The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-06-17
Young Men and Democracy,

tti #. CdAS. Ii. PAINE
H., ,. LLEWELLYN POWERS
a.-,.t . oiilon State Committee.
Young Men and Democracy,
This weeks issue Of the Maine Standard
contains very significant, though brief, edit
orial paragraph As the Standard is controll-
ed in the general direction of its sentiments
byzHon. E. F. Pillsbury, who if not its editor
is at least its godfather, this article may be re-
garded as key TO the policy which a portion
Of the Democratic party wish to pursue in the
next election. Its object is to urge young men
to attend the Democratic Convention, which
will soon assemble in this city; while, al the
same time, quiet intimation is given to the
venerable members OF the organization that
they can be more serviceable by
remaining at home. In the former part of this
proposition there is nothing strange or un-
natural, but what can he more astonishing
than that press thoroughly devoted to the
Interests of its party, should wish that party
to be deprived of the assistance and counsel
of its most eminent and experi-
enced members in selecting a
candidate for the chiefnagistracy of the State,
and in framing declaration of the principles
which are to constitute the basis of its ac-
ton in endeavoring to elect him? Young
men may have correct unde rstanding of the
principles involved in political contest, but
for arranging the details of a campaign, and
putting just the right planks in platform,
one veteran wire-puller is worth regiment
OF indiscreet youngsters. Yet by this semi
official decree the Nestors are arbitrarily plac-
ed on the retired list, leaving the neophyte
Hotspurs to administer upon their political
| estates. H -
-3. The solution Ofthis riddle is not difficult
1 Here, as in most other Northern States, the
Democratic leaders have rendered themselve
SO infamous by their unprincipled and reck-
less support ofa wicked cause, that the patty
to which they belong is sure to be defeated
upon any issues presented by conventions in
which they are active participants. Ii Ma
nassas and the Peninsula, together with an
| equlvocal position on vital questions had not
already placed Mcclellan beyond the hope of
| political resurrection, the prominence Val
landigham was allowed to assume In the Ma
tional Democratic Convention of 1864 would,
OF ITSELF have proved equally fatal These
men have committed the objectionable sin,-
| possibility recognized in political as well as
in Christian ethics. Wherever they bring
| their Cain marked brows, men flee from
| them with horror and aversion.
1t is no wonder then that some of the
shrewder members of the party just at this
| time turn upon the political outlaws, and is
sue summons Tor the young men to fill the
vacant places. But will they come? There
is maneuver OF frequent utility in difficult
military situations. Desiring to impress the
opposing forces with an idea of the over
whelming number of his men, the crafty gen.
| eral selects those OF his subordinates who are
| remarkable for the strength OF their lungs, and
| directs them to marshal imaginary squadrons
| which have a fictitious existence in close
proximity to the foe. This sort of strategy is
often very Qseiul and sometimes accelerates
the flight Of stupid or cowardly adversary.
This ruse de guere is now Tor the first time
introduced into political tactics. But it will
be useless to attempt to achieve victory by
parading wooden guns and exhibiting Chinese
paper Notifications, for though the latter may
| be newly painted, and the former OF improved
| pattern, these devices of a desperate enemy
are instantly detected, and he only excites de-
rision by calling, like Glendower, for spirits
that will notcome. .a .l....i ...
| II The young men of Maine do not belong to
the Democratic party. There is nothing in
its history or in its principles that can awak-
| en- young mans enthusiasm, or enlist his
sympathies. 1t is conservative: but young
men are radicals by instinct. 1t Is reaction
airy, and mourns over obsolete and detunct
nominations; but young men naturally adopt
progressive ideas. Worst Of all it bears upon
its scutcheon the deep stains of the treason
which il encouraged and sheltered in its close
en- brace ;-as well invite young men to sit at
a banquet with Gorgons and Furies, as to Of
fer them a seat in the council chamber of
traitors. rri -.aE w aH
1t is possible, however, that sufficient num-
Der of young men may be obtained by deter
mined effort to fill the seats in Democratic
Convention. We recognlze the possible ex-
| istence OF three classes of young Democrats,
though none OF them are strong in numbers.
First, those who accept the paternal politics
| with the paternal acres. Either peculiar cir
cumstances or natural Indifference 10 public
affairs have prevented their investigating po-
| litical questions Tor themselves. Second,
those who are so short-sighted as to suppose
that single Connecticut election indicates
great reaction in favor of antediluvian no.
tions, and that they may attain official posi-
tions by identifying themselves with party
just coming into power. Third, small class
Of very young and very weak men whose
tastes are gratified by the bold advocacy of
unrestrained license in selling intoxicating
beverages which distinguishes portion of
the Democratic press. % he'd .-f es...t.
1--WE can conceive OF an honest, sincere and
intelligent elderly Democrat, whose better
nature has never triunphed over the impress
/ ions left by old associations and old party
traditions; but tyro cannot allege any of
these things in extenuation of his conduct in
abandoning the cause of truth and Justice.