390
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1856
It is easy to account for the unanimity of the South in regard to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. It has been produced, not by an investigation of the subject by the people, but because it went forth as an administration measure, indorsed by the two political parties which heretofore existed at the South, by the newspapers of the South, and by the Federal office holders of the South. All sang paens to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and it was taken, pro confesso to be a proper measure. I was the only heretic in that broad land, and I am proud that I have never sacrificed principle to expediency. If a man in the integrity of his heart, in the fullness of his soul, loves his country, and can- not stand out "solitary and alone" against the combined influence of patronage, of presses, of power, and of parties, I do not envy him his eminence; but if he can stand them he ought to do it. The American party is charged with being a new party. I admit it. All parties must have a beginning. The American party, as well as the Republican party has grown out of the repeal of .the Missouri Compromise. The Democratic party came into power omnipotent four years ago. They thought that they could wield and mold and give shape to the opinions of the country. They thought that power was inherent in them; that their strength could not be impaired; that they were omnipotent, and that their rule was firmly established forever. I was one of that party; but when the Nebraska bill came up, I stood by my principles and the party left me. I stood alone. It was necessary that new political parties should arise. The aversion of the country to this Administration grew stronger and stronger. The Executive ap- pointments, the cabinet ministers, the measures of the Admin- istration-all were calculated to produce agitation and excitement in the country. It was necessary for new political parties to be formed. The dominant party had become too powerful, too self- reliant, too assumptive, if you will allow the expression. They thought that they could do what they pleased. The public mind rebelled against this dictation and assumption. A great party grew up at the North, on the principle of resistance to the Ne- braska bill. An infant in its cradle might have dreamed this condition, and might have known in its waking hours that it would be so. The American party, national in its objects, was formed throughout the North and the South, though it has since, to some extent, been separated. One great object that it had in mind was to cement the Union·of the States-to connect them by indissoluable bonds-to exclude from them all alien influences which might impair the Union, or at some future day sap the
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