Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-03-07
THE MEETING TONIGHT.

Of the Democratic party. We know OF no
| political event since the Bartlett movement
which has attracted as much attention and
! called forth as many expressions Of hearty
and cordial appreciation. On every eide We
hear men Of the most divergent views COM
ing out in the most unconditional ommen-
dation Of any measures having in view the
solidifying Of the Democratic party. The
desire for a general gathering together OF the
better elements of this State has p~ervaded
all ranks and all conditions. We are in
formed on reliable authority that some OF the
leaders OF the Greenbackers and the Nation
alists-the stray sheep who have wandered
SO lar from the fold and into such distant
fields of speculative politics-have expressed
their willingness 10 assemble again around
the old standard and to marshal themselves
once more among the reorganized ranks. We
have discovered that we cannot live asunder.
Errors nave been committed, false steps
have been taken, and in many in
stances which we are all anxious should be
forgotten or only remembered in charity,
blows have been struck that wounded both
the striker aud the stricken. But We are
gathering together again, aud in doing so
let il be in a spirit Of humility in ourselves
and charity toward all. The APPEAL has
ever been a combataut for the rights and
principles Of the Democratic party, and has
ever most earnestly been Of the opinion that
only these principles can finally accomplish
the coming destiny of the people Of this
State, and lead us into the land that is rich
with all the blessings of prosperity. Be-
lieying this, as we do, we should be recreant
to our duty and lukewarm in the cause
which We have 30 long and zealously de-
Tended if at this crisis we did not raise our
voice in warning and point with vehement
caution TO the gravity of the crisis which is
upon us. Tbs high-tax Democrats cannot
carry the State alone; the low-tax Demo
Gratis can only give the State into the hands
Of the Republicans. From all sections OF
the State comes the w%atchword of reunion.
1t resounds with enthusiasm over the
length and breadth OF Tennessee-in every
village, on the corner streets of every town,
from every hillside, IN every valley. The
past lies behind us with its errors and dis
appointed hopes and ~fruitless ambitions. The
people of Tennessee are eager for the new
life that is beginning to food the veins Of
the old South, and this means the reunifica-
ton OF the Democratic party. This is a
time for concession, compromise and liberal
ity of sentiments. The high-tax and the
low-tax elements are striving to come to-
gether on a common basis. This can only
be accomplished by an earnest desire to
effect the object by a fixed resolve to
view with ~unprejudiced mind antagonistic
propositions, and not insist with bigotted per-
sistence upon the adoption of personal opin-
ions. Concession means a giving up OF
something on both sides. The extremists o.
either wing must abate something of
their suggestions or they must retire in sullen
dignity from the field. They must not forget
that they are but the outposts OF the bodies OF
the army, and if these come together in friend
Iy reunion they themselves can do but little
injury to any cause but their own. Extremists
are not the men for the crisis. The people
of Tennessee want to see this question settled,
and they are going to settle it. II the ex-
treme men will not accept the settlement,
then they must stand aside, for, they
cucumber the earth. Ii the execu-
tive committee of the State organizations
will not work in harmony with this idea,
then they are unworthy of their trust, and
we can assure them that we voice the opin-
ions of the people of this State when we say
hat they can do no harm to any but themselves.
It the meeting tonight the APPEAL hopes
10 see wise counsel and judicious moderation
Let not the enthusiasm of obstinate
confidence and unfaltering belief in per-
;onal inspiration thWart the good work which
is about to begin. The country people are
expected to be present in large numbers, and
We hope to see them exercise on this occa-
sion the conservative good sense and sound
Judgment which has ever distinguished their
in the politics Of the State, and
especially of this county. Let not the
wing insist upon too much,
md let not the low-taxers fail in like
moderation. Let no personal chickering's |
De INDUCED in. Let none Of the issues
If the past be raked up for the purpose of
an opponent. Let no recriminations
hv harmon! VI he occasion. Let Il !
basis on which all may unite be
adopted, and let the various and long
element oil the old party collect
in unison and go forth prepared for
the fight in the armor which has shown
iuvineible in so many a h~ard-fought
field. The future of the Democratic party
in a great measure upon the result
Of this meeting.