The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-01-31
An Independent Democrat.

We are led to meditation, little, by
u communication which appears in to-
days paper, signed "a Democrat"
THE DrMccEAT ut all times and under
all circumstances, is willing to present
the views Of any gentleman desiring to
be heard but, as in debate, We desire
our correspondents not to depart from
the issue. In the letter referred to,
the writer prcfaces his remarks by n
desire to reply to certain editorial nr.
ticlc which appeared in Tue DEMOCRAT
during our absence at the Capitol; and
an article, by the way. which received
the hearty sanction Of the Democracy
Of this peighborhoOl. But, instead Of
replying to the article, the writer pro.
cccds to indict the Democratic party for
numerous sins OF omission and commits
s!on-iu substance, as they have been
indicted by the Radical press ever
since enfrauchisement turned over the
State government to the Democracy.
The charge Of there being malcon-
tents III lie Democratic party is Ger
tainly unleniablc; and the hot haste
Of cur correspondent! to assume that he
belongs to that class, certainly indi.
Gates definite fact, where only sur
mise existed before, or otherwise that
somebody is anxious to suffer the pain:
Of cheap martyrdom.
We have never been one of those
who claim jDiallijility fer any political
party neither do We believe in tho
doctrine Of total dcpravity in either
politics or religion. We believe that
the Democratic party has erred in some
respects; but let it err ever so much,
VIC shall cnleavor, 50 far as we can, to
remedy tue evil inside our own camp,
and not invite the common enemy tC
aid US in reformation. This, we take
| it should be tho course of every true
Dcmssrat. Of course there is freedom
enough, in this land of liberty, for Il
man TO call himself by whatever name
he pIcascs. You can say you are n
Republican and vote the Democratic
ticket with all case-and rice rcrSa,
This is one Of the innovations Of the
party Of great moral ideas.
Again. let us mildly suggest 10 our
correspondent that a few individuals to
whom he refers do not make up the
Democratic party. Principles, not
men, has ever been the watchwOrd Of
Democracy.
1t is easy enough to find fault-a
chronic fault.iindcr is a malcontent,
and IVES never known even to
suggest remedy for an evil. But
whatever errors have been committed
by tue Democratic party Of this State,
will be corrected by the party; and
in this We can we'll afford TO challenge
u comparison Of records with our oppo-
nents. The French Utopia is 4 theo'
re'lcaI heaven upon earth; and this
seems to be what our correspondent de,
slrcs to lind; but practical life will
teach him that even in high stations
men will fall-will err-aud that their
whole community should be damned
therefor, is an absurdity too apparent
to need discussion.
IhA Democratic party-smarIins un-
der the oppression from which it has
been freed, aud watchful OF its own
honor, will punish corruption and re
ward virtue, and in this good work she
will not cease until she is purified; but
shn intends topuriiy herself, without. the
aid Of Radical practice Where, then, is
the difference between the party, and our
correspondent! He wants purity in
o!ice-the party is new seeking it
''as instance the trial at Wheeling
lie wants low tnxes-let him compare