The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-10-01
The Curse of Party.


transit why it is that there occasionally
comes in the history of political party
long dominant, such an experience as the
Democratic party of this State has recent
y had.
If the public officials of the State had
appropriated to their own use, or in any
manner misapplied the public funds; if the
maligu influence of corrupt practices had
brought discredit on the State, or her f.
nancial credit had been in the smallest
degree impaired, then right reasonably
could it be inferred that there was just
occasion for some reaction or discomfort
within the party, and even beyond it. But
such is not the case. Whilst charge upon
charge has been recklessly made, yet in
every instance, if they have not carried
with them their own refutation, they, at
least, always brought promptly complete
and satisfactory explanation and disprOof;
and when legal investigation has been
resorted to the result has invariably been
to viudicate the accused and Cif possible)
shame the accusers.
The credit of Baltimore and of the State
furnishes the best argument in reply to
the defamers who have vainly sought to
induce capital to take fright and bring
discredit upon their financial condition.
| Despite all that has been said and done by
our Reformed friends, the stock market
each day gives the gratifying evidence
that their misrepresentation are not cred
tied.
What, then, is the true cause for the
waywardness Of the elect few who are
leading the pre-saneti6ed organization
known as the 0. L. DIS, and the self.con-
stituted committee Of One Hundred 1t
is not because of corruption or ineompe-
tency of public officials, misapplieation Of
public funds, nor because the public credit
has been impaired, but it is simply because
all plaee-hunters could not be gratifed,
aud discomfort from such cause is the
curse of any party 1t is a source Of an
noyauee 10 all long dominant parties,
however, for there is very large class of
deserving men, as well as very large class
of less deserving men, who are filed With
political hopes aud aspirations. On ae-
count of their large number al can never
be gratifed. Year after year rolls by, aud
yet numerous class have failed to obtain
the recognition to which they believe
4 themselves entitled, md then comes dis
content aud dissatisfaction.
It is well that meu should offer them
selves for Office, 10 order that it may be
known who viii serve aud that good Ones
can be chosen But it is to those who
seek to live of the party aud only vote
the ticket on account Of expected favors
We would call public attention. Failing
in their hopes they are willing to sink
their party or TO make Overtures to the
enemy, and will eapitulate on any terms,
so Office in the reward.
This class seeks to make i,self eonspic-
uous aud prominent about the time nOmiua-
ting conventions are to assemble. To de-
mOnslrate their patriotic devotion to party
they malign the leading men therein and
denomiuate them "ring, organized for
carrying out the selfish purposes Of lin
tied number, and because Of their failure
to obtain place aud power, then iadeea the
rights Of the people have beeu Invaded aud
the popular win has beea frustrated.
They alone, they would have you believe,
are regardful Of the public interCsi they
only would accept public Office When il
could be demonstrated with aneTring Ger.
iainty that the public heart would burst
with agony il they refused; and IN some
instances the exalted character Of their
patriotism eOmpels them to refuse nom
nation at the hands Of convention called
/ By the regular party organization, and
they sail away into the atmosphere Of
traDseendental indePendeatism.
Another phase of this class is known as
the grumbling, growing, Gro aking brigade.
They consider that they have discharged
the highest duty which they owe their
party when they hod fault with everything
that is done, aud by Indifference aud 10
sin uAtion seek to defeat the election Of the
ticket nominated. The last phase Of this
interesting class in the individual who
claims to be a most excellent party man;
indeed his fatherand grandfather always be-
longed to the same party, but he emPhati-
ealIy asserts that he don't Intend to vote
the ticket unless it suits him; or, putting
it mildly, unless possibly he is put upon
the ticket. He is adv aneed ia iifei he
has always voted the ticket and has never
gotten anything Now he warts to be
paid, aud if you don't help him he IS going
to revolt. This is the kind the party want
to revolt. The sooner be does il, the
sooner it viii be for the benefit Of the par
ty to which be belongs. Such people are
a clog to any party.
Party organizations are necessity 10
this country, and when they pass away
the Republic will go out with them.
Parties are checks and balances upon each
other, aud as long as they exist great ex-
eesses are not apt to long continue.
The greatest evil 10 party is the
chronic eroaker aud the Office seeker, and
all parties should put their feet down upon
them, and teach them that politics is not
business at which they can live on good
salaries with small service to perform.
Teach them that if principle does not ac-
tuate them when they exercise the cleo
tive franchise, instead of the hope of re-
| ,vard thav ore unfit members of any