The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-09-24
Friday. Sept. "a. 1886.
Political Parties.

We elieVe there is no instance re-
corded in the history Of q politica
party renewing its youth by adopting
new PRINCIPLES. The exigencies of the
times. moral evolution, if we may be
allowed the term. creates political
parties. A nation or community feels
that it needs change of policy OF
change of laws or both, to aid its better
development, and agitation for the pro-
posed change commences, weak and
infant like at first.
But if the theory prom ises to meet
the public desire it grows in popularity
as it is unfolded by its advocates, until
it draws supporters bv thousands. The
followers of the new doctrine or doct
rims. now assume the dignity of dis
tinct rartv with certain fundamental
principles, which it seeks to engraft on
the constitution of the state or nation.
If the party is successful in raising up
able leaders, and it's principles stand
the test of trial and com mand the con-
fidence of the majority in a popular
government all old PARTY opposition
gives wav before it, and the new policy
becomes a primary principle of the
government agitation is stayed, opposi
ton to theories that but little while
ago were opposed with the greatest
vehemance ceases, and like a smooth
stream the affairs of state glide noise
Iessly along under the control of its
new mar ayers. Voters and takers who
were animated bv principle settle quiet
ly back into business, and cease to give
themselves more than a passive con-
Germ about public affairs.
The office hunter, never rests. how
ever. and is more active, stealthy and
energetic, as the great public relaxes
its vigils, and the man whose trade is
politics. and whose revenues are all
drawn from the public treasury, works
his way to the front. He is jealous in
keeping mp party organization. He is
loud in his advocacy of the great prin-
ciples that have been endorsed by the
omnipotent majority, and in his de-
nunciations of the policy and princi-
nles that have run their course and
sleep quietly with the generation that
inscribed them on their banners and
made them for the time great and tri-
umphant. Look back over the history
of political parties in this republic and
the governments of Europe, and we
can find no party renewing its youth
by adopting new set of principles
which are yong and developing issues.
When tho growth of the age demands
the establishment of some new princi-
ple in political economy, the old parties
that supply officers to run the govern
ment, are firmly hell by professional
politicians who will listen tc no pro-
posed change, lest it endanger Il cir
hold on the offices, and their emolu-
ments. They attempt to square every
movement by the past. They eXtoI
the past greatness and brilliant history
of the party to which they belong, and
point with pride to its browning Wet
ories and heroic record. the advance IN
manufacturers trade and wealth the
nation has made under the wisdom ant
policy of the party; but there Is nc
such thing as an old party laying aside
its history and taking up the nc wer ant
Lying principles of the present day.
That such a condition of affairs Il
impossible, a moments reflection vii
make plain. Old parties are composed
of all classes who are all Of one mine
about the questions on which the part.
was established and made its his DRY
But when new questions in poiitica
economy arise men of the same part.
differ and their opinions are as widel.
divergent as the polls; hence an oil
party cannot adopt the living issue
which arise in the rapid growth Of