Page:Works of John C. Calhoun, v1.djvu/377

 course it pursued, during the war. It gradually lost its party organization; and even its name became extinct. But while this process was going on, the republican party, also, was undergoing a great change. It was gradually resolving itself into two parties; one of which was gradually departing from the State rights creed, and adopting the national. It rose into power, by electing the younger Adams, as the successor of Mr. Monroe, and took the name of the "National Republican party." It differed little, in doctrine or policy, from the old federal party; but, in tone and character, was much more popular — and much more disposed to court the favor of the people.

At the same time, the other portion of the party was undergoing a mutation, not less remarkable — and which finally led to a change of name. It took the title of the "Democratic party;" or — more emphatically — "the Democracy." The causes, which led to this change of name, began to operate before Mr. Monroe's administration expired. Indeed, with the end of his administration — the last of the line of Virginia Presidents — the old State rights party, ceased to exist as a party, after having held power for twenty-four years. The Democracy, certainly had much more affinity with it in feelings — but, as a party — especially its northern wing — had much less devotion to the reserved powers; and was much more inclined to regard mere numbers as the sole political element — and the numerical majority as entitled to the absolute right to govern. It was, also, much more inclined to adopt the national than