The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1880-11-17
DEFEATED, BUT NOT CAST
DOWN.
A Manly and Patriotic Letter
from Judge John v Wright.
The Lesson of the Election
Democratic Unity the Hope
Of the Future.

members Of the committee far the
invaluable aid given me and the
cause I advocated. l thank you
also for your words of kindness and
approval OF the manner in which |
carried the banner of our party. We
were defeated because Of our dIYt4-
sions. If these become permanent
our party remains powefless, Att
all times and in all places have
conceded to those who opposed me
sincere and patriotic motives. Some
refused to vote at all. and many
voted against me because they did
not have all the facts before them.
The question has been submitted
directly TO the people in the form
and manner prescribed by the Con-
stiIution and in accordance with our
system Of government, Both the
great political parties have spoken,
and by large majorities each have
pronounced a verdict in favor Of the
''strict maintenance Of the public
faith, State ard national" That
the minority of the Democratic par.
ty, or at least most OF them, will
yield a ready acquiescence to the
will Of the majority, ss solemnly
pronounced at the balIot,box, ought
not to be doubted. To doubt this is
to doubt that they are true Demo,
Gratis snd devoted to the principles
ef their party. Fhey must either
do this or join the ranks Of their po-
| litical adversaries. All men cannot
agree precisely on any proposition
and hence submission to the will Of
the majority in the only safe guide.
1t was a disputed point as to how
our party stood on the question.
The rule that the majority should
govern is the only enc which human
wisdom has been able to devise in
the conduct OF governmental affairs,
and parties to insure success, must
stand by their organizations, aud
the majority must control that.
So far as l am personally con-
cerned 10 the result Of the late cleo
ton l bow without a murmur tc the
verdict Of the majority, My CONF
dence in the virtue and honesty of
the people stands unimpared. They
have no motive 10 be otherwise than
honest and patriotic. All their
hopes, and the hopes Of their chill
dren, are based on the idea Of good,
honest and economical government.
They may be misled by ambitious
and designing men, but the second
sober thought brings them right
again.
Oar defeat should inspire in US an
honest effort to rally our broken
lines. Our divisions should now
cease. A spirit of mutual forbear-
ance should mark our conduct. III
we be true to the history and tradi-
tions Of our great party we will Ger.
tainly take this course. BY SO do
ing we can reinstate in power the
party of our choice and eur love.
The opposite course may lay our
State at the feet Ct our adyersaries.
The people will have good reason to
suspect the men who strive to keep
up a divided Democracy. Good
faith in maintaining the henor and
pledges Of the State is net only a
sound principle but it is indispen-
sable TO success, to prosperity and
a continuance Of free government.
History shows this to be true. Both
parties by large majorities have fully
endorsed this sentiment. The will |
of the Democratic party has been
expressed. Shall we not abide by
that? The details of the proposi
ton we may differ about, but the
principle is steadfast. Let US listen
to the proposition for a continued
fight in our own party. As faithful
and devoted followers of true Dem
ocracy. let US join our own hands
forget the past, aod, look,
ing our opponents in the face, pre-.
pare for victory and not induce de
feat.
For those who opposed me have
no words of complaint or reproach.
concede to them the same lofty
motives which I claim for myself
To those in every part Of the State,
from the mountains to the rivers.
Shose bountifu hospitality I enjoy
I'd. whose friendly aud enthusiastic
greetings cheered me it the darkest
lours of the contest, and who, on
he day of final strife. closed around
he banner which / bore, offer the
sincere thanks of q grateful heart.
With i'll will to none and good
wishes for all, l am your friend and
citizen,
JOHN V. WRIGHT.
The Washington Star of the 10th