The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-04-29
Politics in Maryland.

From the Baltimore Day, Ipra 20.
While the injuries which political parties
suffer from factional quarrels are manifest, it
is also true that the clash of opposing inter
ests within party aecemplishes some good
and saves party in power from that stagna-
ton which is the forerunner of decay. 1t IS
only when the welfare of the party at large is
sel6shly sacrificed to factional and individual
interests that differences within party become
really dangerous to its success.
The differences which have existed for some
time among the Democrats of Maryland have
had the effect Of keeping alive the interest of
all members of the party in public affairs, and
have promoted that scrutiny and criticism of
public action which has made the government
of the State in Democratic hands such as to
bear well contrast with the government of
other States. There comes a time, however,
when factions should be silent An army con-
fronted with the enemy cannot afford to en-
courage chickering's and strife in its own
ranks. The rumors which have been rife for
some weeks of irreconcilable differences IN
the Democratic party are grossly exaggerated.
Discussions have naturally followed the heated
struggle in the Legislature, and some wounds
were inflicted during the session which only
time can heal, but these are confined princi-
pally to individuals whose loyalty to Democ-
racy is not likely to permit their personal
grievances to imperil the success OF the party,
and it may be stated with confidence that not
since the memorable campaign of 1875 have
there been such bright prospects ahead. The
leaders fully realize that the question now Is
Can the Democratic party defeat the Repub-
liean party in the fall elections? and not, Can
any particular clique outgeneral rival syn
dictate within the party itself? Il is doubtful
if the syndicate which has been SO bountifully
4
knowledged of Its own formation or ultimate
designs until informed of it by this enterpris-
ing journal, and its members are now supinely
awaiting the ingenuity and imaginative powers
of this political Scion for programme upon
which to unite. They confess themselves en-
tirely at sea, with the unusual activity and
boldness of the Republican leaders staring
them in the face, and claim, no doubt truly,
that they have no policy to carry out apart
from the undivided success of the Democratic
party.
The members of the State General committee
have learned with pleasure of the overtures of
the o. L. d.. for harmony, and consider the
proposition to hold the primaries under the
new registration law as eminentsy just and
proper With the object of meeting the views
Of all Democrats, Mr.. German and other mem
hers have determined to call a meeting Of the
committee about the 10th of May. 20 make ar
engagements for holding the primaries under
the new registration, and TO place about them
such safeguards and conduct them under such
auspices that there can be no question as to
their fairness and accuracy No pains viii be
spared to rcunitc the party throughout the
State, and to obtain perfectly homes, expires
sion of opinion
The committee will at the same time make
provision for securing full registration Oft the
Democratic voters. Il has come 90 the knowl-
edge Of the committee that the Republicans
are making arrangements on their side TO Sc
cure the same end for their own party. and rs
they have the tremendous leverage Of the Fed
eral Offices and are now preparing lists Of
deputy marshals and supervisors, who win
leave no stone anturned 10 accomplish their
ends. ak of whom are to be appointed upon the
return Of Judge Bond from bis labor Of love
in South Carolina. the Democrats cannot be-
gin too soon. They have had several fore
tastes Of the INSCRIPTIONS character Of these
petty officials and scarcely need any coaching
on the subject. The Republicans propose 20
paw their registration expenses cut Of the
United States treasury, while the expense Of
registering the Democrats viii have to he met
BY private subscription. Not only is al the
immense patronage Of Collector Webster and
the other Federal officials being made ase Of
To consolidate the party, bat the leaders PRO
pose to use the new past-ofhce hailding in this
city as a political machine. THIS shows the
length To which the Republican party will go
IN its attempt 10 carry the State, and to meet
and overcome them harmony ia the Demo
cratic party Is the first consideration.