Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1884-05-23
RELA TON OF GOVERNMENT AND
PARTY


ment. 1t assumes that all authority is vested
in the people, all of whom, by virtue of the
unrestricted ballot, have equal power and
influence in the adoption Of measures and
the selection of men to occupy positions.
1t holds out the promise that the persons
most competent to I'LL every responsible po-
sition will be selected. 1t suggests that wise
statesmen will be chosen TO make laws,
skilled financiers to handle public money,
and persons of excellent business ability TO
fill positions requiring executive talent.
Practice and experience have so amply
demonstrated the fact that it may be ac-
cepted as an axiom of government, or any
government dependent at all for policy upon
the will Of the people, at least, two large
parties are likely to exist, and may be
considered political necessity. These par
ties must have certain defined rules by
which It's ideas and proposed measures for
the public good can be properly and sue
cessfully formulated.
The theory of the caucus and conven-
tiOHS 10 ahOpbCu III WHO eC"heiy 30 ~ az
mrable contrast with the theory Of our
government. 1t presupposes the formation
of parties for the execution Of certain prin
ciples. 1t assumes that after a party has
been formed its members will meet and
choose candidates for all the positions to be
filled by men who are not only the best
opponents of these principles, but those who
have gained reputation for integrity, mp
rality, wisdom and ability. The plan Of Sc
Letting delegates is admirable, and when
selected it is presumed that the delegates
will employ wisdom and deiberation in
finding the most suitable candidates for all
the positions.
Unorganzed effort goes for little in the
battle of the worlds life. Condemn and
depore as we may the acts of party and
violent partisanship, moraize as we may
over the heroism of personal independence
and solitary endeavor, we must still ac-
knowledge that ultimate success in any pub
lie measure or policy can be attained only
by concentrated action either under the
guise of party or mere temporary or
ganization. Many men of many minds,
jealous in the principles of question at
issue, must mould their kindred ideas into
! u cohesive mass, sacrificing or reserving their
figures and prejudices, if they expect to pro-
! duce effect The battles of the moral and
physical forces must be fought by the prac-
tica application of the same laws which
! govern the battles of physical forces.
! Approaching, as we must, the blessings of
| civil government, recognizing, as we must,
the absolute necessity of party organza-
ton we cannot be too careful in the selecs
tons of delegates. The very idea of n form
of government that shall secure the best
men for all public positions inspires enthu-
siasm wherever civilization extends, and
since in the operations of our government
the men selected come through the work
ings of caucuses and conventions, the actions
of our public men should bear the impress
and spirit of the conventions, in which il is
supposed that ideas have been crystallized
into lasting principles.
No party can succeed if it iorgets the
wisdom which flows from the bonds of asso
citation and allows itself to be led astray b,
the brilliant efforts of personal independ
ence and solitary leadership If we would
win, we must remain in its ranks and fight
for its ideas with the hopes Of what lies be-
yond rather than separate for incidenta
cause.
So far AS relates to our own party, which
was organized for the execution Of certain
principles, which il was supposed would
best promote the public good, the perioC
has arrived when, il we desire to win, al
attempt at compromising any fixed princi
pile or pandering 10 the taste of any politi
clan or any section or class of. politicians
must cease
II there are those who have been ant
still are acting with the Democratic party
not in full accord with its vital principles
or whose fealty is bounded by their per
sonal ambitions and selfish desires, every
impulse of seirespect should prompt then
to step down and out, and not sacrifice thu
success of party, the avowed object o
which is 10 bring about an honest admins
tration of the general government--thu
having practice conform with theory boil
as to the affairs of government and the hon
est execution of a sentiment of the party a
expressed through the channels of cauouse'
and conventions