The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-04-22
Victorious Still.

OlcN tltttlu VIC ioFO u@t LIN SNNoAoAi' 49,
any of the pivotal States to indicate
Whether the Democratic policy, as
pursued in the communities there, was
holding its own, gaining ground
or losing supporters. After passing
through the stirring political events of
the last year. the people very naturally
would desire to know if the policy, re-
ceived with so many misgivings at
first. was receiving still the hearty
support of its friends after one years
experience of its operation. This In
formation was furnished by the result
of the municipal elections. held on the
18th instant, in the cities of Albany,
Hoboken, New Brunswick and Jersey
City, as far as these communities may
indicate the popular sentiment of that
section of our great country. In each
of these cities a very pronounced Demo-
crat was chosen Mayor by handsome
majorities; and in Albany, N T., Mr..
j. B. Thacher was elected by an in
creased majority over that received by
Mr.. Cleveland in the Presidential cleo
tion of 1884.
We cannot, of course, count too much
upon these facts, but there are many
malcontents and political cranks in
every quarter of the United States,
who have left no stone unturned by
which they could depreciate the policy
of the present National Administra-
tion and who have been trying to prove
that it's course has been such as to
hazard the success of the party in 1888.
They have been dealing especially in
very unfavorable criticisms of Mr..
Cleveland's policy as regards the Civil
Service Reform, his independence of
party rule and almost stubborn dis
regard of their own peculiar notions as
to his conduct in office. TO these
gentlemen, therefore, these elections
in the pivotal States of New York and
New Jersey point significant moral
and, in the future, may adorn doleful
tale.
We rather admire partisanship in the
ordinary political affairs of life and
would not object seriously to it in
matters of county and State politics,
but when we come to such an office as
the Presidency of great Republic like
the United States, we would infinitely
prefer craftsmanship to partizanship in
the conduct of National affairs. 1t is
the soul of a political party and with
out it party cannot live. Statesman
ship is the outgrowth of genuine
patriotism and if the latter exist in the
rank and file of a party, the former
will control it and perpetaate its
power. In the administration of Mr..
Cleveland during the last year, there
are many elements of a pure and exalted
craftsmanship which will compare
favorably with the days of Calhoun,
Webster and Clay-the period of the
greatest glory and power Of our party.
But when love of country yields to love
of spoil then craftsmanship must give
place to partizanship and the country
is on the high road to mob-rule and
anarchy. Under the principles that
control the policy'of Mr.. Cleveland we
are assured that the Democratic party
will live on to bless this nation with
liberty, prosperity and union in spite Of
the croakings of cranks and the opposi-
tion of anti-administration journals.
An election to-day would give Mr..
Cleveland his Office by an ur.doubted
majority, and if no greater sins be COM
mitted than those laid ut the doors of
Mr.. Cleveland now, the election of 1888
will give the same result. The Demo-
cratic party is still victorious and will
grow stronger as wisdom controls her
councils and craftsmanship directs her
actions.