Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-07-17

Twice since the disastrous split at
Charleston has the Democratic party had
control of legislation. First in 1874,
when the corruptions of Grants regime
aroused the tidal wave of public opin-
ion, and changed the complexion OF the
House of Representatives The Demo.
Gratis then made good use of their oppOr-
tunity, and the policy of retrenchment
and reform they lnaugurated again pro-
cured them the control of the Con
gress in 1876. What then might have
been done had Tlden, the chosen Presi-
dent of the people, been seated it is need
less to remark upon. Although Hayes,
the creature of the bosses,
stood ever ready to veto
any measure that threatened harm to his
party, the Democratic majority in both
houses Of Congress did not measure up
to public expectation, and this fact had
It's weight in the campaign of 1880. 1t
was not for lack of leaders, but rather
want of leadership. If the same har.
mony and fxedness of purpose that
usually characterizes the Republicans
when carrying out their party policy had
marked the Democratic majority, the
campaign of 1880 might have resulted
far differently.
To-day the Democrats have a strong
minority in both houses, and in the way
of leaders make a far better showing
than their opponents. Yet, there is still
the same lack of purpose, the same want
of leadership. The Democratic masses
are loyal, and their devotion is unsur.
passed in the history Of political parties.
They are prepared as before to battle for
the principles they have been taught to
revere, but those who should lead them
are at a loss, and, unless decided policy
is fixed upon and adhered to, the party
will battle to little purpose.
True. the Republican party is appa-
rently weaker than it has been since it
gained control of the government. The
present majority is as reckless as any of
its predecessors, aud has by its conduct
steadily invited its defeat The mistakes
of our opponents should profit us largely
in the coming struggle, but they have
the same old agencies to call into service
to help them.
To win voters the Democratic party
must show the people that it means to be
what it has always professed to be-the
party of the peOple-and it must select
for its representatives men who can be
trusted as to capacity and honesty of
purpose. The session of Congress is
drawing to a close, but it is not too late
for the Democratic minority to give fur
ther proofs than already furnished that
it proposes to guard the interests of the
masses.
The principles of Democracy are few
and plain. individuals should repudiate
auv notions or bases at variance with
those principles, and every Democrat in
Congress should show by his speech and
action that he is a Democrat, and not
theorist or a jobber Such as do not do
this should be elected to stay at home, and
be replaced with better men. The time
has come for resolute action. The peo-
pie want a change, but they must be led,
aud they can only be led to victory by
men who have the courage to assert
their convictions.
A fair, square fight for principle, with
no turning to the right or left, will once
more put the Democracy in control OF
legislation, and the fight kept up on the
same line will bring victory in 1884.
The fruits of such a victory are worthy
the efforts of the masses to strive for it,
aud should compel the surrender of per
sonal interests and aspirations to the
common good.