Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-03-23
THE KEYNOTE.

THE KEYNOTE.
Senator German, Chairman of the Demo-
cratic State Central Committee, whilst In
Baltimore last week was interviewed in re.
gard to our present political status. The
readiness with which he expressed his views,
though not anticipated, the candor, earnest.
ness and sincerity which marked his every
utterance should attract the admiration of
every man who desires in his heart the sue
cess of our ticket Indeed, so full of force
and so apparent the truth of his every re.
mark that we do not hesitate to say that
they are the keynote to healthy, vigorous,
united and triumphant campaign in the Fall
1t is piece of the political literature of
the State that the Democratic party of Bal
timore city is not in the most healthy con-
dition. Personal animosities, jealouses and
preferences have held such fast control over
large portion of the party, so warped and
weakened its unity and harmony until the
once proud Saragossa OF the Democracy Of
Maryland is no longer to be regarded as in
capable Of wrong, impregnable against de-
feat Senator German has not been slow to
recognize this condition of affairs, nor has
he been slow in coming to the front, and in
language that will admit of no doubt or
equivocation, admonished the leaders that
the interest of the party will be considered
above faction or personal aspirations. Where
will you 60 10 find purer and sounder Dem
ocratic doctrine?
The Senator did not stop here, but taking
in the entire situation he reminded them
that the untrammeled will of the party
must be obtained at primaries, so that the
sentiments Of the party may be expressed,
and thus prevent defeat at the polls. Could
sounder Democratic advice be givenp If SO,
tell us in Gods name in what political text
book shall we find it? This is not all. The
Senator reminds them that the counties must
have some assurance that the city conven-
ton intends to reflect the honest sentiment
Of the party; they will not be satisfied with
the mere semblance Of sincerity, but there
must be positive pledges. To meet this re-
quirement, and thereby restore confidence
throughout the State, he suggests that the
city convention convene Immediately and
name five prominent men OF the party
"whose duty II shall be TO name judges and
clerks OF the primary election to select
new city convention" In this way oil bick-
erings could be hushed, all animosities could
be toned down, all jealousies and aspira-
tons appeased; revenge would let go its
hold, disappointments would seek conceal
ment, the party become united, ready for
action and conscious of = splendid triumph.
This is the only way in which the wishes of
the party can be obtained and harmony and
unity be restored. Is there anything that
smacks Of "latter-day reform" in all this
II SO, then 1t is such reform, based upon
such a platform of fairness that it commends
itself to every honest, intelligent and unpre.
JUDGED member Of the party.
Senator Germans admonition does not
rest at this point Pressed with a sense of
duty to his party, he says that If the city
convention is not made ofsuch material as to
command public confidence, but is swayed
and controlled by factions and ciques, that
in order TO stay defeat, the State Central
Committee will assume control of the man.
agement Of the primaries connected with
the nominations of the State ticket That
is the way TO talk. If the Democracy of the
city allow themselves 10 be divided and sub
divided by reason of personal feuds and re.
sentiments 10 such an extent as 10 endanger
the success Of the State ticket then il be-
comes the duty Of the Chairman of the
State Central Committee to assume control
1t is his rightful province to do SO; TO do
otherwise he would be unfit for the position
10 which the confidence OF his party has
called him.
When questioned further as TO his views
concerning the candidates for Governor, he
replied: mo man who attempted to secure
nomination through or by any clique of pol
iticians, could possibly succeed He had
expressed no preferences, bat was delighted
toknow that the names Of such distinguished
gentlemen as Henry w. Archer, Charles B.
Roberts, Robert M. McLane, George H.
Williams, VIM. McKenney and others had
been put forward by their friends. So far
zs he could see, there was no organized
effort by anybody to make q combination
for either Of these gentlemen. He said he
hoped and believed that each of them would
come TO the convention with his natural and
individual strength, aud that the convention
would be free to make its choice without
any control.
We are aware that certain old "war dogs"
OF former days, whose ears have been
cropped and tails cut of, are perched upon
the curb-stones and barking, but it is not
likely it will disturb the Senator's political
equilibrium or deter him from his duty as
Chairman Of the State Central Committee.
Indeed, il is not likely we shall hear from
him again soon, but rather like old Suwar-
row, At the siege Of Ismsil, when the regi.
mental wags laughed at him for drilling his
recruits TO charge certain posts:
"He made no answer, but he took the city,"
We have penned this article not in the
interest Of Senator German, nor as his cham.
pion or defender, but from that higher and
nobler consideration or standpoint that the
a