The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-03-14
The Democratic Party Not the Only
Party.

The country could exist without any Dem
ccratc party. When names lose their slg-
niiicancc. they are of but little consequence
in politics. \ Democratic party with no
distinctive principles would cease to be the
handmai OF patriotism, and would bccome
u mere sham. The so-callcd Democratic
party in New Hampshire has just suffered
defeat when victory lay within its easy
grasp. 1t had but to stretch forth its
hand and take hold OF power. Why was not
this done; Because in New Hampshire the
Democratic party had become but another
name for cowardice and the abandonment
Of all principle The platform adopted by
the Democratic State Convention failed
utterly tn come up 10 the requirements OF
the occasion, and for this reason the defeat
which ii has sustained was deserved. Here
is it, resolution on the subject Of the Presi-
dency.
- Ina; we dcnounce upon the Republican party
stern ,irbu'ou for the by which the opie
wcgr elauded q their ltic be- governed by rulers VI
Their &C., and hold TO universal exccraton, and
we dvHahi o. tc present cou.rsss the adoption INF
uauon OF such measures OF legislative enactment
sutuunua amcndra,ni shah render impossible the
eousuhiinauun ut another such outrage"
How could the people be expected to feel
ftNiSiANd WIN NiNAiN luQtilllllt STUN lht
this The resolution declares that the peo-
pile have been defrauded of their right to be
governed by rulers Of their choice. Well.
that is something pretty grave for "A people
TO be defrauded of. 1t is simply all there is
OF the American system of government II
the people have been deirauded OF that
they have been defraudcd Of everything.
No wonder the Convention denounced
the act as great crime. \ great crime it
Is; there can bc none greater. But what
remedy was proposed Tor the grievous
wrong When il reached this vital point
the Convention suddenly became tame and
timid as sheep. When a people have been
deprived vi all they hold most dear: when
the American people, in the language OF
the resolution, have been defrauded Of
their right to be governed by rulers
of their choice, 1t is natural that they
should be impatient for some speedy and
efficient means OF redress. But what was
the proposition OF the New Hampshire Con-
vention? II was that Congress should
adout or initiate some measures to
render the recurrence of such wrong
impossible Why provide only for
the distant and uncertain future? Why
remedy at once to the present wrong under
which the country is smarting? There is no
ground for belief in the sincerity of party
which says only, 1t shall not be done
again. instead of saying, 1t shall not be
continued now"
What is the use OF telling the people they
shall not have another HAYES What they
want is to get rid Of the HAYES they have.
Why tell them they shall not be defrauded
out of the right to choose theirown rulers
again. when those at present in power by
fraud are permitted to retain their Offices
Cowardce has led to defeat in New Hamp-
shire, as cowardice will lead to defeat every
where
The country can live without the Demo-
cratic party. but the country cannot live
without a party that demands immediate
redress of so great wrong as defraudng
the people out Of their choice Of a President.
When the whole people, with one accord,
tamely acquie-ces in one preparation Of
such a wrong, then the Nation lies down IL
liei