The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1874-02-20
INDEPENDENT PARTIES AND PAPERs.

Disaffected Republicans are JUS
now considering the propriety of al
independent political movement.
Many influential journals, both OF
this coast and in the Eastern States
counsel the formation of q third
party. The wisdom of such advice
at all times doubtful, is in this in.
stance decidedly absurd. There is
no vacant ground, on which to base a
third party, that promises permanent
cy. There is but one vital issue be-
fore the people and upon that issue
the two great parties Of the country
have already taken position. The
Democratic party demand that the
administration of the Government be
conducted honestly and that the bur
den Of taxation be reduced within the
bounds Of economy. The Republi-
can is laboring to perpetuate its
present extravagant misrule. Re-
trenchment and reform is the Demo
cratic demand; increased taxation
and more thieves in office is the Re
publican reply. 1t is true that many
questions combine to make up this is
sue. Chief among these is the de-
mand, by the Democracy, for sound
currency, the abolishment of the
present high protective tariff, and of
class Legislation Of every character,
that the burdens and blessings Of
government may rest as equally rs
possible upon all interests and classes
Of society. Against this just demand
the Republican party takes nm en-
phatic negative stand, Most, if not
all, Of the journals which have hith-
erto been conducted in the interest
of the Republican cause, but now
advocate the formation of third
party, concede the questions. Why,
then, do they desire to start out on
the forlorn hope of n new organiza'
ton? If they really wish to see the
country brought back to n purer po-
litical life why not unite with the adj
vancing columns of Democracy? To
this they must all come at last unless
they submit to the party lash and
skulk back into the ranks of corrup-
tionists.
The Democracy have no conces-
sions to make, Of principle, to secure
accessions to their ranks. They say
to the party in power;
Wa call for simple Justice Mt your hands,
Not moro will nsk, nor loss will have.
And they propose to enforce this
demand with the weapons of logic,
reason and honesty. Already the
great comm0nwealths of Ohio, New
York, Virginia and Maryland have
fallen into line us Democratic States.
Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Kansas
have each broken the power of Radi-
calism. No Independent movement
has been successful in either of these
States unless based upon purely
Democratic principles. The Anti
nonopolists of Illinois and Iowa aro
in principle Democrats and the next
canvass will find them all marching
under tho old party banner.
In behalf Of the party whose his
tory and traditions VIC ycnoratc, and
whose interests we advocate, we in
vito within our common fold all men
who can honestly subscribe to our
'rticles of faith ms promulgated in the
platforms of the party in New York
md Ohio during tho recent cam
paigns in those States. Free Trade,
Hard Money and no Monopolies arc
,ur watchwords; inscribed upon our
banner is emblazoned equal and
'Sact justice to all, special privileges
% none; and under this sign we ex-
,ect TO conquer.