The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-05-28
DEMOCRACY AND REPUTATION.

It has become quite common thing for the
Radical press of the North to couple the name
Of the national Democratic party with the
charge Of an intention to repudiate the ma
tlonal debt upon their securing control of the
government.
We find their pounterrarts here In papers
like the New Orleans Times who unbusl-
ingly proclaim TO the world in advance of any
action to justify the charge that the Louisi-
ana Democracy Ia clamnroua 10 cover the
State with this lasting disgrace.
In both cases, doubtless, ''the wish Is father
TO the thought" but our thinking men, North
and South, we'll know that such policy,
either upon the part of the national or the
State Democracy. would forever sink the
party Into oblivion. This does not, however,
alter the fact that these charges serve the
purpose of the Radical leaders, and the Radi-
cal press Of either section, VINO seek ~
weaken the confidence Of the people ~ t1e
great party which is fighting the battles oil
constitutional liberty.
i Sm,thern men know how false this charge
against the national Democracy Is, ana now
rrajl a foundation 1t has In truth. The South
has paid her millions of tribute since the war
to maintain the nations honor, without
murmur. When she resumed her wonted
place In the union of States she took up her
full share of all the burdens. and WIS will
say that she has not borne them hravely.
The South supports the national Democratic
marty. because IL is the party contending Tor
civil liberty and economy Of government; and
ii opposes Radicallsm. because 1t is the pro-
| nd. 10 ~ I'm nnaf rt1p and r.
ruption
u The one represents, In a national sense, the
principles Of justice and economic provi-
sions by and through which we of the South
are seeking to restore our State governments
To purity simplicity. dignity and honor. The
other Ia the reminder Of horrible nightmare
which is but now lifting its weight from our
senses, and we shudder and shrink from the
thought of a return to Radical rule with its
attendant horrors. We in Louisiana will not
soon forget the boast Of chief of the vul-
lures who is now living In splendor on the
banks of Lake Michigan have picked
all the flesh from the bones of the pelican
and now we will 60 for the marrow
The national Democratic party will mar
J shall the people under the banner Of the con
SL1JHtl0n, anu NIle1 lIHu'i huu hoiN5 'hui f'hN
been overthrow and the principles Of civil
liberty shall prevail. 1t will be seen that the
scarecrow OF reputation never had lodg-
ment In the party, and the South will be
found, with Increased ability, eheerfuly do
ing her share In sustaining the public faith
To those who seek to malign and slande,
!, the Democracy Of Louisiana we extend moth
| ing but contempt and scorn, but to those
!, who have aided or svmpathized with us In
the dark days Of our distress, and to the
party friends who seem to have been misled
by false report. we say that the Democracy o.
) Louisiana stands pledged to uphold the pub
lie faith, State and national, and will do SO tt
, the full extent of the ability OF her people.
, individuals may assert their dogmas, bu
the Democratic party of Louisiana has never
J BY one single act since Its accession 70 power
! either In Convention. In Legislature o
| through It's chosen representatives, eneour
. aged Reputation, but through all Of thes
. channels the party has declared Its inten
| ton to pay the lega obligations OF the Stat
: and uphold the public faith
: We are poor, impoverished, and cannot car
~ the load Of interest required Of our people
8 and we may have to lay down the burden b.
g the wavsde for time unless the task-maste
i will tighten the load But we will not tarnis
8 the good name Of the State, nor bring to tn
Il national contest now preparing, an all
Y stained with the disgrace Of reputation.