The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-07-12
Is There any Real Democracy In the
Democratic PaTty3

IT would puzzle any man to point out the rea
democracy of the party which, in our country,
so bellies and prostitutes that name. 1t certainly
is not devoted to the great fundamental princi-
ples of democracy as laid down by JEFFERSON
in the Declaration Of Independence. You can
scarcely gravel a sham Democrat OF the present
day worse than by quoting to him those immc l.
tai words, ave hold these truths to be self
evident, that all men are created equal,n etc.
His democracy is built upon a very different
foundation from that Said a once prominent
Democratic office-holder, in speaking OF this
statement of JEFFERsoNs, at Is a selEevident
le," The principles of the socalled Democratic
arty are really the principles of arstocracy.
1t does not believe in the capacity of men tor
selfgovernment, or their equal right of partici-
patton in it, Take the Democratic party of this
State, for instance, and it liVes moves, and has
its being, simply and solely, in a warfare upon
the rights and privileges of our citizens of A'ri-
can descent. This is its great ''prl1ciple."
Upon this it stakes its existence. 1t is the only
issue it recognizes from one years end to an.
other, and in every contest, from the election
of Governor down to that of pathmaster or
constable. And this is 'democrdcyl"
How can any real Democrat, any man who
truly believes in the capacity OF the people for
selfgovernment, ally himself with such an or.
ganization Wlat dignity or nobleness is there
in q contest where you must appeal constantly
to all the baser preudices and passions of the
human heart? What elevation of soul can pos
sess any man while he is wagi1g continual
warfare against the poor and down-trodden for
the purpose of keeping them down? Is there
any democracy about that? We should think that
our Democratic leaders would loatbe the work in
which they are engaged, it is so repugnaut to
all those nobleT, and higher sentiments which
delight the soul.
1t is the glory OF the Republican party that
the worst accusation its enemies can bring
against it is, that if it had the power, it would
establish the principle of universal political
equality, which is true democracy. throughout
the land What is this but the confession of
its liberal and humane character? You may
say that its confidence in human nature is too
great That is what aristocracy always says
It's language is, "We soho hdUe po1oer are capa.
BILE of safely and wisely using it; all below us
are incapable of doing So" But true demo-
cracy says, the people, irrespective of wealth,
rank, or requirements, are the rightful and only
safe repositories of the power which is to be
exercised over them. The Republican party is
based upon this principle of confidence in the
people. 1t abominates all privileged classes
all caste-all discrimination of rights. Equality
simple, pure, impartial and universal-before
the law, is its great principle of government.
Give every man an equal chance in the race of
life. Let each make the most of the faculties
given him by his Creator. These are our doc
triDes; and can any man who believes In a
republican form of government refuse to give
them his hearty and unhesltating consent?