The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1879-08-30
ROTTEN PLATFORMS AND DECEP.
TIOUS PROMISES.


in the refreshing assertion of Democratic
deputy editors, that the people need not
look beyond the Democratic party for
municipal reform, and that all needed
mitigation of the burdens Of debt and
taxation can be expected from the party
in power. 1t is true, that the force of
public sentiment may compel some con-
cession to the popular demand for re-
trenchment of county expenses and the
redress of palpablc wrongs, but that any
radical or important reform can be ac-
complished in Maryland with the Demo-
cratic party under its present leadership
in power, is simply impossible. Upon
the supposition that the next Legislature
is to be Democratic is there any man
insane enough to believe that the mere
act of memorializing it can accomplish
any thing material or important? A few
subordinate places at Annapolis may be
abolished, a committee clerkShip or two
may be declared dispensable, but beyond
these insignificant concessions to the
popular demand, nothing can be expect
ed. 4 taxpayers convention recently
assembled in Baltimore. Fully aware of
the existing impotence of the taxpayers
of the State at the gradual increase OF
their burdens, the Democratic managers
promulgated a week previous most adj
mirably -phrascd platform on the occa-
sion of the assembling of their State con
vention. To read their specious sentences
and pregnant promises, one might infer
that the Democratic managers were
instead of the reckless protlisatcs of the
public funds that they really arc-tho
most rigid set of public economists that
ever blessed commonwealth. OF course
the Democratic press Of the State is en-
thusiastic in the pretended prospect of
the immediate accomplishment of every
needed reform within the party. With
ers however much their past acts may
be at variance with present professions.
is sufficient guarantee that in due time
all will he well. Even conservative sheets
like the Baltimore Bulletin ask the tax
payers of the State to lay the tlattering
JUNCTION to their souls. that Democratic
promises mean speedy performances
. Looking,' says the Bullsti3. "to the
probabilities of such wholesome lcgisla-
ton at Annapolis, next Winter. as the
taxpayers themselves may determine
upon or as political experience and party
prudence may possibly suggest. the Dem
ocrats have, certainly, asserted their
claims to continued supremacy i'll the
most opportunc and forcible manner.
Meeting as their convention did the week
previous to that of the taxpayers. the
notable anticipation in the platform of
the former of the principal points in the
declaration of tho latter left nothing
whatever to be demanded and no posi-
BILE differences to be rcconcilcd between
them. The very emphatic announcement
of Mr.. IIamilton's views on these vital
questions, and of the policy by viii, h
his administration would be controlled
in the same regard, made assurance !ou-
bly, sure that the Democratic leaders are
thoroughly alive to the situation and de-
termincd to maintain party power in
Maryland in 4 manner altogether credit
able to themselves and conducive to the
best interests of the people of the state.
With a pronounced Democratic ma jor-
ity i'll the next Legislature, the assurance
is doubly sure that the Democratic lead
erS, instead Of being thoroughly alive to
the situation, will, as in the past, have
more regard to their own individual i'll
tercsts than to the public welfare. 1t is
only in the event Of Il close division of
parties that any thing can be hoped for.
If. during the pending election, sui-
Gent number Of Democrats can be found
Disguised enough with their party man
agcmcnt to vote against it. as well as
talk against it, q reduced Democratic
majority in the next Legislature may
serve as a wholesome check upon reck-
less expenditure. But we have 10 faith
i'll Democratic profession, so long as com
plete party supremacy affords unrcStrict-
ed opportunity for plundcring the peo-
pie. Democratic taxpayers may meet in
convention, assert theirnon- bipartisan char
actcr, and memoria.ize the Legislature
until the end Of time, and be no better
off, so long as they take good care to vote
a straight Democratic ticket, and thereby
assure safe Democratic majority at An