The Van Buren press., 1871-09-26
Democracy Of Crawford Wide Awake.

Democracy Of Crawford Wide Awake.
In responcc to call Of the County Central
Executive Committee, the people Of Crawford
xse. >. the Gear: House On Saturday last.
The excellent Brass Band. composed Of our
young men, was present and as usual gave US
soms lively, soul-stirring and splendid music.
The attendance WAS large. the Court room
full and great enthusiasm prevailed. Many
Of our old Democrats who had heretofore al
most entirely disappeared from the stage-po-
litical, were present and took great interest
In the proceedings. Several members OF the
Republican party, white and celored, were
present aud were doubly welcome. The strug
gle before us Is one for life and one in which
peculiar political views must be kept in the
background. SO far as our State politics is con-
cerned. We are truly rejoiced to see indica-
tions Of the fact, that mon Of all parties, seem
70 fully appreciate the situation.
Col. N. +. LOCKE the Democratic wheel
horse, was called to preside over the meeting
and Capt. W.. ALEXANDER was appointed
secretary.
Upon taking the chair Col. Locke called on
the chairman OF the Central Executive Com
mittee, Gran. Wilcox, to explain the object Of
the meeting, who took the stand and proceed
cd to set forth the reasons that prompted the
call for this meeting, which was primarily to
elect new County Central Committee. AL
90 to hear addresses upon the topics OF the
day and the duty OF the Democratic party In
the coming campaign. lie told them IN the
outset Of his speech, that the Republican par
~ had forced the true Democracy into dis
advantageous position before giving battle,
In every campaign since the war ended The
rejecting portion of the Democratic party in
the South had always acquiesced In the
amendments to the Constitution, however bit
terly they may have opposed their adoption
That 1t 10 now too late to discuss the regular
ity or irregularity Of the manner Of their
adoption. They form . part Of our Federal
Constitution and Us such must DC respected.
The Democratic party has always been a law
abiding party and stands pledged by its whole
history TO abide by these mendmcnts, and
that 1t can never, and will never, attempt the
repeal OF these amendments as party meas
ure. lie directed attention particularly to
the fact that the Republican party to-day Of
the Carl Schurz stamp. are attempting to steal
Democratic thunder BY cngrsfting some OF Its
time-honored principles into the Republican
crsod-sspecially opposition to internal i'm
proveMents by the general government and
opposition to high protective tariff. These
are Democratic principles as old a. the party
ITSELF and now that the prophecies Of the ear
ly Democratic fathers Is being fulfilled, the
Republican party sees the evils foretold and
dssiie to perpetuate their power by adopting
these SAT. and wholesome Democratic doc
trines. lie also alluded at length to the pres
ent de plorable financial condition of our State.
An immense debt being built up day by dav
by the reckless extravaganza of the party in
power, and the unblushing robbery of the
taxpayers to pay the salaries Of incompetent
oflice.lolders Advised thorough organiza-
tion, ETC., etc.
Gen. Thomson was then called for and
made telling speech, reviewing tbs HolIord
bond swindlc. the State aid outrage, and
showed up the want Of faith to the State, and
Mxeiii anntdfsSiiT anntdf out OF the Legislature. Urged
organization and deplored the unfoundcd
prsjndics against the name Of Democratic
party--demonstrating from history the incon-
testable fact that the Democratic party has
ever been the vigilant protector OF the rights
aud liberties Of the people. That 1t always
advocated and always required that the peo-
pie should rule IN fact ~ we'll as in name, by
permitting them to have voice In the cleo
ton OF their officers. Had ever been consist
emily In opposition to oil GENERALIZATION Of
pOwer-believing that the good sense Of the
people would always give us great officials,
and in their hands there could be no tendency
IN corruptiona born Of self agrandizement.
lie cited the late Governor as an instance Of
ths great evil Of clothing one man with the
immense patronage, which the policy Of the
Republican party has given tn him, etc, etc.
Upon motion Of Gen. Thomson, = new
committee was appointed by the meeting,
consisting OF G. Wilcox, A. d. Howell and
Wallace Delebaugh.
Great interest was manifested and good or
der prevailed. The Democracy of Old Craw-
ford are wide awake, and intend to strain
every nerve to drive the money changers
from our political temple. No resolutions
were offered as the desire prevailed to await
the action Of u State or National Convention.
------~%> -