The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1874-05-29
A.aroDEL RnFoRMnR.


the interest Of the Republicans, or, as
it is miscalled, the Independent
ticket. Had Mr.. Smith remained
quiet as certainly became him, his
name would not have appeared in
these columns during this canvass.
We recognize the right Of any pri-
vate citizen to change his party re-
lations without subjecting himself to
unfriendly public criticism. But
when man assumes to make public
speeches for the purpose Of prose-
lyting others to his belief, he be-
comes a legitimate object Of public
remark, and it is not only the right,
but the absolute duty of journal to
discuss his claims to public conf
dence.
We are reliably informed that, in
his speech at Harrisburg on last
Saturday and at Brownsville, on Mon
day, Mr.. Smith declared that he had
espoused the Independent cause be-
cause be was convinced that the
Democratic party had become cor
rupt. He also intimated, Or stated
distinctly, that he was offered tho
nomination for Congress by the late
Democratic State Convention, but de-
clined to accept because he could
not consent to run on the ticket
with Governor Grover. Whether
Mr. Smith made his statement pub
licly or not we do not personally
know, but that he has SO stated in
private conversation on more than
one occasion we are prepared to
prove Now if Mr.. Smith will name
o half dozen delegates, who atten-
ded the State Convention which met
recently az Albany, who would have
supported him for any position on
the ticket-under any consideration
-he will astonish his most intimate
acquaintances. The truth is his
name was never mentioned among
the delegates exceptS when he was
referred to as chronic aspirant for
position who was likely to bolt, and
the general expression was "he's a
dead weight, let him 60" That Mr..
Smith sought the nomination for
Congress is susceptible of easy proof.
His efforts in that direction provoked
only derision, Of which all but him
self were conscious. Mr.. Smith
speaks Of the ''ingratitude Of the
Democratic party" and holds himself
md others up as men whoes worth
las been underestimate and whose
,laims have been slighted. The peo-
pie understand this kind of demagog-
SIN. Democracy is in debt to no
man, and if there be any who sup
'ose they can run up o bill against
he party by adhering to its princi-
'les, let them be undeceived. Dem
'cracy is patriotism; it is the love of
PERSONAL freedom; it is honor in it's
'roadest sense; it is adherence to the
IGNORED principles of our Iforefathers,
nd attachment to the constitution
Which was born of their faith in God
nd their love of liberty. Democra-
y il free government personifed,
nd it claims the service of its vota-
los in consideration Of lis bo4oicent
etmn to each and all alike.
And Mr.. Smith is vain enough to
laim that The Democratic party is in
ebt to somebody. He estimates his
in dollars and cents, and
len weighs others in his own bal |,
ince, Let him be assured that he
i'll meet his reward. His new Re y
ublicon hattorers will spurn him as .
'on as ho ceases to serve them and y
will gravitato 10 his native level.
We have refrainod from speaking
lrshly Of Mr.. Smith in this article
OF because he does not merit severe II
not because ho is not vul- !,
lrable. He is fearfully liable on /
9TH counts, but wemther choose |,
speak of him in connection with {,
IS present political summersault.
ct him be assured, however, that, d
lould occasion require it, the ainmus
his disaffection to tho Democratic
'rty, and his ingatitudo to honorod 4
en- whom he is now seeking to ira
ice aud injurc, shall be spread be- !,
70 tho public in all its ugly de- =, :,
lis. IN "
s'ss'aH.l-liha-sR "
cnEERINe PROSPECTS. @,
The editor of tho DEMOCRAT has I
81 returned from canynssino tom, a