Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-09-04
nEMaCRAT.

DEMOCkAT. t
When applying the term Democrat 10
the masses in this State, it is not to be
understood that our people mean to favor
the extension of suffrage to all classes OF
persons, as true definition OF the word
would imply. The name in this govern
ment has been SYNONYMOUS with conserv'
alive. which means to preserve from
;npovation and ruin. Hence the Demo-
cratic party has been strict in the con-
s,ruction Of our grand fundamental law,
in contradistinction to latitudinarianism,
that would endanger and deteriorate the
chart as framed by the fathers Of the gov
eminent. So far, too, as the name Dem
crat could be made to mean unrestricted
suffrage. Il did mean and was applied to
the very opposite. That is, the wise
sonnders of our government thought 1t
expedient TO lay restriction upon the
franchise privilege, which was done in
the case of foreigners coming to this
country, and also with other classes OF
iucompetents, such IS females and
minors. No one will doubt the whole
some effects of the law in these csses
then why should there be party
in the country who clamor Tor
the epfranchisement of class Of men
who stand, as it were, upon the same
platform with idiots. The excuse rem
dered by some of the men who advocate
This extension of the privilege to vote
and who are themselves Southern born,
but since deserted. ia that the country
desires peace, and it is by the adoption
of this measure that it can only be Sc
cured.
This same plea was put in by the Re-
publican party, when previous to the
war it objected to the introduction of
slaves into the territories, while they de-
manded that the institution must be re-
stricted TO the States wherein it then ex-
listed. These men eventually termed
il an irrepressible conflict between
freedom and slavery, which was, in
deed, only an irrepressible desire on
the part Of these men to con-
troll the Government. 1t was then de-
clared if our people would agree to
retain their institution of slavery in the
then already slave States that it would
nut stop to agitation and give peace to
the country. But what is the result7 We
can plainly see it before our eyes in the
entire emancipation of the negroes, and
the endeavors now to make him our
equal at the ballot-box, in railroad
cars, stage coaches, on the hastings,
and even in the sacred precincts
of our family circle. All this under
the assumption that peace must follow.
What stupendOus farce it proved, for
to-day the country ia ogitated and in
worse state Of disorder than it was ever
known in times before not in actual war.
The cry of peace is still adhered to
under the many impositions practiced
upon the South. Little politicians, lat.
terly found in the camp of the enemy
from the Democratic side. have caught
up the cry, and stand arrayed against US,
demanding that negro suffrage be con-
ceded--that we may obtain the great
boon of peace. We can't see for the
life of us, how, by doing wrong, the
country may be trauquillized.
If negro suffrage is wrong in the alb
stract, as these politicians admit, then
we say it must, Of necessity, be dAmning
/ q the concrete. If to have given the
negro The ballot originally was acting in
iudicioGs, then his exercising the privi-
Iege conferred viii not bring in its train
quiet and protection 10 the country. But
ia orderto make valuable allies in forcing
negro suffrage upon the people. the Libe-
I. rails have proclaimed the death and dis
organization Of the Democratic party,
Nothing. we must admit, would suit their
purpose better than for the thing TO be
just as they have expressed it.
The great Democratic party, neyertbe
less its requiem ia being sung every day
BY the Liberal organs Of the State, is MOI
dead nor doomed, thank high heaven
bat the slogan has gone forth, aud from
every mountain top aud valley in ole
Tennessee ibe rams horn of democracy
can be heard rallying the friends of con
siitutional liberty once more into linz
after The deadly but successful fight jus
made against The enemy Of peace ant
good government TO quote th'
Language Of contemporary of yes
tsrdsy morning, who says: "oD'
thing Is certain, the AvolaneLe vii
escbew attaching itself to any organ.
ization, merely because it calls it
self BY 8 patriotic name, but will eau.
,iously look TO the welfare Of the South
err psople. aud holds itself in readiness
10 support that party that viii most I'D