Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1879-12-07
THE POLICY OF SILENCE.

The newspapers and political
leaders whose business it is to keep
the souls, consciences and tongues
Of Democratic Congressman, are
busily engaged in settling the noisy
talking fellows into a policy of
silence. Our Washington special
of December End told how it is to
be done, in confirmation Of which,
the following editorial appeared in
the Post, the Democratic organ, the
next morning:
1.-THE POLICY OF SILENCE.
Senator Gordon has struck the key
note. It is the policy Of the South,
through her representatives in Con-
gress, to keep quiet and allow the Re-
publican shriekers of the North TO run
their malicious course unheeded, I'M
opposed and unrecogniZed.
The Democratic fight is on q vital
issue. We are irrevocably committed
to a course Of opposition to the doc
following the mandates of the Coneti-
tuition. We believe in States right as
they are laid down and guaranteed in
that instrument. The tendency of the
Republican leaders is toward the es.
Enlistment of strong government.
The contest, summed up, is one be-
tween constitutional States rights in
prospective on the one hand and GEN.
tFallzed despotism On the other.
I'VE have faith that the people OF
this country still earnestly trust in the
government Of the fathers. We make
40 distinction between the masses oil
the North and in the South. When
it cJmes to square test they will all
be found in firm adherence to our
free institutions, holding no desire to
change Or improve upon them.
but the issue between the two par
ties is not fairly made up before the
country. Infi8med by prejudice, the
people OF the North are blind to the
fact that in supporting the Republican
party in the abstract they are encOur.
aging imperialistic notions; in raising
a sectional war-cry on the South they
are striking blow at the government
al principles which they are only toe
anxious TO maintain.
1.-THE Republican political managers
have so misrepresented the vital Ques
ton in controversy that the intelli
gent voters of the North are made tt
see sectional hate and prejudice whert
patriotism exists. This they resent
They strike at the South, and in doine
so menace the foundations OF the
structure they desire to preserve.
'It has been demonstrated, however
that now is not the proper time t,
clear the issue. The Republican mine
in the North is in such a state that i'm
partial consideration is out of tn
question. Argument is lost upon thei
leaders in Congress. They are neithe
open to conviction nor amenable t
reason. The Democrats have statel
their case fairly. The result is befor
the country. Why waste NOR
words? ?"
The true course for Southern Demo
Gratis to pursue in the present Con
gress is to ignore both the Republican
allegations made against them, conf
IDENTIFY trusting to the good sense o
the country to judge between tn
assailants and the assailed. Let then
take Senator Gordon's statesmanlik,
advice and remain silent. The South
is actuated by honest motives. 1t ha
only the true interests of the country
at heart. Let its representatives worl
to the demonstration of that truth
ignoring all things else. The Reput
licans should be allowed to rant an,
roar to their complete satisfaction, Blu
let their missiles be directed at thii
air.
1t viii not take the country long t,
decide which method is better, which
party is more worthy of confidence.