The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-07-20
Democracy as ExpOunded by Hon.
George III. PendletOn.

a speech delivered recently in Saint Paul, Min
nesota, by Hon. George II. Pendleton. This
gentleman is, perhaps, as justly entitled to be
called a statesman as any of the other leaders
of the Democratic party. He is man OF more
breadth and candor than either of the Sey-
mours, of more common sense than Vallandig-
ham. of more honor than the Woods, and of
more patriotism and ability than the Clymers,
Reeds, and Blacks. He was the Democratic
nominee for Vice-President in 1864, and, so
far as qualifications are concerned, was justly
entitled to the first place on the ticket. We
may therefore reasonably suppose that Mr..
Pendleton's defense Of the Democracy is the
best of which the case is susceptible. His
speech at st. Paul had evidently been care
fully prepared, and probably was intended to
strike the keynote of the contest of 1868 on
the Democratic side. Perhaps it is his own
bid for the Presidential nomination of his
party.
OF course we cannot in the limits Of an ordi-
nary newspaper article, thoroughly review a
lengthy and elaborate speech. We can only
dwell briefly on its leading thoughts.
Mr.. Pendletons first object seems to be to
bring out the poSitire side, so to speak, of the
Democratic faith. He begins by combating
the idea that the party is dead, and attempts
to show that it not only is not dead, but can
not die so long as the principles of popular
government are held sacred by man. He also
strives to convey the impression that the prin-
oiples and aims of the Democratic party in this
country are identical in character with those
of the liberals in the Old World. Thus he
says:-
1.-THE Democratic party deadill 1t can never
die so long as free govern mentshall exist The
active, vigorous being of the one is the essen
tial condition of the existence of the other. So
long as the human heart aspres to ameliorate
the ills of life; so long as the human intellect
can trace cause and effect; so long as govern
ment Is confued to the collective wisdom and
will of the people, rather than to the unlimited
discretion and irresistible power of one man, so
long Will there be party which seeks to in.
crease the liberty of the citizen and to diminish
the power of the government; To enlarge the
the restraints which are im posed upon him; 10
gratify his hope OF liberty, and to make effective
his hatred of tyranny. There is such a party In
England today, and IT. wrests from government
a large reform in the matter OF representation.
There is such party in France today, aud the
thundeTs of the TIiouue cause sleepless nights
at the Tuileres. There is such party even in
Rpasa to-day. and the Car grants amnesty to
to-day, and its leader exchanges every recogni-
tion Of the RIG mt Of the House OF Hapsburg TO
the throne of St Stephen for concession to the
rights of people OF Hungary. There is such a
party in America to-day, and 1t insists upon
ligid adherence to the provisions of our written
ctple of the equality of the States"
This extract is remarkable in several re-
spects:-First, it shows how the Democratic
leaders, despite their conservatism, feel the
influence of the spirit of the age. Not long
since it was the common boast of Democratic
leaders that they were the champions of
slavery Slavery was upheld by them as
divine institution-as the normal condition of
the African race. Four years ago the Demo
oracy of this State made its canvass upon the
bold and unblushing avowal of its belief in
the moral rightfulness of the institution Of
American slavery. Now, however, we find
one of the foremost leaders of the party in the
West using precisely such strain OF remarks
regarding his party as would be appropriate
in the lips of a Republican speaker, addressing
a Republican audience upon the cardinal doc
trines of their faith. This is great advance.
1t shows how men yield to the unconscious
influence of events, and how, when the spirit
of progress is abroad in a nation, it penetrates
even to the darkest hooks and corners. We
have at last found Democrat who extols
liberty, who has turned ''freedom shrieker," "
and who has nothing to say in defense of
slavery. Let us be thankful for so much.
Secondly, this extract shows remarkable
interpretation of the respective positions of
n parties in this country and in the Old World.
What are the Liberals of England laboring for
The extension of the elective franchise to the
millions in that country who have hitherto
been denied its exercise What are the Re-
pubncana of the United States endeavOring to
dot Precisely the same thing-extend the
suffrage to NE millions in this country who
have hitherto been denied its exercise. What
are the argun1ents Of the English conserva
tiVes against the extension of the suffrage
there Just the same as the arguments o
the American Democrats against the extension
of the suffrage here. Is it possible that thi
phase of the case had not presented itsel
tOMr. Pendletoni And what is there, let u
ask, in the record Of the Democrats party 0
this country, for the last twenty years, whicl
entities 1t to claim relationship to the Liberal
of the Old WorldH Has ii not been the per
sistent champion Of system of tyranny an
oppression unknown even in the monarchie
of Europef What single measure for tn
ameliOration Of the condition of the Oppresse
has this party espOusedf Where are tn