The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1884-07-19

The third annual banquet OF the lr0'
uuois Club, of Chicago, was recently
given in that city. Among the letters
received from distinguished guests who
were unable to be present was the fol
lowing from Mr.. Tilden.
GEsrLExES;-i have had the honor to o. 70 3,
quet OF the lroquis Club to respond 70 the SEN
timent: The Federal Constitution 1 nave
also received private letters asking wrltten
vented from attending. have been Tor some
time and am still exceptionally engroesco
with business which have no power to defer
with you in writing. and my answer must DO
brief. On the formation of the Federal Con-
stftution Gouveneur Norris, who had been
q conspicuous member OF the CONVENTION: pc
ton. replied: THAT depends upon how It is
construed" The Democratic party originated
in resistance by the more advanced patriots
OF the Revolution to the efforts which were
made to change the character Of our Govern
ment by false construction OF the Constitu-
ton.
institutions from the perils which surrounded
them and secured sixty years OF Admlnistra-
ton mainly In harmony with their design and
to break up the Union and to dismember the
territorial Integrity of the country the people
we're compelled to make q manly choice DO
tween these u ssiaites and the he dcnsescns i a.
the Government They periodically and wise
ly resolved to save the Union nrst and TO re-
pair the damage which our political system
might sustain when moro imminent dangers
had been provided against. The frst work
was successfully accomplished, but twenty
years have since elapsed and the work OF ro-
acter Is not yet accomplished. Our wise an
cestOrs had warned US that II we fell into civil
discords, our free System was liable to perish
in the struggle by ansinsensible change OF It's
character. Not only have the best ira
ditions of the patriots who won Independence
and established freedom lost their authority,
but our cherished political system Is slowly
growths OF false constructions and corrupt
practices The Government itself has become
menacing factor in elections As long ago
as 1875 expressed the opinion that the oppo-
sition must embrace at the beginning of cam
vases two-thirds of the voters to maintain .
majority at the election. In this. history re-
Comparatively comp popular system OF England
the monarch has until lately controlled ma
jority of Parliament and frequently decided
taken from the public Treasury. This is :
hard saying, but the recent publication OF
papers OF her deceased statesmen leave no
doubts upon the subject In our own cou n
an impartial arbiter amid the conflicts OF ma
turing opinion and contending interests has
itself descended into the arena and. equipped
ads OF ONCE holders, its alliances with or
against vast pecuniary interests. its unlimited
command of money levied from Its dependents
and contractors: has gained majority in every
case but one. In that case IL collected mil.
tary forces around the capital. and by this and
other menaces intimidated the Congressional
representatives Of the majority of the people
to reinquish the fruits of their victory and to
surrender the Government 10 the control OF
the minority. No reform of Administration
is possible so long as the Government ID d.
rected ty the party which is under the do.
minion OF false doctrines and animated by
enormous peenAary interests in the perpetu.
alton of exists..s abuses The hrst eHectual
stepin tho reform of our Government Joust be
q fundamental change in the policy o. its i'd
ministration. The work Of reform win be diff
| fcult enough with the whole power of the
Government exerted In accomplishing It.
have such faith In the benignant Providence
which has presided over the destiny OF QUE
country in every great trial hitherto. that do
do not despair OF our ultimate deiiverance.
Though can no longer aspire to be one OF the
leaders in this great work, bid those OF you
on whom this august mission may fall God
speed. (Signed) s. }. TILpnn
| 10 s. Corning Judd. Chairman OF Political
Committee of 1roquis Club