The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1876-02-11

MONROE. La. FEBRUARY IL, 1876.
Principle We. Policy. !
wehave noticed with much regret and
some disgust a. disposition on the part Of
some respectable papers to mingle with the
rif-raH in condemning the con-
stitutional argument of John Randolph
Tucker against the Centennial Appropria-
ton. It seems that some people, who
ought to know better, have become SO do
Moralized and benumbed by the ulfpre-
cedented troubles Of the past decade, that
they have forgotten the first principles of
our government and the sacred traditions
OF the fathers, and, carried away with what
they conceive to be some stroke of policy
or some present advantage, they are ready
to concede and break time-honored max
Inns Of conduct to obtain immediate relief.
They attempt to defend these infractions
by the popularity or pressing nature of the
occasion. This is wrong. As q natural
consequence Of this laxity and flexibility.
politicians belonging to the same party
divide on important measures, disagree AS
to details, lose sight of duty, and become
eptsngled in doubts, uncertainties, and dis
,ps,tes, where everything should be plain
and concordant.l This is illustrated by the
dtAsrsuces prevailing among Democratic
GoNgresspaen and Democratic journals with
regard to the questions of currency, tariff
SopthRrn, Pacific Railroad, States rights
a.. These differences spring from the same
source A. the disposition to criticise and
rtdlcule p strict construction of the con-
stitntion and that source is the false dogma
that political principles should sometimes
yield to policy. But for this dogma, the
Democrats in and ont of Congress would
not differ on the questions above mention
ed. The principles of the Democratic party
are clear, few, and well-defined. 1t is a
party OF adherence to the construction
thereof. It advocates Home Rule in oppos-
ttion to GENERALIZATION. It advocates Free
Trade In opposition to Protection. 1t advo
cstes a simple, economical, honest, free, and
capable government by the legally chosen
representatives of the people in opposition
to extravagance, corruption. ircolnpetency,
and usurpation. These principles are true,
wholesome, and adequate to all emergen-
cies OF the country. With this brief plat
form, which is older than any member OF
Congress for guide, there is no need for
differences. Then why do they exist ? Is it
for policy's sake that some good Democrats
would mako a few exceptions and depart
urea Are they trying to shape their course
and conduct solely with view of carrying
the next election? The noblest utterance
that Henry Clay ever made was that lie
would rather be, right than to be Presi-
dents" and we. for one, would rather see
tho Democratic party In the right than in
power. But our surest road to success is
to be :true to the record and principles of
our. party. The constitution, is the
dynamite that will blow Morton
and blaine with all their dry-goods, at the
Moon j. "A timid, temporizing, heaitating,
JannS-faced policy never won, and never
deserved to win. They who tarry long in
rnoubtinG castle are sure to become the vic
thus Of Giant Despair, Already we see the
effects Of this policy serving spirit on the
g Democrats in Congress. Instead of inn
peaching Grant, they nibble at his skirts
like mouse at a cheese. Instead of res
toringa State which has been converted
into IN Africo-Radical province they agree
to drop the subject. And while they amuse
themselves with the splendid vices of ora
tory. there stands Louisiana, all pale from
tho recent rape committed upon her by
Grant and Sheridan, every link in her
shackles ready to become a crown to him
who breaks them, with not n son to voice
her wrongs and plead tor vengeance III the
halls ofthe Capital! Is it for policy that you
do this7 Away with such cowarelice! None
but the brave deserve to be Free None but
those who proclaim their principles to all
tho world and stick to them through thick
and through thin, through night and day,
are brave. All trne Democrats should
avow and act up to their platform regard
less Of results. Their motto should be re-
trenchment frat then progress-hut princ-
pies always. Let them be bold and united
and all differences would vanish. They
would become too busily engaged in weav-
Ing the robe to cover tho Nations naked
ness to be troubled about its embroidery
King Lear desired to shoe troop of horse
with felt so that he might steal upon his
enemies. We cannot applaud the strata
gem. We do not covet n victory by stealth
I.et our triumph when it comes, be the tri-
urnph of well-defned, unerring immutahle
" principle of free and constitutional govern
ment. -..
Give me an honest fame or give me none
Legislative Items.