The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-06-14
standing the Test.

StonOtnR tue U.s.
Nothing could afford the public strong
ar guarantee Of the high and patriotic pur-
Noses that actuate the Democratic party
than the manner In which the Democratic
papers have received Mr.. TLDEs's letter.
Nothing could afford the country more en-
enlargement than the spirit In which the
masses have acquicsced in his decision. 1t
gave the Democratic party an opportunity
70 prsye it, assertion that II holds reform
above and beyond all other issues, and IT
has met that opportunity triumphantly.
II would be useless to deny that Mr.. TIL
DEN had a tremendous hold upon the af-
sectlons of the rank aud file Of the Demo-
cratic party. Aside from the recognition OF
his position as most prominent expo
nent OF the principles os.the party. there
was widespread sentiment that in his
election great wrong would be r'shted,
and that retributiye justice would
be satisfied. The press and the peo-
ple. felt that all else being equal
they could in no other way administer
more singing re0uke TO the perpetrators
OF one OF the most outrageous frauds that
ever ,iisSraced the history OF any country.
Yet we do not find single Democratic pa
per that does not rise to the height OF Mr..
TnpEy's own argument. Although sense
Of sympathy for Mr.. TILDEN-than which
there could have been few more powerful
agents mingled with every other inhu-
ence that kept the tide drifting in his favor,
the voice OF the masses, as expressed IN
the press, indicates that they have stood UNI
sca.hed the crucial test to which bis decii-
nation subjected them.
II follows. therefore, that the Democratic
party has not only, as intimated. yindicated
Itself as regards its profession in the matter
OF reform, but that it affords the indepen-
dent clements OF the country an opportu-
nifty for doing the same. II the Republic
cans who repudiate the Chicago ticket are
in earnest, the occasion in which to prove
their earnestness h,s beon made ripe. III
the businessmen OF the country who de-
clare that their vote shall go with the party
that Is entitled TO their confidence mean busi-
ness, there should be no uncertainty as to
their course. II patriotism and honest
convection OF what is right and what is best
for the people, rather than selfshness
and demagogy, should determine the result
next November. there is no excuse for
taking the wrong road. The attitude
OF the Democratic party in the present
crisis shows conclusively that it is entitled
to the fullest confidence Of all classes. The
readiness OF its opponents to subordinate
men to principles is evidence per Sc that it
will keep faith with the public. II has re-
affirmed in manner so plain that he who
runs may read that 1t intends to make the
fight on reform. 1t has placed itself upon
grounds that should dissipate all doubt OF
its integrity Of purpose, and upon which
all honest men, regardless OF past party
affiliations, can stand without cOmpromis-
ing themselves.
But this is not all that is significant
in the situation rs developed out OF Mr..
TLDEE's declination. There are numbers
Of Independents like Mr.. CURTIS who have
Dttu tDlif ctlaCu BpSsiihiotos w INV ~
fusing TO support the Republican ticket,
they cannot refrain from abusing the Dem
ocratic party. They see, or profess to see,
In the dsintegration OF the Republican
party a general stoppage OF pro-
gress in the direction OF good. This
class Is now, or should be, completely dis
armed. If anything is patent from the
spirit Of the Democratic press since MIR.
TnDEN's letter was published it is that the
Democratic party, instead OF standing "for
nothing but opposition and repulsive ira
dition,v as Mr.. CURTIS asserts, is the party
Of progress. 1t has moved up to meet the
demands Of Mr.. CURTIS himself as well as
the demands of the thinking masses. 1t
stands only for opposition in so far as it is
opposed to fraud; for repulsive tradition
in so far as purity is repulsive to corrup-
ton.