Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-10-09
IeFarsonIan llemocracr.


A stalwart organ the other day re-
marked that the trouble with the Demo
cratic party was that its leaders thought
that this country, with its fifty millions
of people, could be governed in the same
way as when it contained but four mil.
lions. The records Of Radical platforms
and legislation fully carry out this
theory. They all convey the
one idea that the party in power
shall govern as it pleases,
irrespective of the checks provided by
the Constitution. Certainly, if any re-
gard has been paid by Radical legislators
to this instrument, it has been merely
nominal, since all of them hold to a
'1iberal" is, an unwarranted-con'
struction of the provisions of our or
ganic law. Though Democracy has at
times wandered from the beaten track
which it has so long traversed,
the landmarks for its guidance
have ever remained unmoved, and the
Democratic masses have ever consulted
them. The principles of Democracy as
laid down by Jefferson in his famous in
augural address will forever command
approval from the patriotic, who hope to
see the Republic preserved as it came
from the hands of its founders.
In this age of reckless assertion it is
worth while to recall the utterances of
the Father of Democracy when about
to assume the great charge bestowed
upon him by his grateful countrymen.
On taking the oath of Office on March 4,
1901, Mr.. Jefferson said:
"About to enter, fellow. citizens, on
the exercise of duties which cOmpre-
bend everything dear and valuable to
you, it is proper you should understand
what deem the essential principles of
our government, and, consequently, those
which ought to shape its administration.
| will compress them within the mar
rowest compass they will bear, stating
the general principle, but not all its
limitations: Equal and exact justice to
all men, of whatever state or persuasion,
religious or political; peace, commerce,
and honest friendship, with all nations,
entangling alliances with none, the
support of the State governments
in all their rights, as the most
| competent administrations for our
domestic concerns, and the surest bull
warks against anti-republican tenden-
| cies: the preservation of the General
Go yernment in its whole constitutional
vigor, as the sheet anchor Of our peace
at home, and safety abroad; jealous
care of the right of election by the peo-
pie. a mild and safe corrective of abuses
which are Topped by the sword of revo-
luton where peaceable remedies are I'M
provided; absolute acquiescence in the
decisions of the majority, the vital prin-
ciple of republics, from which there is
no appeal but TO force, the vital prlnci-
pie and immediate parent of despo'
| tism; a well disciplined militia, our best
reliance in peace, and for the first mo-
ments of war till regulars may relieve
them: the supremacy of the civil over
the military authority economy in the
public expenses, that labor may be
lightly burdened the honest payment of
our debts, and sacred preservation of
the public faith; encouragement of agri-
culture, and OF commerce as its hand.
maid; the diffusion of information, and
arraignment of all abuses at the bar of
public reason; freedom of religion, free
dom of the press, and freedom of person
under the protection of the habeas
corpus; and trial by juries impartially
selected.
'These principles form the bright con-
| stellation which has gone before US, and
| guided our steps through an age OF revo-
luton and reformation. The wisdom
of our sages and blood of our heroes
have been devoted to their attainment
they should be the creed of Jour
political faith, the text of civic instruc-
| ton, the touchstOne by which to try the
services of those we trust; and, should
we wander from them in moments of err
ror or of alarm, let us hasten to retrace
our steps and to regain the road which
alone leads to peace, liberty and safety. "
In these profound utterances is en-
bodied the creed of Jeffersonian Demo
cracy. They contain the wisest counsel
for the guidance of our Representatives.
They present an ample remedy for every
wrong and every danger which threatens
the integrity of our government, and all
that is essential to the stability of the
Republic and the happiness and security
of our people, is an inaexible determine
ton to stick close by them. In their
breadth and comprehensiveness how
they belittle the vapid and reckless de-
liverances of the idols of Radicalism.
They are the embodiment of truth, JUS
tice and wisdom, and in their far-reach-
ing usefulness can never be surpassed
There are men who speak for all time.
Such a man was Thomas Jeffer-
son. Participating in the formation
of the Republic, he was conversant with
its nature and the ideas of the men that
framed the Constitution. his view Of
the functions and necessities Of our gov
eminent was logical and exact. Every
line of the Constitution was written for
specific purpose and admits of
but one Interpretation. That inter
probation can work harm to none and
inures to the benefit Of all. The views
of Jefferson were tested by an expert
ence of sixty years, and their vindica-
ton was established by the progress and
happiness made by the country during
that period-a progress and happiness
unexampled in the history Of the race.
They are as sound to day as when first
uttered, and, if adhered to, will restore
us once more to our olden-time simplicity
and contentment.
"Jeffersonian Democracy" may be
ridiculed again as it has been before.
But even should the Republic perish,
the principles it enunciates will endure
in history's pages to guide the founders
of the next haven of refuge established
for the oppressed and down-trodden of
the earth.
Fidelity to Party.
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