The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1875-12-02
WHAT EXPERIENCE OUGHT TO
TEACH,

ed by a large number of the ablest
the country has ever produc-
ed, both in and out of Congress, it
seemed almost impossible that the
democratic party could be displaced
from power. The opposition then,
was the Wing party, who were not
only in the minority in almost every
State in the Upion, but repeated de-
feats had disheartened and discour-
aged the rank and file of tie party.
And, although with every returning
campaign they contested the ground
manfully, yet their leaders had but
little hope of success. About this
time, whether through Democratic
mismanagement or not, the country
was passing through a money strin-
gency that crippled and Frustrated
the business interests of the nation
to an extent never before experience
ed, and which created distrust and
doubt as to the future. The people
felt that somebody was responsible,
and the old Wing leaders were quick
to discern the position of things, and
to make the most of their opportuni.
ty. They told the people that the
Democratic party had exclusive con
troll of the government for a long
time; they charged that party with
reckless expenditures of the public
monies; with devising new and i'll
digested schemes of finance, and
with making large and uncalled for
appropriations. Democrats alone are
responsible for the mischief; now
put them out. These were the ar
guments that yer used by the old
Wing leaders, and before them the
Democratic majorit;esL q that day
melted away like sGow when expos
ed to the rays of the Summers sun.
Now in order to profit by some of
the lessons which the wisdom, Or
rather cunning of these old Wing
leaders would seem TO teach, it is
we'll for us to remember that they
did not go before the people with a
set of resolves prepared in advance
for rescuing the country from the
difficulties that seemed to beset it
But they merely told the people who
were responsible, and asked them tc
put them out of position first, and
then they would administer to the
patient. If the Democratic leaders
will recall some of these lessons
which should never have been for
gotten, they will see, at a glance, the
opportunity that is now offered them
an opportunity far superior to that
which the old Wing leaders made sc
available in their day, and which car
ried them through to a successful is.
sue, in a campaign the most brilliant
in the history Of political parties
For fifteen years the Republican par
ty have had unlimited control of ey.
cry department Of the government
During this time fraud, corruption
and rascality of every kind and de
gree have attained a power never be
fore reached. Influences are at work
to-day which, if not checked, mus
ultimately end in national disgrace
bankruptcy and ruin. The Republi
cans must shoulder these response
bilities; they are the party in power
The patient has become sick while
under their care. Let Democrats
say to the people, dismiss your ply.
sicians so long in charge. Unit
then, we have no remedy to propose
we do not intend to subject our man
ner of treatment to your hostile crit.
icism; time enough to enter into
particulars when the patient is plac
ed under orr care. Let our platform
for the great Centennial year be OF
the SIMPLE issue of reform! Reform
that will be real ard genuine; thai
will not only be a check upon these
streams Of corruption that now del
uge the land; but that will dry then
up efectually. This will form ,
platform upon which every well
wisher of his country a stand. LIE.
the rallying cry be, not so mu h par
ty as country; not so much men a:
principle; making this the line O
our deftnae, we will be victorious.
The report of the failure of the
crops throughout tie Empire of Rus
STA is fully confirmed, and it will re
quire an immense quantity of grair
to supply food for the millions o