Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1879-12-19
THE POSITION Of THE TWO PAR
TIES


Some of the leading Democratic journals
have recently asserted that the Democratic
party has neither issues nor policy to guide
its destinies in the future. They main
tain the untenable position that the "blind
mistakes and black mischances" Of its lead
ers have completely broken the backbone
of this time-honored organization. Should
this grand old party, which is co-evil with
the foundation of the government, which
has its principles based in the purest system
of morality, be held accountable for the fol-
lies and blunders of selfish, ambitious lead
ers? There is no political organization
around which the toiling millions can rally
with greater safety, or better guarantees for
protection against the aggressions Of the
"monied power" than that, from which
sprang our patriotic sires, whose devotion to
free government and constitutional liberty,
established it upon American soil; with
what wonderful harmony do the principles
of Democracy assimilate with the omnipo-
tent laws that regulate the natural world
There can be no leveling principle in the
self-government of man. He is then his
own master, and his representatives his
servants, TO execute his commands. The
Republican party teaches by precept and
example that the rich shall be arrayed
against the rights and liberties of the poor
Democracy inculcates mutual dependence,
with sacred regard for individual protec-
ton, guaranteed by the written law Of the
land. Its uniform, consistent opposition
to all innovations upon the rights ofprivate
property, and all measures which promise
speedier wealth at the cost Of endangering
the liberties Of mankind. II is jealous oil
Capitalization in any shape--the concentra-
ton of governmental powers The chief OBJ
ject and earnest aim, which ii has in view, is
to place labor upon its appropriate platform
beyond the exactions and expressions OF
monopolies. 1t looks upon the bread earned
by the sweat of the brow as indicative Of as
much worth or merit as that secured by the
'honored falsehoods of a profession, or the
honest cheateries of trade" Industry and
tho dignity of labor is a vital, controlling
principle Of Democracy.
Frugality in the private relations OF life
economy and retrenchment in the admins
tration of public affairs are its watch-word
and battle-cry. The spirit Of true Democ
racy is opposed to individual or national
waste and extravaganza, and in open, avow.
ed hostility to all that enervates or debauch'
es. 1t has always advocated the slow and
gradual prosperity Of the country, rather
than by artificial gambling operations which
serve no better purpose than to concentrate
wealth and power in the hands Of monopo-
lies or increase the influence Of chartered
privileges. One looks 10 the perpetuity of
liberty and equality-the other, sows the
germs of certain decay and disintegrations
The Republican code contends that the
true aristocracy of life--a mans social posi-
tion-ehould be based upon the influence he
can WELD by his money or talents, and that
conduct should not be the passport to re-
speciality. In this false doctrine and her
esy lies the germ Of more evil to our free
institutions than open, fragrant attacks upon
the constitution, because upon the education,
the habits and morals Of the people, at last
depend the hopes ofpersonal liberty. These
are the simple, pure, nnadulterated princi-
piles which were enunciated by the fathers Of
the Republic, and constitute the solid foun-
dation of constitutional rights and liberties.
II the patriotic fire in the hearts Of the peo-
pie has been consumed-if under the cor
rupting, communicating influences of Repub-
lican rule and debauchery the people have
forfeited their loyalty and allegiance to the
institutions and traditions of the past, then,
indeed, is there little hope left to animate
and cheer the dropping spirit of patriotism.
In vain will the embattled hosts Of Democ-
racy struggle for supremacy-in vain will
they contend against a party whose sacri-
legious hands are rearing spoa the ruins
of constitutional government, a "monied oil
garcby," held together and sustained by the
cohesive power of public plumber.