The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1882-11-24
The Democratic Opportunity.

The height and velocity of the tidal wave
that swept the Republicans from power in so
many States of the Union is indicated by the
political wrecks that line the shore. Conspic
uous among the stranded craft are Arthur.
Conklng, Cameron, Logan, Robson and
others Of lesser note, whilst Ben Butler ap.
pears to be only one of the old Republican
leaders who has safely weathered the storm
The Republican defeat is attributed to boss
ism, political assessments, federal interior
ence with State elections and various other
causes. These, however, are merely incident
AL and all Of them combined could not have
wrought the overthrow of the Republican
party in States where it has for years been so
strongly entrenched. The true cause is to be
found in the corruption, extravaganza and
misgovernment at Washington, which have
overburdened the people with taxes. Under
these circumstances, something more will BE-
expected of the victorious Democracy than
mere promises of reform next year. Upon
the manner in which the Democratic MAORI
ty in the next Congress meets the expecta.
tons of the people will depend its continu
ance in power. To accomplish any good l,
will require, on the part of the Democrats,
moderation, wise counsel and sound, progress.
sive craftsmanship In the first place there
must be perfect harmony in the Democratic
ranks, and subordination of individual
opinions to the general good. Incompetent
and rash leaders must be sent to the rear,
and only brave, honest and capable men, who
have the best interests of the country ut heart.
must be elevated to posts of honor. For.
tunately, there is no lack of material in the
leaders as we have indicated. A party which
numbers among its adherents such men as
Samuel ]. Tilden Thomas F Bavard, Samuel
J. Randall, William w. Eaton, Grover Cleve.
land, Robert w Pattison, and scores of other
brilliant and able men, need not he at loss
for sound counsel and vigorous statesman.
ship.
Besides the reform of abuses the Democra
tic party must inaugurate positive policy, in
accordance with the Jeffersonian theories of
free governmental policy which will con.
sign the dead past to the realm of f)rgetful.
ness and grapple with the questions of the
living pres mt Chief among these is q reduc-
ton and more eqnahle distribution of the bur.
dens of taxation. This will include reform
ofthe tariff and internal revenue systems
a reduction of government expenses in every
direction the protection of labor of all kinds
and particularly that Of agriculture, which is
the keystone of all our national prosperity
and greatness the revival of American com.
merce; the restoration of orr navy, plumber
ed and shattered by Secor Robson and his
evil associates a reform ofthe civil service.
including the abolition of useless offices and
the reduction of official pay and perqusites to
APPOINT commensurate with the services rem
dered
On some of these points, especially that of
the tariff, wide differences of opinion will
doubtless be found among Democrats, hut
the question should be approached in spirit
OF harmony and compromise, and with
view to securing the greatest good to the
greatest number of citizens Of our common
country. 1fthe spirit we have indicated
actuates the Democratic House of Represen-
tatves which will meet in December, 1883,
there is no reason to doubt that our party
will again enjoy long lease of power and
the United States enter upon career ofpros
perity and greatness of which our past his.
tory affords but faint type.