Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-08-19

In them-and some of the public men who
have received their accommodations. un-
doubtedty stand as exceptions TO these gem
eral remarks. But these exceptions serve
only to illustrate the generality of the truth
/ have stated.
evils where is the remedy? That the bank
ing system, rs 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-.
pIish the redemption 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 circuIstions may exist without blend
ing into a currency usually denominated
Hm1xed." It is this very mixture of incon-
gruous elements which excites strife, in
evitably resulting in the expulsion of the
better medium. The paper medium was de-
vlsed for commercial operations, and It
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 paper
circulation; nor is a sound and ample system
VI CEoOlb NJ Ill u0penutnb upon buCh AhOhOP-
olies. One of the fraudulent delusions of the
banking system consists in the success OF its
advocates in blending together 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 1t was my intention to exhibit only
the political relations of this system as at
present organized, Iforbear further to remark
upon the question of currency.
And now, men of Fairfield, my fellow-c
zens, my friends aged and young, 1 thank
you; with ali my heart do I thank you--for
your hospitalities, your attention this day.
1 have spoken the solemn convictions of my
judgment. have assailed system, which,
though supported by thousands Of our citi-
zens, Of the purest patriotism, and from
motives the most innocent, is chiefly Bus.
tained by thousands of others from far dif.
ferent considerations have assai1ed 1t
system which view as dangerous to the
liberties of my country. Ihave spoken with
the freedom of u man, himself free, to an
audience of freemen.
Democracy is sentiment not to be ap-
palled, corrupted or compromised. It knows
no baseness; it covers to no danger; it OPP
presses no weakness Fearless, generous and
humane, it rebukes the arrogant, cherishes
honor and sympathizes with the humble. It
comedies nothing but what IL demands. De-
structive only of despotism, 1t is the sole con-
servator of liberty, labor and property. 1t
is the sentiment of freedom, of equal rights,
OF equal obligations. It is the law of nature
pervading the law of the land. The stupid,
the selfish, and the base in spirit may de-
nounce it as vulgar thing; but in the his
tory of our race, the democratic principle has
developed and illustrated the highest moral
and intellectual attributes of our nature.
Yes, that is a noble, magnanimous, o sublime
sentiment, which expands our affections, en-
larges the circle of our sympathies and ele-
Yates the soul of man, until, claiming an
equality with the best, he rejects, as unwor-
thy OF his dignity, any political imznunities
over tfc humblest of his fellow. Yes-it is
an enaobling Pr!acIpie-sui may that spirit
vkivn animated our fathers, in the revoIu-
tianary contest for its establishment, con-
tinue TO animate us, their sons, in the im-
pending struggle for its preservation.