Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-03-11
Let there be Harmony.

cratic counsels in Pennsylvania. IF
ever there was n time when the petty
jealousies of ambitious leaders should
be dwarfed into insignificance by
the overshadowing Importance of the
mighty interests at stake, it is in this
year of grace. The discordant ele-
ments must cease TO make war on each
other, and the battle for supremacy
must be fought at some other and
more convenient season. 1t is now
time to call halt upon the men who
periodically precipitate an intestine
struggle into the otherwise peaceful
camps of the Democracy. Too often
has victory been made impossible by
the chickering's and causeless appre-
tensions of selfconstituted leaders.
1t is only necessary for one to look
dispassionately Mt the history of the
past to see the wrecks scattered along
the pathway of Democracy, strewn
there by the suicidal rivalship of men
who owe the party something better
than disorganization and defeat. Rest
ing, as we do in this State, under the
shadow of successive reverses, it would
seem as if unity and peace should be
the slogan, not discord and rancor.
The great Democratic party of Penn
sylvania is large enough to shelter be-
meath its wings q legion of captains.
The arena is we'll calculated for the
display of the most astute generalship
and patriotic self-sacrifce, but it is
not meant to be the scene Of selfish in
trigues or inexcusable folly. The an
nouncement of Chairman Miller of
meeting of the State Committee at
Pitsburg, on the 18th of this month,
is scarcely made public before it is
shouted from the Delaware to Lake
Erie, that an early convention is in
the interest of this candidate for the
presidency, and late convention for
that. There can be no contest be-
tween rival candidates for the presi-
dency as TO the time of the meeting of
the State Convention. All the De-
mocracy wish is to have time to glance
at the field and to make their choice
without dictation, and without any
effort to render their will of no effect.
They will submit to no snap judgment
being taken in their name, as was the
case with our opponents, but will ask
and will have fair field and no
favors. 1t can make no difference to
the average Democrat whether the
convention is held in May or June,
and it can certainly make none to the
different candidates who are named rs
aspirants for the Presidential nomina.
ton. In the meantime let there be
cordial union and unaffected harmony
between the men whom the party has
honored by placing them in the posi-.
ton of honor aud trust. All the rank
and file ask at the hands of the lead
ers is honest and hearty effort for the
success Of the time-honored principles
of Jefferson and jackson. The enemy
is we'll organized and strongly en-
trenched. They are rendered COM
pact and united by the cohesive power
of public plumber. To dislodge them
from their chosen positions will re-
quire the hearty cooperation of all
the friends of good government. To
secure this, we must first vindicate our
sincerity by giving an earnest of
our good intentions. This can only
he accomplished by sinking all per-
sonal considerations and making hope
full aud sincere battle for the right.
We invoke harmony not only at Pitts
burg, on the 18th instant, but at all
the succeeding consultations of party
leaders. This will insure success and
restore the faith of the masses of the
party in the capacity and patriotism
Of its chosen spokesmen.
TT il believed now that Edmunds'
boom for the Presidency. recently