The Democratic advocate., 1884-07-19
The Democratic Platform.

We republish, on the fourth page of this
issue, the Democratic platform. Itisan able
document, rcstating Democratic principles
and ut the same time containing a scathing
review of the Republican party. In only one
instance do we dissent, and that is from the
assertion that 'Frequent change of adminls-
tration is as ne cessary as constant recurrence
to the popular will That is not Demo-
cratic principle. II is merely an opinion OF
those asserting it. This sentence is the only
one marring the document, and it will not
bear the test of reason. Too frequentehanges
are apt to unsettle society and business, and
is rather opposed 10 good government.
There is no wisdom in demanding n change,
Just for the sake of change. If partisanship
is to be discarded in dealing with public af-
fairs. party ought not to be overthrown ex-
cept for cause. A party that is guided by the
Constitution and the laws; that is capable,
honest and economical should not be turned
out Just for the sake of change.
1t is true that long continued power is apt
to beget looseness, extravaganza and corrup-
ton. 1t generally does, but one is not a
logical sequence of the other. As to the
Republican party, it has developed into
a mere organization for spoils. trea-
sonable party at its organization, it fed on the
spois of war, grew and thrived. Opposed to
the constitution in its origin, ithas continually
ignored that revered instrument whenever it
stood in the way of its schemes and plans.
1t has fostered monopolies, destroyed Ameri,
can shipping and commerce. and condoned
fraud, perjury and robbery. Under it whiskey
rings and star-route jobs have fourished.
The treasury has been robbed, and the thieves
have gone unwhipt of justice. or been par
doned before getting behind the bars. ltstole
the Presidency in 1876 by most shameful as
sault on the elective franchise, and in 1880 it
bought it by open bribery by funds levied upon
government officials and contributed by thieves
who fattened at the public treasury. This is
scarcely beginning of the record, but it is
enough. This is the ground upon which the
Democratic party asks change-not upon
the ground of u change just for the sake of a
change. In appealing for change the Dem
ocratic party presents for President man
who stands for reform. His record is plat
form enough on that score. He has reformed
large city and a great state. Thieves and
spoilsmen have not held favor with admins
trations while he guided the helm. He has
placed that element in the rear wherever
found. In official capacity he has discarded
partisanship, and conscientiOnsly discharged
his duty under the laws. BY his upright
course and answering fidelity to duty he has
incurred the hostility of the jobbers in his
party. The class in the Republican party
that nominated Blaine was on par with
the class in the Democratic party that opposed
Cleveland. In the Republican party they
were powerful enough to control; in the Dem
ocratic party they were not numerous enough
to make respectable showing
Had the platform, instead of the broad as
sert;on tllat frequent changes were necessary,
stated only the usaalE results of long continued
power, the position on the subject of ebange
would have been more correct and stronger.
Except in that instance, every Democrat in
the country can endorse every word of it, and
we commend il to the careful stndy Of our
readers.