The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1885-11-25
e MOCRACY.

e MOCRACY.
The grand old party that proudly traces
it's origin to the principles OF liberty which
illumined the hearts Of the patriots who
conceived and established the American
Union, stands out to-day in holder relief,
and commands more confidence, than ever
before. It's very name, Democratic, is q
synonym of freedom. Ever since the first
stone in the foundation Of the Union was
placed in it's position the Democracy have
surrounded the sacred spot upon which
the pillar of liberty was erected, and like
a wall of adamaEt have protected it from
treason at home and violence abroad. Its
growth in numbers and in strength has kept
pace with the rapid increase in population
and the swift expansion OF our country.
Everywhere throughout the length and
breadth of the land it's banners float tri-
umphantly to the breeze, and its wise
counsels are heard and it's influences felt IN
formulating legislation designed to strength
en- and guarantee the perpetuity OF u
form of government.
The Democratic party has a record to
which the present and all future genera
tions can point with pride. Its history ID
so closely interviewer with that OF the
erpment as to render the one inseparable
from the other. No other political organl-
zation ever possessed the vitality ana
cohesive qualities it enjoys. The Federal
lists, the Wings, the Free Sellers, the Native
Americans and the Know Nothings wereall
formidable during their brief existence. but
they have passed away, leaving behind
them no evidences Of any works calculated
to promote the happiness and welfare OF
the people or to strengthen the Union.
May not the same be said of the Repub-
licans? The former ingloriously fell beneath
well-directed blows of the Democracy, and
never again rallied in sufficient strength to
repulse their adversaries. Such, too, will
be the fate Of the latter. They cannot
possibly survive the signal defeat suffered
10y them in the desperate struggle to prolong
their existence under the leadership OF the
Plumed Knight. As the Empire OF France
crumbled to atoms with the fall of Napoleon
Bonaparte at Waterloo, SO has the Repub.
lican party become disintegrated in conse-
quence OF it's disastrous rout by the
Democracy, under the command OF Grover
Cleveland, and consequently it sleeps the
sleep that knows 10 awakening.
The old Wing party was the only politi-
cal organization that displayed any tena-
cious courage in battling against the Dem
ocracy. 1t originated during the admins
I-.k:~. A.l.o,, Too1,c1r and rvoo oon,-
posed OF the various factions which had OPP
posed the Democratic party, together with
dissatisfied adherents of the latter.
Henry Clay and Daniel Webster were at
that time in the prime OF life and justly re-
as the political giants of those
times. They were alike distinguished for
their eloquence and craftsmanship and, as
they both aspired to the Presidency, they
to crafty their ambition by building
up a party that could vanquish the Dem
They succeeded in e~fecting a coal
ition between those who favored the
United States Bank, a protective tariff and
internal improvements by the general gov
eminent. This drew to their support all
the capitalists in the country. Henry Clay
the nomination in 1882, only to
be defeated by "Old Hickory" who was
reelected by a handsome majority. They
rallied again in 1886 with General Harri-
son as their candidate, but met with no
better success, for Martin Van Buren, car-
ried off the prize. Four years later, how
ever, owing to a serious financial panic,
was ascribed to the anti-bank policy
Of the Democracy, General Harrison came
The Wings were again victorious in 1848.
when, by reason OF the successful termina-
ton of the var with Mexico, General Tay-
lor was elected. This was the last rally OF
the Wing party attended with success, for
it met with such an overwhelming oefeat in
1852, when the Democrats elected Franklin
Pierce, that it ceased to exist.
The downfall of the Wings carried with
it all that was left of the Free Soil
party which had cut such a prominent
figure in the campaign Of 1848, with Old
Ex-President Van Buren,, as
it's candidate. His nomination caused
such a division in the Democratic party.
supported Lewis Cass, the regular
nominee, as to enable the Wings to carry
off the prize. During the administration OF
Franklin Pierce the enemies OF the Democ.
racy were busily employed in collecting to-
gether the fragments Of all their former
organizations for a grand charge in 1856.
They captured a large portion ofthe German
vote by their protested opposition to the
extension of slavery in the Territories.
These together organized the Republican
party, and placed John c. Fremont in
in 1856, only to be defeated by
James Buchanan, the standard bearer of
the Democracy. Four ears later a divis-
ion occurred in the Democracy, growing out
of the aspirations OF two of their leaders
the Presidency, which resulted in the
nomination of John C.. Breckenridge and
Stephen A. Douglas. The Republicans tax
ing advantage OF that division, and know
ing that "a house divided against itself IAN !
not stand" rallied around Abraham Lin. |
coin, the ''railsplitter," as he was called.
and he was elected by a vote approximate !
ing l ,5OO, 600 less han the Democrats cast
III CACAA w CaAAO1A0UV6s Ink uAt16lOA |
merely temporary, for in 1864 they |
united in supporting General Geo. B. Nc
Clellan. Ever since then, notwithstanding
had been unsuccessful in every Presi-
Dental contest from 1860 down to 1884, |
except that of1S76-which they were shame
cheated out of,-the Democracy have
their party organization intact, |
stronger and stronger every year.
The defeats they met with, instead OF ex-
a weakening Or demoralizing inlu-
ence over them, contributed to inspire
them with a spirit of confidence and de-
1t was this spirit which
in the triumphant election Of
Grover Cleveland, restored to them the
administration.
The love OF country and the patriotic de-
votion to the free institutions created
by them form the secret OF their
to the great National crime
unseated their candidate and placed