Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 12.djvu/237

 POLITICAL PARTIES IN OREGON 229 The platform adopted by the Nationals in their convention at Eugene differed but slightly from that of the Organization, on National issues. However, after endorsing the Adminis- tration of President Buchanan, the convention affirmed its belief "in the cardinal principles of popular sovereignty and in the right of the people of the Territories * * * to frame and adopt their constitutions and all local laws for their own government," etc. This could easily be taken as a defense of Douglas in his break with Buchanan over the Lecompton constitution, and it was so charged by Bush. 1 The point of issue between the Oregon Democrats was given in the fol- lowing resolution: "We reassert the great principles of the right of the represented to instruct the representative and pro- claim it the bounden (duty) of the representative to obey the instructions of his constituents or resign whatever position he may at that time hold." 2 This was a direct contradiction of the principles of caucus rule pronounced in the notorious fifth and sixth resolutions of the Democratic platform of 1857. E. M. Barnum was named for Governor. James K. Kelly was nominated for Congressman, and at the same time a resolution was passed endorsing the record of Lane as delegate ! This endorsement of Lane by the insurgent wing of the Oregon Democracy, is suggestive of his adroitness in steering clear of factional difficulties and of his continued popularity with Oregon Democrats. Those who had been looking to the National Democrats to take issue with their opponents on national issues were dis- appointed. In comment upon their platform, the Argus, which had been accused of "honey-fugling" the Nationals, declared that not a single issue was made with the Salem dynasty upon the great question convulsing the nation, in regard to the right of the people of a Territory to adopt or reject a constitution before it should be fastened upon them by Congress. 3 The schism in the Democratic party placed the Opposition (Republicans and Whigs) in a new and delicate situation. i Ibid., April 13. aOregonian, April 17. 3 Argus, April 17.