Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-08-22
A JefTersOBian Professor Exam
ing a Democratic Glass in PO-
IitieaI Philosophy.


A J~efFersOBian Professor Exam
ing a Democratic Glass in PO-
IitieaI Philosophy.
Professionals you are now in the
guise Of Democrats, addressing your
selves to those whose support you
claim on the ground that the political
principles you profess are those which
alone really conduce to the stability of
our system of governments and to the
security of the rights Of the people, as
we'll as to the curling and controlling
OF the growing evils Of Capitalization
and the exercise Of undue govern
mental powers which characterize the
party whose political principles are
antipodal to Democracy, | have now to
ask a few questions, frank answer to
which will show those who, as Demo
Gratis, you would influence whether Or
not you have at heart the dominsncy
ofthe political creed you are pledged
to. Claiming to be Democrats, and
aware that the Jetfersonian theory is
the accepted definition of Democracy,
and hat its chief aim is to maintain
the peoples reserved rights under our
Federal system, and is plainly set forth
in the dlcts, governments rest on the
consent OF the governed" aad that it
proseribes class and privileged legisla-
ton and totally r~epudiates, as never
granted by the people, through the
constitution, to either the Federal
government as a whole or to its com-
ponent parts, the States, any powers
contrary thereto or infringing thereon,
it being expressly stipulated and in.
hibited therein that all powers not
granted are reserved to the States and
to the people respectively; that strict
construction of that compact is the
Democratic theory as against the doc
trine of implied powers" other and
greater, which characteristics what the
so-called Republican party, the rule Of
which has opened wide the door Of
usurpation TO the basest form of
C@sarism, a peculative conspiracy for
a personal government aRd its train of
abuses, exemplifed in the history of
other countries, which prevailing long
here would be death to Democracy.
What say you, james?
James Ell am a Democrat; am
entirely opposed to Republicanism,
believing its principles destructive of
liberty, and should deplore its success
in the future as leading to ~usurpation
of powers not delegated. But lust
now [ am inclined to overlook such
threatened danger to snatch our State
Of Tennessee from dishonoring its
name by repudiating more than forty
per cent Of its debt. That is the
sticking point with me, and | won't
%repudiate a cent more. So, there!
Professor-Howell let's hear from
you.
Howell agree with James and
heartily d%enounee the Republican par.
tvs theory Of government, but some
how since | have been a grave Senator
residing at Washington | feel that tn.
permanent honor of Tennessee is s.
especially 10 my keeping that | mus
bend great principles on which ou,
institutes Of government are based, /,
the ~pecuniary benefit Of the poor bond.
holders, who ] now think should no
only have their pound of flesh, a Ii
Shylock, but the blood too, that wa
denied him.
Professor-Well as you two appea
to me to truly give the sum and sub
stance Of what your confreres actioi
is, | have no more to say than that K
S. N with all his Hamiltonian idea
Of government thick upon him. is, a
you have chosen him to be, your bes
and truest expositor Of what you
Democracy is.