The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1875-12-17
FROM HON. II. D. FARNANDIs.
BEL AIR, December @, 1875.

ADh AIN, OSSSuuOI v, 1910.
James a. L. Mcclure, Esq, Secretary, dc:
DEAR SIR: 1t is with regret am COM
PEELED to relinquish the hope of being at the
meeting OF the 9Th instant, and taking part
in its proceedings, at least TO the extent of
congratulating the Democratic conservative
party OF Maryland on the victory of the I'd
of November.
To the nominees on the State ticket we
gave an ungrudging, cordial and conscientious
support. We rejoice in their success and
the overthrow of the unholy alliance in OPP
position.
Our satisfaction at the result is not much
alleged by the seedlings and denunciations
of the defeated but scarcely disappointed
coalitionists, of which we had full Fremont
ton in the unsupported charges and bald in
ventions which preceded the election.
The brief but bitter rule of the "Ameri-
can" party in Maryland cannot be forgotten
q party without n principle, whose elements
of cohesion were love of plumber and hatred
of the Democracy. It's temporary DONNA
ton was revel of disorder, violence and Pc
culation; its excuses drove out such good
citizens as had been betrayed into the associa-
ton, and inflicted on the State and on your
city, outrages to which those so loudly COM
planned of would be trles if they were
facts.
Of Republicanism we have had ample ex-
perience. In our borders it means confis-
cation without legal process, and imprison-
ment without warrant; in mere wantonness it
inflicted insult and ignominy on the defence
less; it laughed at the mandates of Courts !;
denied every constitutional right and derided
every constitutional restriction. II invoked
military force to control the civil power and
to expel from her soil citizens of the State
Its history now, wherever in power, is q
monotone of fraud and corruption.
1t does not repudiate its past, but adheres
to its principles its policy and organization,
and avows its intent to destroy the Democrat
ic party; for that purpose only, affiiliating
with those it branded as traitors and whose
attainder it has not reversed by even poor
acknowledgment of having misjudged them
1t was not likely that the State would en-
trust its government TO either of these par
ties, or to q combination of them, though
leavened by moaicum ofdssatistied Demo-
Gratis, who have lost, or been denied, the
places they coveted, OF who, impatient of
small grievances real Or tancied forgot how,
by the mode of relief sought, tenfold greater
ills would be brought upon themselves and
the community.
How could Democrats see wisdom, policy
or patriotism in Il transfer of the Treasury
and Executive power and patronage to fall
tering friends or open enemies Even with
the grant of an Attorney General, who, how
ever distinguished for learning and genius,
or however pure in purpose, could not Off
cially have the slightest control or influence
on the administration
One must be very credulous to trust in the
sincerity of Republican Ietormers who do not
even profess "change OF heart" 1t does not
need Ithuriers spear to disclose the serpent,
Its original wrigglc is painfully apparent
through the flimsy disguise.
Under Democratic administration the State
has prospered, and will prosper. Her fl
nances are healthy; her debt small and rap.
idly growing less; her laws are well admin
istered, and equal justice secured to all her
citizens. She needs but constitutional
Federal Government to open a future as
bright as lies before any Of her sisters. 1t
would be suicidal to prevent or retard the
advent of u Democratic President. Into q
party long in power, or of strength to make
nomination equivalent to election dissensions
will intrude and abuses come. Ifthere be such
amongst us, let us eradicate them ourselves.
Let our Governor appoint to office men
capable and honest, looking only to the pub
lie service.
Let our Legislature with care and discre-
ton, enact necessary laws, as few as may be,
and practice wise economy.
Let official misconduct be promptly pun
ished and official incom[ etence promptly re-
moved, and the people will not want Repub-
lican reformers.
In our party affairs let our executive com.
mittees and conventions, profting by our
troubles, ignore factions and act for the COM
mon good, and we will not welcome gifts
from the Greeks.
Let us use the power we have won for the
true interests Of the State, which are our in,
terests, for on the maintenance of honest
Democratic principles, inleligently applied
our civil liberty ana free government must
rest if they are destined 10 endure.
Very truly, yours,
HENRY d. FARNANDIs.