The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-19

in them-and some of the public men who
have received their accommodations, un-
doubtedly stand exceptions to these gen.
eral remarks. But these exceptions serve
only to illustrate the generality of the truth
1 have stated.
What then is to be done? For existing
evils where is the remedy? That the bank
ing system, as at present organized, can CO.
exist with public liberty, 1 pronounce utterly
impossible. Effective reformation Is not
within the power of the FEDERAL Govern
ment; but the people of the States can.
through their respective Legislatures, accom-
plish the redemp ption of the country from the
despotism of this system.
AS it regards the subject Of the currency,
the question is not whether we will have the
circulation exclusively metallic; but,
whether we will have it exclusively paper.
Both clrcuIations may exist without blend
irg into currency usually denominated
'm1xed." It is this very mixture of incon-
gruous elements which eIcites a strife, in
evitably resulting in the expulsion of the
better medium. The paper medium was de-
vIsed for commercial operations, and IL
should be confined strictly to those transac-
lions which partake of a commercial char
acter. But chartered monopolies are not
necessary to the existence of such a paper
circulation; nor is a sound and ample system
Of credit at all dependent upon such monop-
olies One of the fraudulent delusions of the
banking system consists in the success OF it's
advocates in blending together a paper cir
culation, the credit system, and corporate
monopolies as three essential properties OF
one compound idea-when, in truth, they are
things in themselves distinct without any
necessary dependence upon each other.
But as it was my intention to exhibit only
the political relations of this system as at
present organized, for bear further to remark
upon the question of currency.
And now. men of Fairfield, my fellow-citi-
zens, my friends aged and young, 1 thank
you; with all my heart do / thank you-for
your hospitalities, your attention this day.
have spoken the solemn convictions of my
Judgment have assailed a system, which.
though supported by thousands of our citi-
zens, of the purest patriotism, and from
motives the most innocent. is chiefly sus-
| tained by thousands of others from far diff
| ferent considerations. have assailed it as a
system which 1 view as dangerous to the
liberties Of my country. have spoken with
the freedom of q man, himself free, to an
audience of freemen.
Democracy is a sentiment not TO be ap-
palled, corrupted or com promised. 1t knows
no baseness; it covers to no danger; It op-
presses no weakness. Fearless, generous and
uumAne, IL reDukes the arrogant, cnerlSnes
honor and sympathizes with the humble. II
comedies nothing but what 1t demands. De.
structive only of despotisn, it is the sole con.
| servator of liberty, labor and property. il
| is the sentiment of freedom. of equal rights
OF equal obligations. 1t is the law of nature
pervading the law of the land. The stupid
the selfish, and the base in spirit may de
nounce 1t as a vulgar thing; but in the his
| tory of our race. the democratic principle hal
developed and illustrated the highest mora
and intellectual attributes of our nature
| Yes, that is q noble. magnsnimous, q subIim,
sentiment, which expands our affections, en-
larges the circle of our sympathies and ele
! Yates the soul OF man, until, claiming al
/ equality with the best, he rejects, az unwor
| thy of his dignity, any political immunitie
| over the humblest of his fellows. Yes-it ii
an ennobling principle-and may that spiri
| which animated our fathers, in the revolu
| tianary contest for its establishment, con
/ tinue to animate US, their sons, in the i'm
pending struggle for its preservation.