New-York tribune., 1885-03-03
JEFFERSON rs CLEVELAND.

II was ouite fitting that Democratic Journai
should publish yesterday, In Its euitorhii
columns in place of all advice to the PRESIDENT
elect or TO his followers, Mr.. Jefferson's lnaug-
nrol address. 1t will lead not few to edifying
contrasts between the republican simplicity
of Mr.. Jeffersons inauguration and the
elaborate display of the Inauguration this
week; between the long experience in pubic
station which had given to MIR. Jefferson
unriyaHed qualifications for the post of Presi-
dent and the scanty training in public affairs
which his successor this week iuaugurated VIII
possess; between the principles when Mr.
Jefferson enunciates i'll his address, anu
the practices for which the party called
by his name has for years been contend
ing. 1t was altogether fitting that these
contrasts should just now be brought home to
public attention, and the only wonder is thai
any Democratic journal should have dared TO
do it.
It will happen more than once during the
coming week. when thousands witness and
millions read about the gaudy display and
lavish extravaganza at the Capltai, thaU
men will ask themselves whether this was
the spirit in which Mr. Jefferson and
his followers entered upon the manage
ment of public affairs. 1t will be asked whether
the republican simplicity OF earlier days was
not on the whole preferable, and whether, amid
all the extravaganza end folly OF the reckless
wears which succeeded the war, there was ever
seen such an offensive display. Then men Will
ask whether this party, which deuged the land
with blood in order to save for itself the power
TO sell and to fog human beings and to live by
f,ot nr-nr rcd
glorious idea of Mr. Jefferson" equal and
exact Justice to all men," 1t viii be asked
whether this party, which now gives rein 10
fierce and vindictive joy because 1t has pre-
vailed by organized assassination IN hlteeh
States. by 'systematized fraud in Others, ana
bv foul aspersions of able and worthy public
servants-whether this party OF slander ana OF
tbe shotgun really believes with Mr. Jefferson
that il is of vital importance to have jealous
care of the right of election by the people"
There is hardly line in Mr. Jctlerson's
address that does not sting like wmp-iash.
when applied to the set of men who now stcai
his name and falsely profess regard for his
ideas. The severest condemnation with whlch
the performances of this week at Washington
can be visited will spring to the thoughts Oh
every man whD. contrasts the Inauguration ol
Thomas jefferson with the Inauguration oi
Grover Cleveland. Mr.. Jefferson, the states
man, the scholar, the man OF lofty intellect ana
devoted patriotism, who had served as the sore
Minister -Plenipotentiary OF the young hepuDhe
to all Europe, and afterward as Secretary Oh
State and as Vice President, was elected by
the popular choice. Mr.. Grover Cleveland,
man SO unknown that the party by which he
was supported has spent three months in send
ing exploring expeditions to Albany to find out
what sort of man he was. and what beliefs he
had, if any, was not elected by the people, but
by Southern shot-guns and Southern frauds.
There is indeed a fitness in reprinting Mr..
Jeffersons inaugural address just at this time,
and it would be well for the country if the
Democratic party could take to heart its
lessons