are worth any
thing, if experience IL to be regarded
as safe guide in politics, as in other
human affairs, what is the lesson
taught by the truths above stated
1t is urged that the Democratic party
is responsible for all the defeats oil
the past six years, and now we ask
the candid reader, if the facts justify
any such a charge? In justice tc
the truths of history, we submit the
facts to the people, that on point SC
important as the change of party
name and organization, they may act
intelligently.
One other thought right here, s
man is no less a Democrat because he
calls himself a Conservative, nor Nc
less a Conservative because he calls
himself a Democrat There is nc
issue of principle between them, and
hence the question of expediency, i:
of equal Importance to both. So fal
as We are concerned, the name is moth
ing, principle everything. But the
question of name and organization, il
seems to US, should be settled by the
ajOrity, and that majority should be
governed in the matter by experience
Democrats, Conservatives and Libe
rails, have common object, they stand
upon common platform of princi.
Piles, and while the party banner, is q
secondary consideration, yet the
wishes of the majority should be
consulted in its selection.
These facts and suggestions we
submit to our readers, asking a cam
and patriotic consideration.