Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-01-05
OUR DEMOCRACY.

supporters and friends Of the SENTINEL,
which after nearly thirty years of lsbor in
the interest of legitimate journalism and the
open vindlcation of sound Democratic doc
trine, that it should at this late day be called
to account for the publication Of an item
from regular correspondent, which we did
at the date of Its publication, and do now,
believe contained nothing OF violation to the
recognized amenities of society nor in con-
travention Of any known and established
obligation of fealty to party. And stranger
still, that this seeming interest and surprise
should have emanated from journal at
whose cradle we have stood, and in whose
junior editor 1t would appear, whilst under
our political tutelage, we failed to instill cor
rect ideas Of Democratic principles as well
as Democratic propriety. Respect for our
age, if not gratitude for our kindness, should
have suggested wiser and more prudent
course. 1t is, perhaps, but another one Of
those youthful indiscretions which our
neighbor fell into only few weeks since,
and which he shortly afterwards atoned for
by an open apology.
The SENTINEL is no fledgeling or bant-
ling, but 1t has grown to the full maturity
of manhood in the defence Of Democratic
principles. During its existence 1t has la
bored with all the energy it could bring to
bear and all the influence ormeans it could
command in the establishment OF that line Of
policy which in our judgment would best
promote the maintenance and stability Of
the party. We hoisted the Democratic flag
party, and we proclaimed fealty to Democ-
racy when it was high treason TO do so, and
now that we have grown old and gray in
the harness those whom we have counseled
with and tried to educate In the past, make
faces and sit upon the curb-stones and bark
at u.s.
As regards the letter referred to In the
Advocate, we published it with full knowl-
edge OF every word 1t contained and en-
dorsed every sentiment il uttered in refer
ence TO the "infamous 49," These men, who
entered the contest at the primaries and
then because they were not successful in
procuring the nomination Of their iavorite,
went TO work in the most clandestine
manner 10 defeat the nominated candidate,
have forfeited every right to affiliate with
Democrats, and should be branded as trail
tors to Democratic honor and fealty. In
the language of the Chairman Of the State
Central Committee, in June last, In his i'd
dress TO the Democratic voters Of the State,
"such Democrats cannot expect TO take
seat at the first table" The writer Of the
editorial paragraph in last weeks issue of
the Advocate, which was not only intended
to create doubt as TO our party fealty, but
further to call attention 10 his correspond
ent, in the same issue, who skulked behind
u nom de plume to attack us, we'll knew what
our correspondent meant when he said
scratch Them" that his privilege TO say so
was strictly legitimate and honorable. 1t
could not be inferred that he had any refer
ence TO the regularly nominated ticket, but
on the contrary he meant that the battle
should be fought at the primaries, and the
scratching done then and there; that those
Democrats who had violated the contract of
honor entered into when they voted and
took part at the primaries and who because
of their defeat should turn their influence
in the direction of the defeat Of the success
full candidate, are unworthy Of confidence,
and should thus be reprimandcd and re-
quircd to take back seat until they had re-
pented of their treachery. If the "42' al
luded to by our correspondent, and others
than this "42," il it may please the taste Of
the Aduoc0tS, did not intend TO be governed
by the result of the primaries unless in ac
cord with their desire, they should have re-
NAMED at home But having been active
participants, every obligation of honor and
every consideration Tor the success of the
party should have prompted them to use not
only their individual support but the weight
of their influence in the support of the par
tvs nominees. 1t is only by observing this
rule of action that party discipline, party
unity and harmony can be maintained snd
made effectual at our general elections. If
this be discord then our education, as we'll
as that Of a large majority Of the Democrats
of the county as TO the usage and require
ments OF the party, has been sadly neglect
ed-if this be discord, then write us down
with that body of Democrats who, whilst
they will support every regularly nominated
ticket, will not forget TO punish as far as we
are able those disorganizers who court the
endorsement OF the party at our primaries
II is time that we should know who arc our
friends.
For those Democrats who went into our
primaries last Fall in the enthusiastic sup
port of their respective friends and abided
the result, thereby burying private feuds.
past resentments, petty jealousies and ami
mosities, we have tho highest admiration -
Their action was an endorsement of their
devotion to principle, a passport 10 conf
dence and political preierment 1t is even
morcthan this, it is an evidence that we
have within ourselves sufficient OF sound
material 10 keep the party effective at the
general elections independent OF the boilers
and disorganizers.
This regret manifested upon the part of
the advocate ut the publication of our cor.
respondents communication comes with ex-
ceedingiy bad grace from that journal when
we come to reflect that this same jour
nal, prior TO our last primary, tecmed with
communications that were calculated to
awaken distrust in Mr.. Peters political in /.
tegrity In case of bis nomination, and there.
by work to his detriment And IL we re-.
member right, Mr.. Peter, upon the reading
OF these same communications, told the jun.
Tor editor of the Adoooate that his paper
"had thrown the first shovel Of dirt at him
pending his campaign"
We have occupied much more OF the
space of our paper, and trespassed further
upon the patience Of our readers than we