The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1880-02-12
WHO rs THE TRUE DEMOCRATY

Senator Blyard, IN his late great
speech on the financial question, in
which he alluded to the position of
Senators Beck, Voorhees, and Coke,
thus presented question upon which
the STATESMAN of late has had much to
say:
Mr.. President, have not considered
this great question from party stand
point. 1t touches too closely the well
fare of every human being In our So
clety for me to dwarf it to the mere
interests of party. But if in the
name of party l should speak, and L
should call the long roll of distin-
guished statesmen and patriots who
LED the Democratic masses in tho past
and taught them that the Constitution
of the United States was the supreme
law of the land, and that steady sub
ordination to Its provisions in time of
peace as we'll as in war time was the
first and paramount duty of every
citizen in or out of Office, what name
could there be found in all of that IL
lustrious band to approve or warrant
the emission at will of Treasury notes
by Congress, and their endowment
with legal tender power-as lawful
money-to pay all debts, public and
private, to control every contract and ev-
cry obligation known to human affairsi
Sir, this debate has begun and it
will close, and the name of no Demo
crat will be uttered who at any time
approved or IN any way countensnced
so monstrous sn assertion OF power. 1t
is utterly beside the question to read
here long extracts from Jefferson and
jackson penouncing abuses OF power
by great government corporations; 1t IS
a proclamation of their great names; it
is an insult to their honest flames to
suggest or even hint that they or any
of them ever countensnced or approv-
ed the emission of legal tender paper
money.
could safely take the declarations
of party faith and principles-of every
national, of every state, and believe
might truly say of every county CEN
vention, of the Democratic party, from
the foundation of the government
down to the present. year. and find
nothing but denuncistion OF legal ten
der pager money-and on the contrary
you will find the steady declaration
from generation to generation, in war
and in pesce, that gold and silver
coins are the only true and constitu-
tional money of the United States =
according to the doctrines of true de-
mocracy.
In considering so grave and all-im-
portsnt principle as lies at the root of
this discussion, shall no; turn aside to
impsle Individuals upon their inconsis-
tencies; such occupation would be triv-
ial and unworthy-but when this legal
tender power eighteen years ago was
sought for the first time in our history
to be exercised by Congress, there was
not to be found Democrat in either
house who did not deny it. Look to
the record, see how they voted-how
they spoke. lam half tempted to re-
cite here the fervent and true eloquence
with which some, even now members
of this Senate, denounced the assertion
OF so disastrous 8 power. But their
action has passed into history, and can
be revised by those who desire it.
Sou CnAy ooy tuot ~ oOAkLe ASA
texts peculiarly condemnatory of such
4 power as I now seek to Withdraw
from the paper issues of the govern
ment, could find them abundantly in
the speeches and writings Of the most
distinguished, trusted and authoritative
leaders OF the Democratic party. lam
content TO follow IN their footsteps. and
here to-day 10 plant myself more firmly
in their principles, which time has
proven to be founded upon truth and
justice. And intending no impeach-
ment Of Others, must say that / am
unable TO comprehend the logic and
iessoning, which admitting such law
g be in violation to the Constitution,
Jet lustlies = vote TO perpetuate ITS
presence on the statute book con-
tss l am unable so to construe the
obligation I have taken to support and
defend that Constitution, and bear
true faith and allegiance to the ssme.