Lexington weekly intelligencer., 1886-06-05
A PLEA FOR JUSTICE.

EDITOR INTELLIGENCER: - One of
the best statements of the true theory
of our government is, that it is, or
should be, "a government of the peo-
pie, by the people, for the people," 1t
is manifest that in order for us to at
tain to all the good that is included in
this definition, and enjoy the full meas
ure Of the blessings of free government
every citizen should take an active
part, according to his ability, in every
movement affecting the government of
our country, or its material or moral
interests. 1t must be conceded that
the man who neglects to take part in
public affairs, or who in any public
crisis refuses when opportunity offers,
to take an open, bold stand for the
right, as his judgment approves, falls
far short of his duty as a citizen. He
who persistently shirks all of this re-
sponsibility is certainly not entitled to
public favor, honor or position. We,
as democrats. believe that the suprem-
acy of the principles of our party in
the administration of our government
al affairs is essential to the perpetuity
of our free government as organized
and intended by its founders. That
man, be he whom he may, who calls
himself democrat, and who has failed
and refused to attend upon the councils
OF his party when opportunity offered,
and has failed and refused to exercise
lively interest for Its welfare, or, in
other words, who has kept himself ell
tirely aloof from all participation in
the meetings, efforts and struggles OF
his party, is certainly not proper or
deserving person upon whom to be-
stow the gifts and honors OF that party,
much less is he the man to honor above
another who has been constant and
untiring in word and deed, with purse,
tongue and pen in every emergency,
always to advance its principles and in
terests and to secure its success. Given
equal personal integrity and ability,
which one of these characters should
the party support? Stop and think,
and answer this question as all abstract
proposition OF right, justice and good
Judgment, before any prejudice can
come in Oh account of the application
which follows. ask you, young men,
for your verdict. Fathers OF the demo.
cracy, need l appeal to you?
These reflections have been suggested
by the race for the democratic nOmina-
ton for circuit clerk between Mr.. G,
B. Daniel and Charles L. Ewing. AS
to their qualifications / will concede that
neither has the advantage. Mr. Daniels
experience being fully balanced by Mr.
Ewing's superior natural abilities and
general information. 1t is but the
humbug of man already in office
when he claims that he will make q
better or more efficient officer because
OF his experience. Such plea, when
granted, gives life tenure to any fair
ly competent officeholder. There have
been as good before, and will be a.
good after them. A little thought onl,
Is sufficient to expose the humhug anC
selfishness OF such claim.
But judged by the standard of pub.
lie spirit, and the comparison as made
in the first OF this communication, Mr.
Daniel sinks out of sight. Even hi
most ardent advocate cannot point to &
single instance of his participation il
public Or party affairs except being ,
candidate for office and depositing hi
ballot Oh election day. In The twenty.
seven or eight years of his residenc,
among us, he has, with the exceptions
named, been Withdrawn into himsel
with never word, act or deed for hi
country or his party. Never has hi
even given the clash O. his thumb" fo
any soul save only himself.
On the other hand, Mr.. Ewing ha
been IN the thlckest of the fight, ant
has "borne the heat and burden of tn
day" He has always taken part il
every party movement, and an active
earnest, honest ,able part, and by ever
means In his power worked for the in
Z terest of the party in the success O
, whose principles he believed and still
: believes. rests the hope and safety @
the country. This is all known. VIII
, need repeat it? Voters of the demo
!, cracy, whose course do you approve
, Whom will you reward? What is tn
conclusion of your minds upon the fact
i, set before you? l believe your sens
|, of justice will guide you right.
SPERO