Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-04-16
DELEGATES.
The Leading Democratic Paper
of New England Opposes
Instructions.

Boston Post.l
There appears to be quite a move
ment in New Orleans in support Of
General Hancock for the democratic
nomination. This Of itself is merely
the exercise of the right of every dem
ocrat to assert his own preferences re.
garding candidates, and, so far as he
properly may, to seek to bring Others
to a like mind respecting his favorite.
1t is conjectured, however, that some
of General Hancock's friends in Lou
isiana may be disposed, against the
past usage and obvious present policy
Of the democratic party, to seek the
instruction of the delegation from
that state to vote in the national con,
vention for some particular candidate
General Hancock is a gallant soldier.
and well earned the gratitude Of
the people of Louisiana by perform.
ing his duty when lie was placed ia
command over them. 1t was a time
OF much abuse of power, when moi
only military, but civil rulers forgot
that one grievance set forth in the
declaration Of independence was thai
George III. affected to render the
military independent of and superior
to the civil power. The recent de-
cisions of the supreme court of the
United States have plainly marked
the path of Capitalization, alOngWhicI
We are striding, and the radical alter
alton of our form Of government
which is rendered certain, unless
there be a change in the politica
forces which control our destiny. VIZ
need not step out of our way to fine
vital issues upon which to stake the
battle of 1880, issues which involve
the existence of constitutional gov
eminent, without regard to the ques.
ton whether the strong man of tod
or some other day in the near future
be the immediate instrument Of it
virtual destruction.
All democrats agree upon the ne
eessity OF success. To that end, al
our party councils should tend. |
may be fatal to all our prospects, if W,
permit personal preferences to over
ride the general Judgment, and ALLOW
the action of the national convention
to be forestalled by any unreasonable
or u%nreasoning persistence on the par
OF any state in urging its favorite, o
tying the hands Of its delegates. Th,
democratic party is now, as it ha
been in the past, rich in eminent men
who are entitled to, and who enjoy thu
confidence of the country, and an,
one of whom the party will delight t
honor. 1t will be for the convention
to. consider fairly and freely the claim.
ofiall these. Who of them is the
strongest and most available candidate
is a question addressed entirelyto thaI
body, and upon its members will de.
volve a peculiar responsibility. In the
coming campaign we shall have to resist
and show the fallacy of the ''stronp
man" cry, now for the first time in
our history adopted as a party watch
word. Under whose leadership can
this best be done2 What candidate.
in such a conflict. best represents the
thought and wishes of the party, and
can win the support of those who.
while not enrolled in its ranks, NAV
be led to support its nominees? Will
the interests Of the party be best pro.
NOTED by the selection Of a candidate
from civil or military life, in a CON
test turning uponthe question whether
the people will take fer their next
president a man stronger than the
laws, or a man obedient to them?
These and like questions will require
the exercise Of the best judgment of
the delegates from the several states
after they had an opportunity for con-
ference and careful consideration.