The Bedford Gazette

Political.

Opposition to the Democratic Party.

Ever since the existence of the Democratic party, which is co-eval with our confederacy, it has had its bitter opponents. At its very incipiency, it had to contend with many giant intellects and brilliant orators: but logic, in perfect harmony with our national origin, prevailed. Men were made to understand, by reason, the nature of its principles the nature of the Federal compact, of State sovereignty, and of the true principles of human liberty. Since that time, in carrying out its great measures, it has had to contend with parties and factions of almost all sizes, shapes, and complexions. Slander and villifying the Democratic party, and imputing dishonest motives to its different Administrations and to its leaders, representing the masses, has been, and still is, a very common thing. Whenever a measure was proposed by the Democratic party, a loud cry from the Opposition followed, predicting that if such measure were carried out, ruin and general oppression would be the inevitable consequence. Then followed appeals to the passions and prejudices of men, instead of addressing themselves to the minds and hearts of the masses. Our principles were mispresented and misconstrued, and every advantage was resorted to in order to mislead the masses as to Democratic measures.

Regardless of all this, the Democratic party flourished, prospered, and triumphed. Sometimes a new party would rise up, assuming such a formidable appearance, and gathering strength so rapidly, that the timid would fear its power, and predict its final success; but 'the sober, second thought' would soon banish all fears, quell insurrections, and seditions, allay fanaticism, blast the hopes of corrupt politicians, and show to the world that Democracy must and will finally triumph in human reason, because its foundations are deep in the human heart.

For three-quarters of a century, the Democratic party has been at the helm of our government; and history will corroborate us in making the assertion, that no great measure was ever passed by our National Legislature which did not owe its origin and final success to that party. It guided and shaped the policies of the nation.

The rapid progress of our country in greatness, strength, and power, since the Revolution—as well as in the elevation of man to his proper and intended sphere—has no parallel in the history of nations. In this she stands unrivalled and alone. And yet, why not, since the Democracy were in the majority during the main period since the formation of our government, that we, as a nation, occupy this exalted position in the great family of nations? If the principles of our party are false—it is a sham-Democracy, as often so termed by our opponents—why is it, we ask, that we now occupy the proud position as an asylum for the oppressed of all nations? Is it not manifest that our principles embody, and always have embodied, the true elements requisite to a nation's greatness? The tree must be known by its fruit. The character of the Democratic party, and the merits and demerits of its principles, must be known by its past history.

The present opposition arrayed against it, with all its bitter vindictiveness, will not avail anything in the end. All the factions marshalled against it, will soon be forgotten, and the time will soon come when the so-called 'American Republican' party will be remembered only as a name. Then let us continue to put our trust in our old party, which has stood the storms and tempests for so many years, for it is the only party that can stand. Let the aspiring young man ponder before he connects himself with any other political organization. One thing is obvious, which our opponents by this time must be thoroughly convinced of,—

We mean, that THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WILL NOT, CAN NOT, DIE.—Somerset Democrat.