The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1885-10-17
First Principles.


Ii is the duty of every man to be. able to
give reason for the faith that is IN him, IN
politics as we'll as religion. II questioned as
to why you are Democrat you should be
ready to answer promptly and intelIigently-
1t is because have been thoroughly indoc-
trinated in the Democratic faith, that having
studied the principles ofthe Democratic party
| accept them as the true theory of govern
ment.
What are the great cardinal principles OF
the Democratic party? They we're formulated
by Thomas Jefferson, the great apostle of
Democracy, and enunciated by him in his
first inaugural address, in the following clear
and concise language:
Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever
state or persuasion, religious or POLITICAL peace
commerce and honest friendship with all nations
entangling alliances with none; the support OF the
State governments in all their rights as the most
competent administrations for our domestic con-
Germs and the surest bulwarks against antlrepuDl-
can tendencies the preservation of the General coy
eminent in its whole constitutional vigor, as me
sheetanchor of our peace at home and safety aDroad
jealous of the right of election by the people;
a mild and safe corrective of abuses which are
Topped off by the sword of revolution, when peace
able remedies are nproyided; absolute acquleScenee
in the decisions Of the majoritythe vital principle
and Immediate parent of despotism; well discip-
lined milia-our best reliance in peace and for the
first moments of war. i'll regulars may releVe tnehi
the supremacy of the civil over the military autnor-
ity: economy in the public expense, that labor may
be lightly burdened honest payment OF our deDts
and sacred preservation of the public faith; encour
agement of agriculture, and of commerce, as us
handmaids; the diffusion of information, and the
Arrangements of all abuses at the bar OF puDllc
reason; freedom of religion; freedom OF ne press
freedom of person under the protection OF the hdoed
corpus; ana trials by juries impartialy selected.
these principles form the bright constitution when
has gone before u.s. and guided our steps through an
age of revolution and reform
A clearer and more forcible exposition of
democratic principles is nowhere to be found.
They are summarized from the constitution
itself, and proves the Democratic party to be
the party of the constitution. They have ever
continued to be the guide of that party, which,
fit ever has been misled for moment from
the path here marked out, it soon returned to
the road of honor and safety, and pursued it
with mistaken confidence.
These are the great fundamental principles
of the Democratic party, the principles Of the
constitution, and as such every Democrat
should revere and cherish them. They are
commended to the acceptance of all men who
cherish human rights and uphold good gov
eminent; and they commend to popular favor
the party whose political superstructure rests
upon so broad and solid foundation.
Not the principles only of the party, but its
practice, speaks trumpet-tonguedi in its favor.
From the foundation of the government until
the period of our late unhappy civil strife 1t
controlled the policy and shaped the destiny
of this great republic, cherishing its agricul-
ture, commerce and manufactures, and adding
to the public domain, until, from thirteen
small and defenceless colonies scattered along
the Atlantic coast, it now extends from the
Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the st. Johns
to the Gulf of Mexico, comprising hardy,
industrious and intelligent population OF 3d.
600, 900 of freemen. At the outbreak of the
civil war the reins of authority fell from its
grasp, and it's fortunes passed under cloud.
But, as it had been great in prosperity SO 1t
was great in adversely. For twenty four long
years it bore insult and contumely, oppres-
sion and fraud, and the most fragrant wrong
and outrage ever perpetrated upon a free
people Their patient endurance, however,
was equal to the trying ordeal; they relied
upon the power of the ballot for deliverance,
and that deliverance came. Like the Grecian
athlete, who, as often as he touched the ground
returned to the contest with renewed vigor, IN
1884, after many defeats and reverses, through
force, bribery, and fraud of the opposition
the democracy bore its banner to the front
inscribed with victory! Cleveland was elect
ed, and the might ofthe oppressor was broken!
Clinging to first principles, and with untaltcr-
ing faith in the power of the ballot the demee
raey emerged from this long night OF darkness
into the light ofopen day. Again they grasped
the reins of power and took firm hold OF the
helm ofthe ship of State. They put her about
Immediately, on another tack, to avoid the
rocks and shoals of extravaganza, corruption,
and the imminent danger Of wreck and de-
struction to which she was exposed by the
riotous and reckless crew in command. And
what is the result? Useless lubbers have been
dismissed, their pay cut off and retained IL
the treasury, their riotous living at public ex-
pensestopped, thieves and plunderers repealed
and thrown overheard, the ship scrubbed and
trimmed and piloted into calm sea favored
with prosperous breezes. So much for So
months Of Bem6eraHc management viii
Cleveland 1t the HEINZ
In national, State and copnty affairs, th'
principles Of the Democratic party and it
administration have proved eminently service
able to the people. The credit of this STATE
was never better; her bonds command prem
ium, and her debt is being rapidly reduced.
In our own county, ECONOMY" so highly
commended BY Mr. Jefferson, is the rule o
practice and our taxes are the lowest of any
county in the State. These results are the
outcome of adhersnceto Democratic princi
pies, and Democratic administration. Are
they not such as to commend the Democratic
party to the confidence of the people and t.
insure them an indefinite lease of power
The people are satisfied with the fruits o
Democratic administration and want nj
change, and while Democrats adhere to thu
principles of their party organization they vii
still be honored with the mace of authorit,
and be called to administer public affairs.
The Programme.