Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-03-17
HORATIO SEYMOuR's VIEWS.

now THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY MAY ACHIEVE
SUCCESS ~ THE STATE AND NATION.
The Syracuse Courier publishes an
interview with ex.Gov. Horatio Sey.
mour on the political situation and the
importance of the coming campaign
in his State. The Governor was found
at the residence of Senator Conkling
in Utica. On account Of over.exer-
ton and exposure during the cam
paign last fall, the Governor has been
compelled to forego the pleasure of
outdoor exercise for nearly four
months. On Saturday week he ven
tured to ride in an open sleigh for the
first time this winter. He was very
much gratified TO find that the ride
did him good, and has since enjoyed
sleigh ride on several occasions. After
rambling conversation on various
topics the Ex-Governor said
at seems to me that the policy Of
the Democratic party is "A plain one.
1t outnumbers the Republican organi-
zation, a. is shown by the returns.
Although the latter party had the as
sistance of nearly hundred thousand
ice-holders, besides the support of
large numbers who voted for it, nomi-
nees for the purpose Of promoting
plans in which they are interested, both
Mr.. Hayes and Mr.. Garfield not only
received less than a majority Of the
votes of the American people, but they
were actually beaten as regards the
number of their supporters by the
Democratic candidates. The contro-
yersics in the Republican party are
more widespread and deeper than
those in the Democratic party. Moth.
ing more Is needed to the success of
the Democratic party than firm and
steady adhesion TO it- principles. 1t is
true that these have been too frequent
ly lost sight Of; but many schemes
will be developed by the Republicans
under the teaching. Of Mr.. Garfield
that power gravitates more aud more
into the hands Of the general govern
mcnt, for which Mr.. Garfield rcioiccs.
His speeches upon this subject are in
viiaiions TO all manner of schemes 20
besicgc the capitol. This will arouse
the public mind to the necessity of re.
turning TO a constitutional policy.
While there are dissensions in both
parties, the long-continued power Of
the Republicans has cngendered con.
troversies throughout the mass Of this
party while the troubles in the Demo
cratic ranks are mainly local and
more easily cured.
1T is certain that the fate of the
Democratic party depends upon the
addition TO its members of the young.
the unselfsh aud the active. Old
men and their quarrels are the great
causes of the destruction of political
organizations. As | am one of them,
| have 4 right to speak freely. In
the natural course Of events. n large
share of those who now disturb the
Democratic party by their quarrels
will have passed away. and most of
the Others will be rendered inactive
by old age and physical infirmities.
Age and experience have taught me to
admire the unselfsh and enthusiastic
action Of young men, and | believe
that the Democratic party must be re.
stored to power through their efforts"
"What about the divisions Of the
Republican party in this State ?"
81 think that they are wide and
deep. and cannot be healed over.
The divisions grow from differences of
principles and purposes, as well as
from controversies about offices and
power. The adherence of great mum.
bers TO the Republican organization is
unnatural and cannot be lasting. They
do not agree with its principles or its
purposes. They will gradually desert
from its ranks. They cannot follow
the lead of Mr.. Garfield in favor of
the Capitalization of power and the
usurpations Of the general govern
ment. The passions and the preiu.
dices which have led them into the
support of the Republican organiza-
ton are dying out. and they will be
compelled by their convictions to with.
draw from its ranks"
"How should the Democratic cam
paign in this State be conducted this
fall ?"
ut should be conducted by firm
and temperate discussion of all public
questions. The principles of the Dem
ocratic party should never be disre.
garded or lost sight Of. The princi-
piles which underlie the forms and
structure of our government must be
kept uppermost In view, whenever the
prosperity of the people, irrespective
of parties, depends upon their main
tenance. There must be harmonious
action. Local controversies and side
contests for power will not only inn
peril party success. but will dishearten