Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1880-05-27
THE CINCINNATI CONVENTION.
Let Nothing Be Done to Forcstal Oh
Hamper its Decision.

Let Nothing Be Done to Forcstall or
Hamper its Decision.
Never before did the Democratic
party occupy a more critical position.
There are two paths before it; the
one is the road to victory, the other
leads to defeat. If the Democracy
can comprehend Its opportunity and
take the right fork, the country may
be rescued from the peril to which it
is exposed; but if that party should
fail to appreciate the situation and
suffer itself to be beguiled into an
attitude of weakness, when its condi-
dition might be one of strength, the
result of the impending campaign
may he fatal to free institutions.
One great danger to which the De-
mocracy is exposed arises from its
disposition to underrate its foes.
Democrats ought not to place more
faith than their opponents in the cur
rent talk about Grants weakness.
Cameron, Csnkling, Carpenter and
Logan have selected him, not only as
"the strong man." but as the strong
est that can be placed in nomination.
These slalwart leaders are shrewd
men. The control they exercise cs-
tablishes their wisdom. 1t has been
and is their constant and most impor-
tant business to discover who could
impart most strength to their party,
and the result Of their Investigation
has induced them to stake their all
on Grant. They expect through him
to curry not only the Republican
strongholis, but with them enough
/ doubtful states to achieve victory and
seize control Of the government for
another decade. Should they fail,
| they will be regarded, hereafter, rs
/ enemies to free institutions and de-
! tcated advocates OF 4 personal and
perpetual executive But they enter
tain no fear Of failure. With Grant,
they occupy the position held by
them three years ago, and the country
is approaching an inauguration with
out rules to regulate an electoral
count.
Al the same time there are Repub-
licans that will vote for Grant with
reluctance. They fear the ultimate
result Of departing from national anti
third term traditions. With many ot
them the fact that the venture is to be
made with military hero, increases
trcpldation bat it does not neccs.
sarliy follow from this that these dis
sentients will accept, against an ac
knowlcdged and honored leader, any
candidate the Democracy may nomi
nate, or not accepting him, re!ralr
from voting.
Two things ought to be especial,
taken into consideration by the De
mocracy at the present moment. /
ought to act 50 as to attract Rcpuhli
, can anti-third tcrmcrs. and in 4 wa'
: to heal divisions N its own ranks I}'
iuelirious management it can consoll
date its power and acquire addltiona
, strength from the patriotic portion O
e its opponents. On the other hand
, can make nomination that wi
spread dissatisfaction and drive Re
pnbicans To cast unwilling ballots 10
Grant.
If ever there WAS time for eau
- ton ant. dcliberation, it is at present
. The country is in crisis that appeal
to the wisdom of the whole Democ
:, racy. No portion Of that party ougll
to attempt to either forestalt or ham
per its national convention in it
choice of candidates acceptable t
all that are concerned for the perpC
tuity of Republican institutions. Sue
proceedings oughl to he left to Game
c ron, Conklln@, Carpenter and Logan
" The lettering of delegates is a mean
q of consolidating political power in til
y hands of the designing few. 1t break
II down the voice of the many, an
o when the influence of military pres
n tige is added to such handicapplngs
= it connects .hcm with the mcane re
=, sorted to, to Introduce dcspotism int
|. the republics of the past. No part
c can offer excuse of any sort f'
: weakening popular guarantees, or f(
: transferring the right of instructio
from the people to conventions I
their appointment. Ifthc people haH
e. instructed delegates they d'sclarg
their duty and exhaust their power
nhen obedience is rendered to tn:
If andatc by the selection of repre-
sentativcs Of popular sentiment.
To-Day and TO-Morrow.
To-day the summer zephyrs ber
". the lowly Hower-to-morrow's bi.t'
a wind-moan signs in their scentle