Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1882-08-11
OLD ISSUES NOT DEAD

1t is often asserted that the old issues are
dead and there is virtually little, if any,
difference between parties that sensible
citizen need trouble himself much about.
The differences between the parties are
as wide and as positive to-day as they ever
were. Radicalism presents in itself all that
: was dangerous in Federalism, with none of
its virtues. The predecessors OF Radicalism
were more dangerous in their tendencies
than IN their practice. They numbered
among their leaders and followers men
who looked before they leaped, and who
were patriotic enough to put country be-
fore party when the need arose.
Radcalism is avowedly destructive II
has trodden down the law, the Constitution,
popular rights and every thing which stood
in its way. II has served the interest of
corporate power to the neglect and oppres-
sion of the people. 1t levies enormous taxes
over and above what is needed for the Just
wants of the government 1t robs the many
10 enrich the few. 1t refuses reform, and
avows by its actions and its purpose to
change the character Of the government.
II IL Is any the less dangerous to-day than
IL ever was, il is not 50 of itself, but through
the dissensns that weaken it aud which
may assist in bringing abou, its fail. II is
the same leii agency that has wrought mani
fold evils, and 1t threatens to work greater
ills. No man who has a fair comprehen-
sion Of the genius Of our government can
he a Radical without slencing his reason
and parting with principle
Democracy ON the other hand has ever
been the champion of popular rights, just
and economical government, and Of the
Constitution interpreted according TO its
letter aud spirit. Ii there are those among
its leaders that are recreant 10 its principles,
the time has come 10 reject them and re-.
place them with those who will be faithful
10 the party's traditions and wishes.
The Radical party strives to continue its
hold on power by employing the well.tried
agencies that have served il SO often. 1t
has committed TO its support the rich men
Of the North, whom it has served so effec-
lively by renewing those fayors of lcgisla-
ton that profit the beneficiaries at the ex-
pense Of the masses. 1t is mobilizng the
great army Of placemen that plays so potent
n part In national campaigns 1t has issued
its demands upon all of its ofilceholders, and
Is swelling Its corruption fund Its greatest
weakness is found in the quarrels that agi-
tate it, which IL prolonged, may destroy it,.
Opposed 10 II stands the grand army of
Democrats, who fight only for principle and
offer 10 restore the government to its an.
Gent simplicity. Whilst the Democratic
party lives no new one will be needed to re-
place il, and il will live whilst the Republic
lives. II wants honest, fearless and aggres-
siye leaders. They can be found. The in
ielligent masses are Democratic in senti.
ment, and, il effectively and courageously
led can free the Republic from the control
al the mercenary and reckless partisans,
who, were it poorer, would have bankrupted
II, and were it weaker would have throttled
Ito mike way for regime of which Grants
disgracciul administrations were specimens.