Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1874-09-09
IIpRLNrfpLEs. N0T' MEN..

fHfNttfLEN, NVf -uEN.
The result cf not carrying out the
motto at the head of this article, we
think, is one and perhaps the greatest
reason why the Democratic party lost
its prestige in 1862 and has since not
been able to regain the reins Of both
the State and the National Government.
We are all well aware that our motto
of "Principles, not men is the true
theory upon which to found and per-
petuate u free Government. Yet, in
the pcrscvering haste for positions of
honor and power, how often is this
principle tlamplcd underfoot and party
lines expanded or contracted to suit
the ambition of those who sink princi.
pie in self, and in their blind eagcrness
for place will subvcrt principles, and
even common deccncy, for the advance
ment and promotion of personal or sell
fish interests. Now, we think when one
who pretends TO be Democrat proves
himself thus untrue TO the interests of
his party, he is unworthy OF our conf
dence and does not merit and should
not receive the support or countenance
of any whose consideration for the sue
cess and perpetuity of Democratic prin-
ciples rise above the groveling and
treacherous doctrine of self first, and
principles next.
In the withdrawal of DR. Boyer us
explained in his letter published in last
weeks REPUBLICAN, we have an ex-
ample of the sacrifice of self in the in
terests of party worthy of emulation,
and one which ere this We had hoped
to see followed by Others. DIR. Boyers
nomination was conceded, and his elec-
tion assured, and yet, with an easy
victory within his reach, he declines a
place upon our ticket in order to rc-
move every possible shadow orpretext
for opposition to the regular organiza-
ton. II is well known that the Modocs,
when approached in the interest of
harmony, gave as one reason for con
tinuing their opposition that DIR. Boyer
would again be upon the ticket. Now
the DR.. has removed even this frivolous
excuse, and yet we see the disorganiz-
ing element still at work, and when
pressed for reason give that which,
no doubt, is much nearer the truth
than the pretended opposition to DR.
Boyer, namely; "That they are de-
termined to lick out the old Democrat
ic party and build up new one.
This is the declaration of one of the
leaders of the disorganizing element,
and no doubt speaks only for its lead
ers and not for the large majority Of
those who engaged in this movement
one year ago, because they believed
wrong had been done.
We would contrast the conduct of
DR. Boyer in this case with that man
or class Of men who upon some frivo-
lous pretext of party ingratitude, sci
fish motive, or in revcngeiul spirit,
stands as barrier in the way of unity,
harmony, reconciliation orparty power
and does more to discourage, disorgan-
izc and create dissension in the ranks
of those who are manfully battling for
the success of our motto than all the
combined efforts Of our common enemy.
DR.. Boyer's actions proclaim him to
be Democrat of whom the party
may well be proud, and clearly defines
his position as one who is always ready
to promote the interests and welfare
Of his party, and true exponent Of
our motto, principles, not Men,
After this article was written. and a
few hours before going to press, Mr.
Moore handed us iscard also, which will
be found in this issue, and he is therefore
entitled to the thanks of the party for
his course, and what we have said with
reference to DIR. Boyer applies to him
with equal force.