Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-10-08
MIR. TILDEN'S LETTER.

In response to the resolutions presented
to him from the national democratic con-
vention, Mr. Samuel ]. Tilden rendered his
thanks as follows:
"GRAYsToNE, Oct. 6, 1854.
"Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen Of the Com
mitfee:
Il thank you for the kind terms in which
you have communicated the resolutions
concerning me, adopted by the late demo-
cratic national convention. l share your
conviction that the reform in the admins
tration of the federal government-w is
our great national want and is indeed es-
sential to the restoration and preservation
of the government itself-can only be
achieved through the agency of the demo-
cratic party and by installing its represent
alive in the chief magistracy of the United
States. The noble historical traditions of
the democratic party, the principles in
which it was educated, and to which it has
ever been in the main faithful, its freedom
from the corrupt influences which grow up
in the prolonged possession of power, and
the nature of the elements which constitute
it-all contribute to qualify it for that mis-
sion. The opposite characteristics and con-
ditions which attach to the republican par
ty, make it hopeless to expect that that par
ty will be able to give better government
than the debasing system of abuse which,
during it's ascendancy, has infected official
and political life in this country. The dem
ocratic party had its origin in the efforts OF
the more advanced patriots Of the Revolu-
ton to resist the peryersion of our govern
ment from the ideal contemplated by the
people, Among its conspicuous founders are
Benz Franklin and Thos. Jefferson, Samuel
Adams and John Hancock, of Massachu-
settles George Clinton and Robert r. / iv-
ingsto on, of New York, and George Wylhe
and James Madison, of Virginia. From the
election of Mr.. Jefferson as president in
| 1900, for sixty years the democratic party
mainly directed our national policy. 1t ex-
| tended the boundaries of the republic and
laid the foundations of all our national
greatness, while it preserved the limitations
| imposed by the Constitution and maintain
ed simple and pure system OF domestic
administration. On the other hand, the
Republican party has always been domi.
mated by principles which favor legislation
for the Denelit of particular classes at the
expense Of the body of the people. 1t has
become deeply tainted with the abuses
which naturally grow up during long pos
session Of unchecked power, especially in Il
period of civil war and false finance. The
patriotic and virtuous elements in it are now
unable TO emancipate from the sway Of sell
| fish interests which subordinate public duty
TO personal greed. The most hopeful Of thu
best citizens it contains despair of its amend
lnent except through its temporary eXpu!
sion from power. 1t has been boastiugly
asserted by modern Massachusetts states.
man, struggling to reconcile himself and bis
followers to their presidential candidate
that the republican party contains dispro
protionate share of the wealth, the culture
and the intelligence Of the country. The
unprincpled Grafton, when tainted by
James the Second with his personal want OF
conscience, answered, THAT is true, but
belong to party that has great deal OF
| conscience"
| Such reasoners forget that the same claim has
! been made in all ages and countries by the de
| tenders of old wrongs against new relormers. II
! was alleged by the Tories OF the American Rcvo-
luton against the patriots OF that day. II was
| repeated against Jefferson and afterwards against
Jackson. 1t is alleged by the Conservative against
| those, who, in England, are now endcavoring to
| eularge the popular suffrage. All history shows
| That reform in government must not be expected
| rom those who set serenely on the social noun
| tain tops enjoying the benefits of the existing
order Of things. Even tho Divine Author of our
religion found his foil" Wcrs not among the SELL
| complacent pharsees, but among iowlY minded
i.sntYrmeu. The republican party is largely made
up of thnse who live by their wits, and VINCE ofrica
in politics to advantages the rest humankind,
similar to those which their daily lives de-
voted to securing in private business. The dem.
ocratic party consists largely of those who live by
the work OF their hands, and whose political ac
ton is governed by their sentiments or imagina.
ton. 1t r. suits that the democratic party, more
readily than the republican party, can be mould
cd to the support OF reform measures, which in
volve sacrifice of selfish interests. The indispen
sable necessity of our times is change of admin
istration in the great exerutive offices of the
country. This, in my judgment, CAN only be
accomplished by the election of the democratic
candidates for president and vice president.
iSigned) SAMUEL J. TILDEN.
To L. II. Henry, chairman, b. B. Smalley and
others Of the special committee of the demo
cratic national convention.