New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1883-01-03
NEW ULM REVIEW, wEDNEsDAY, JANuARYs 1888

n
the fault was not altogether with
the man who furnished the copy.
In that article it was said:
No political party will main
tain itself long over the people that
is not held up by the moral senti.
ment OF the people, and the people
will revolt against any party that
gives them an issue which does not
involve some great moral principle;
it isjust at this point the old par
ties in the lard are out of joint. .
This talk about moral sentiments
and mora! principles may be rather
distasteful to some of our politi-
clans; but it is unavoidable in the
discussion Of great national aues-
tions. Right things and wrong
things involve the moral element
and it must be recognized in alldis-
cuseion. No good reason can be
given why it should not be brought
70 the front in political organiza,
tions, and am much gratified to
see it fully recognized in the lately
organized Democratic Union Club
of Sleepy Eye. . l have already
said in the previous article that the
Democratic party has been on the
back seat long time because it has
had no moral convictions, and | am
not ready to take that back. It
would seem from the constitution
of the Democratic Union Club that
it's trainers have similar idea
though they might not care to give
it broad statement.
The record Of the party is proof
enough that it has not been cou-
controlled by convictions rooted
and grounded in right. It has al
ways been the champion for the
wrong in opposition to the Repub
licau party which has stood up
bravely for the right. The most
benefcient legislation enacted by
the Republican party was persis-
tently, and at times, tiercely oppos-
ed by the Democrats. Perhaps
they now see this and are determin.
ed on conversion. At any rate it
is hopeful sign when political
club is formed on the basis Of a
s'good moral character" as the one
in Sleepy Eye.
It sounds little odd at first to
read it in such connections; but the
novelty of the thing will wear off.
It goes without question that the
principles Of good government can.
not be advanced without persons of
good moral character but whether
that is a qualification essential t.
membership in the Democratic par
ty may be a question open to dis
cussion and We pass it along to the
Club. Still if the Democratic party
now seriously intent on advanc-
ing good government it must have
good moral character, and there
is no way for it to get itbut through
it's individual mem bers If the constr
tuition of this club is a serious piece
of work, and we take it that it is,
it should receive very hearty en-.
dorsement, and we hope everv Dem.
ocrat in Brown County will come
forward and sign it and, what is
is more to the purpose, live up t.
it. The youthful reformers should
be mi ghtily encouraged. It is q
herculean task which the Club has
taken hold of and 1t will not be &C.
complished unless the strength Of
every sympathizer is put to it.
It IS revelation to know that
the Democratic party is based on
principles requiring men of good
moral character to operate them.
We are surprised and pleased.
Moreover we are glad to know
that the discussions of the Club,
while taking high moral ground,
are to be kept free from all that is
''sectarian" is a popularity of the
sects. In religion there are sects,
in politics there are parties, but in
this new dispensation it may be
perfectly proper to make provi.
sions against the political discus
sion Of moral issues in sectarian
spirit or IN debati moral
questions of sectarian nature
Mormonism might be discus
sed, but hardly if tits decided to
be of a sectarian nature. At the
same time we see not how it and
kindred topics can be very well ig
nored by the club. However thai
is a matter for the members to set
tie among themselves.
What we wish now is to recog
nize this reform movement in til.
party, and hope it will it whispered
| until there will not be left SINGLE
| Democrat who cannot have a cert
| 6cate of good moral character
When this comes to pass the party
| will be able to live and accomplish
something worthy of commenda
ton without the help Of divided
Republican patty.
o. P. CHAPLIN.
MINNESOTA NEWS.