Huntsville gazette., 1882-05-06
Judge Minis SOmersauIt.

change and men change with them,
but principles never" The recent
letter of withdrawal from the Repub-
lican party by Judge John A. Min
mis-, published in Montgomery pa
per, serves to remind us that Judge
Busteed's removed District Attorney
and Ex-Judge of the Montgomery
City court, is still alive and being an
ex office holder is also an ex-member
of the party to which he clung while
in Office. The change in the times
which has stripped Mr.. MINIS of of
flee, and of his Republican mask has
not altered the principles which di-
vide the opposing political parties.
While the Democratic press rejoice
over their convert they do it simply
to discomfort the opposition and not
for auy regard or esteem they have
for him. They desplse his abilities as
much now as when they publicly rid
icuIed and derided him when serving
as Federal District Attorney. They
do aot really feel proud Of. their ac
QUESTION but very naturally pretend
to do so for political effect
In his letter of withdrawal, Judge
Minnis, sets forth as grounds for his
action:
1st That all the Southern States
are now Democratic, as result, to
some extent, of ostracism, frauds and
outrages.
2nd. That this result was also
chargeable to Republicans themselves,
from corrupt leaders and officials and
divisions and bitter contests among
themselves.
3rd. That it seems to be the pres
ent policy to build up an opposition
party to the Democratic composed of
the best and most liberal elemedts OF
both parties, aud that this movement
is to be sustained by Federal patron
age.
This is summonary of the reasons
which Judge MINIS gives as his justl-
fication in Withdrawing from the Re-
publican party and voting with the
Democrats. Are they sound +?
First, does he deliberately propose
to uphold now, governments which he
admits are the creatures of frauds and
outrages? p?
| Second. Is it a fact that the Demo
cratic party is free of broils, dissen
tions, corrupt leaders and unfaithful
office holders !? If not, to dissert the
Republican party. to go to the Dem
ocratic, is simply jumping out Of the
| lliS pan tlbO IUS HIC.
Third, Does the Democratic party
withhold the patronage from use for
political purpose Is it a party Of
civil service reform, ? or does it aot
put into practive the doctrine that
$50 the vic:ors belong the spoils.''
Republicans do appoint Democrats
to office, but can Judge Minnis, point
out in Alabama a single example of a
Republican being appointed to Office
under this Democratic administration?
II the Judge had followed up his
deductions based ON his own prem
ises he would have been logically
compelled to decide in favor Of the
Republican party as the lesser
of the evils. He has evidently
made a snap judgement-aven admit
ting the truth of his premises.
But we hold these to be mere side
issues, mere blinds to cover up the
real truth. The issue before the peo-
pie is not patronage. 1t is one Of far
more Importance, one touching the
rights of every citizen and the pros
perity OF the commonwealth. That
question, is the right Of the majority
to rule-the foundation stone of Re
publican government. The only way
to secure this is by an honest election
and a fair count. When we turn our
back upon this principle, it will be
time to look for head to wear a
crown