Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-02-14


civil war fundamental principle Of the
Democratic party was principles, not
men," On this basis that party acted,
renamed united, governed this country,
and did more for the advancement of
free Institutions than any party that ever
existed.
Now, when the Constitution itself has
been outraged, and freedom made by
word--when there is no hope for the
restoration of this country to its normal
position. save in the unity and integrity
of the Democratic party-it is surely
more than ever important that the.part
should cling to it's time.honored war.cry
of principles, not men," Indeed, this
has always been a test of mans De-
mocracy. If he yielded to the will of
bis party, expressed by their representa-
tives in convention, he was regarded as
a genuine Democrat. Aud without this
yielding of private opinion, personal
preference and prejudice, no party can
exist as a party or achieve any results.
A Democratic Convention met in this
city on the 9th Of Jssuary, composed
of 1855 delegates. These delegates we're
chosen by the Democrats of the various
city wards and county districts, after full
notice, and in most instances by full
meetings and by ballot. 1t was the duty
of every Democrat to have been present
at his ward or district meeting; if not,
be by implication delegated those pres
emit to act for him. These delegates met
in this city and chose for their chairman
a gentleman whose ability and fairness
as presiding officer ne man can ques-
ton. The various candidates were put
in nomination by their respective friends
aud after two days and almost an ehtire
night spent in balloting (the Conven-
ton having adopted rule that two.thirds
of all the votes cast should be necessary
to q nominstion), it presented to the
voters of the county, list of candi-
dates for the various county offices to be
filled in March. That each man nomi-
mated was the best choice that could have
been made for the place, no one need
insist; that some other men might have
been nominated who would have given
more satisfaction to some persons, no one
will deny. But can it be expected that
in any one nomination to an office for
the votes of $4,000 men ito say nothing
OF eight nominations) that all can get
their choice.
The doctrine of the Democratic party
is that in voting for the nominees of the
Convention you vote for the psrty-for
principle, not for the man. II may be
admitted that some Of the independent
candidates against these nominees are
better men than those nominated. Bot
why was this not discovered before the
Convention met ? What position do these
independent candidates place themselves
in 2 They cannot and need not expect
the snpport of Democrats II they get
Democratic votes at ell it will only be
enough to elect the Radical candidates.
Do they or their friends desire this? Or
do they expect to be placed on the Rad
zeal ticket. and 60 into Office on Radical
votss7 Do these independent candi.
dates know that on Friday pight last a
mseting If Radicals was held in
this city, in witch The very Radicals
who are supporting the lndepend.
ents we're present, and the one most
prominent in the support Of ne
independents ia now appointed dele |
gate to the Radical meeting in Nashville |
on the 10th instant, and instructed to 90 |
to Washington and use every effort to |
haze William Stokes made Military
Governor of Iennesseef Is this the |
company that the independents propose
to keep Is it not better on the whole |
to take the nominees of the Democratic |
party, vote for them and elect them, and |
thus get rid at once of Radical rule Il
will not be long before these Offices will
be vacant, and then let the independents
get the men who sign calls on them to
become candidates 20 to the primary
meetings, assist in sending delegates,
and thus get themselves nominated, and
not incur the odium of running Radical
ticket, seeking Radical support, or run
ming the hazard Of placing Radicals in
Office. The independents will find these
to be sober truths, and the 18th of March
will demonstrate to their satisfaction
that the entire Democratic ticket will be
triumphautly elected. and that their own
good and the country's good is dependent
nm this reanlt DENOcklP