an must result from the
action of parties born of selfishness and nursed in injustice. It is
sad to believe--yet who can deny--that political parties in this
country bear too much the character which we have described. Oh! for a
party that shall plant itself upon principle, shall appeal to the good
sense and candid judgment of the people, shall look not at reward, but
at duty, and shall adopt no measures but such as virtue can approve
and on which religion can invoke the benediction of a righteous God. A
party composed of good men and true patriots, each of whom should
interpret the charge which the Roman Senate gave to the Dictator whom
public emergencies called into office as applicable to himself and as
indicating the aim which he must pursue, let the cost to himself or
the consequence to his party be what it may,--"see that the Republic
sustain no harm,"--such a party would be the salvation and glory of
our land.

Sentiments are advanced which contradict this view of duty. Maxims of
political action have been promulgated,--not only in the fierce
struggle that attends an election, but in calmer moments,--which shock
common sense as well as religious feeling. It is said, but by no one
it may be presumed who has any sense of character, that all is fair in
politics; as if success were the only thing to be regarded. But I need
not stop to expose such an atrocious rule of action, which would
justify whatever is base or criminal. It is urged, however, in
vindication of methods of acquiring influence which offend a
clear-sighted conscience, that if a party cannot prevail but by using
the weapons with which it is attacked, it must resort to these means
of self-preservation. What is this but another way of expressing the
doctrine on the enormity of which we have just remarked?
Self-preservation should not be the object most studied by a party.
The preservation of a character which will stand the test of moral
principle should be far dearer. If a party cannot live without
adopting what it condemns, let it perish; let falsehood and
shamelessness triumph. It will be only for a season. From the ashes of
a party that has fallen a sacrifice to its own rectitude will arise
another phenix of political virtue, with fresh vigour and immortal
hope. It is sometimes contended, that a man must go with his party,
though it be against his conscience. Mischievous and infamous
language. What! a man put himself into chains, that he may plead