The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1880-06-16
PLEA FOR MODERATION.
To the Editor of tie Democrat:

To the Editor of the Democrat:
There are certain tendencies devel
oping in the. Democratic party of Lou
isiana that are the subject of serious
disauietude to those who believe that
its success is an essential condition OF
our prosperity. These tendencies are
shown in the incorporate criticisms on
our State Administration, which is
hardly justified by substantial facts,
but which rest generally on differences
and coniectures. Much indulgence,
indeed, is conceded to that ardent and
impetuous feeling of State pride and
reform which is stirring the masses Of
the party as have nespr been stirred be.
fore. But these sentiments should
not degenerate into hypercriticai dis.
position of censure. just criticism OF
public officers is a healthful and salu-
tary stimulapt which is really essen
tiai to party vigor and success; but it
should be administered in judicial
spirit, and it loses its effectiveness
when it shows the influence OF pas.
sion. It was unavoidable that in ad-
justing legislation TO the requirements
of the new constitution many errors
should have been committed, and ii
would have been an extortiOnate de-
mand on poor human nature to have
anticipated that selfshness and ambi-
ton could not color what was done
Such delinquencies should be crlti.
cised pnquestionably, but by specitca:
tions which may operate as a deter
rent in the future, and as guide to
public opinion, and to the future
course of legislation and administra-
ton. .
This, however, is entirely different
from wholesale and undistinguisl'ing
censure, which only generates spirit
of recrimiL alton, which encourages q
factious feeling, disintegrates the par.
ty organization and gives substantial
encouragement to those undecided
camp followers who make use of the
first opportunity to stir up dissensions
aud thus give practical aid to the com
mon enemy.
In the present status of our State
politics no administration can use tina
fatal test of popularity, patronage
without giving offense and disappoint.
| ing ambitions. But the great mass o1
the party are little interested in the
mere personnel of the government
provided the appointments are dis
pensed to the recognized party leaders
it seems to ME that Gov. Wiltz la.
acted in this spirit generally. The
New Orleans party leadership, o
", sich we hear 80 much denunciation
seems to be sustained by solid ant
unwavering party support. 1t is very
Easy to inveigh against the quality o
the suffrage that contains it; but til.
Democratic party rests on the funda
mental principle of Difference to thu
popular will, and it is impossible Il
hold any party together with the lead
ership of soft dilettante and weak sen
timentalists, who know as little abon
the people as they know of the inhab
itants OF Grim Tartary.
Never in the history of any countr!
was political organization more i'm
peratively necessary to public pros
perity than the Democratic party is {,
the people of Louisiana. 1t is the sol
id ground III the morass Of ignorance
venality and corruption. Its organi
cation is necessarily maintained b,
those political expedients which are St
offensive to sumo, but which are EN-
ployed in all countries where part,
organization anu parliamentary gov
eminent is known. Party organize
ton implies snbordination, discipline
party leadership, in order to make j
effective. Now, those who reject thes
essential requisites Of party success
have no business to aspire to party re
cognition, and the cool, second sobe
thought of the Democratic party vii
90 teach them. In the last Legisla
tire this salutary idea was neglecte,
by some of our most brilliant and val
liable leaders. Each was intent q
some individual hobby party discip
line was relaxed-and measures wer
adopted without concert or llarm0ni
GUS action.
i AL considerations unite to pcrsuad
all the leaders and organs of opinio
to the practical recognition of thes
canons of party doctrine. We are en-
tering on q canvass of incaiculable i'm
portance. Louisiana must cast he
eight votes for the maintenance {
that great Democratic party which la
been q levee to us against q Missisa
ippi river Of fanaticism and hate.
is a crime to contribute to the loss {
a single Congressman. There is n
contest of interna. Significance befor
US. The State government is set
it's grooves for four years. But v
have before US common enem
] whose success means our huMiliatio
and degradation, and, however he ma
disguise it under euphemistic phIa
ses, who hates us with relentless an
nnextinguishable hatred. Stop til
chickering's of the camp, and every ma
to, his gun, for the honor, the safet
and tue redemption Of Louisiana.
;, A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTOR.
Ar Marshall, Texas, on the lit
B, l.. Jennings. Jr.. Editor of tt