The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-06-13
Clearing the Deck for Action.

a. -
Clearing the Deck for Action.
When naval engagement is about to
take place an Important duty of each
commander is to clearhis decks of eve
rytbing that might hinder the free and
rapid movements of bis men and arma-
ment. All the old rubbish and lumber,
the accumulatioDs of time, are thrown
overheard, or set aside so as to put the
vessel in the highest state of efficiency.
This isl jIst what our State Convention
las done in disencnmbering our plat
form of the dead issues which have been
retarding the progress Of our party
II at some Democrats little reluctantly
assent TO the throwing overheard of
these dead weights is not to be denied;
and although the number Of these is
rapidly aininishing,their views, however
impracticahle, are sincere, and therefore
VeSeiN NiiS vi iesl'cCt
We repeat what we have heretofore
stated, that it is sheer folly to deny the
fact that the recent amendments are
part and parcel of the Constitution, and
are recognized as such hy every depart
ment of the general government. aud by
nf ynfa in
Union without a solitary exception. To
acknowledge their binding force, there
fore, is simply to concede what it is gla-
ringly absurd to deny.
What then was the party to do :?
Childishly refuse to admit what we know
to he true? Make mere spiteful and
irrational fight against the inevitable p
Expend our energies in butting our heads
against stone wall, instead of concen-
trating our forces against a vulnerable
enemy? Surely no friend Of constitu-
tional liberty could wish the Democratic
party to make itself so ridiculous.
We have issues, living, vital, rugged
issues confronting US. For years we
have been patiently awaiting the time
when the mischief breeding negro ques-
ton could be eliminated from politics in
order that we might encounter the mo-
nopolists, and-grabbers and plunderers
on these very issues, never wavering in
our confidence in complete victory. BY
one bold and sagacious movement tine
negro element in the contest is outflank-
ed, and the interests Of white people are
to be fought for. The Radicals can nc
longer entrench themselves behind the
bad passions engendered by the war, but
must come into the open field and de.
fend, if they can, their imbccile admins
tration, their iniqnitous Congress, and
their corrupt monopolies.
The Democracy have Leen ever since
the war maneuvering TO draw the Radi
cal party upon this ground, but hitherto
they have skilfully avoided it. Now
they must contest these positions OIL
abandon the field.
AS to the timeliness and policy of thi:
movement on the part of the Democratic
party there seems to be no difference o
opinion among the leaders of the party
mos. distinguished for fidelity to th'
party and political sagacity. We know
of not q single Democrat Of nationa
reputation who does not cordially ap
prove of the present attitude of th'
party. 1t is quite certain that among al
the prominent men who have been men
toned as probable candidates in the Ma
tional Democratic Convention for Presi
dent, there is perfect unanimity upol
this subject All the Democratic Con
gressmen, Senators and Representatives
signed an address, fully proclaiming tn
sslive issue" doctrine. Every Demo
cratic State Convention which has me
this Summer, so far as we have learned
has planted itself squarely upon the sam
platform.
Now it only remains for the party, be
ing rid of all membranes, and thric
armed with just cause, to exercise tha
vigilance and energy which the cause de
mands, and the prosperity of the peopl
and the pristine purity of the Constitu
ton will be triumphantly restored.