Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-10-06
From the Lexington Gazette
Why are you a DemOcrat?"

The question-our title line-was asked
us few days since by Republican now
prominent in politics. Democratic born
and bred as we are, brought forth an an
swer which we find ready to give on the
slightest intimation, if you want to know
aDhy aoe are Democrat. In the first place.
in accordance with our most honest convic-
ton, we believe the Democratic Doctrine to
be the soupdest policy advanced for the
free government of our grand government
tai structure of free and fearless people,
against the one-man-power clique, ring, or
any other system now in force with the
sanction Of corrupt Republican party,
who, while in power, squandered the funds
of an over-taxed people to the benefit of a
few and against the interest of the indus
tries of our trade, and by big steals, falsi-
flying of accounts, improper use of funds
by high officials and other corrupt methods,
forced the popular will of the people, as in
'76, to succumb to the minority of Office
holders, their hangers-on and dirty-work
doors, to retain them in power. Now as a
national party they are out of power, SINH
lar methods of corruption are being brought
to play to regain that power lost by betray-
ing the trust of the freest people on earth.
Secondly, we are Democrat because we
knoU its doctrine, policy, and records OF
past and present administrations prove to
us conclusively, that for the proper ad-
vancement of our National standing as a
nation, as nation of commerce, as nation
Of war power to demand respect at the
hands of crowned heads of the old world,
as to the proper care of our home manufac
lures, the fostering and succoring Of the
same against the pauper labor of Europe
the true principles of a free government as
mapped out by our illustrious predecessors.
we must have government honest in its
platform, and strict adherence to the same
in the administration of the policy of oul
National Constitution as laid down.
We are democrat because the republi
cans are corrupt, and if given an undisputeo
sway in the management of our Nationa
offices, would swamp this, the grandest
government under the armament And
again, we are Democrat to aid in the sup
preston Of Black Fridays, frauds of '76
Florida and Louisiana Returning Boards
Electoral counts Is to y, stock jobs, big
steals, whiskey rings, stuffed ballot boxes
intimidation of the free voters, and many
other heinous crimes against our good PEG
pie, which stand out in black letters charged
against republican administration.
Again, we believe and it has been proven
that the Republicans are party of prom
Uses, while on the other hand the Democrat
ic party is one of action. 1t has been fully
demonstrated that democratic doctrine en-.
forced, as it is, under the present admins
tration, is strong in its purposes, true to it's
promises and unwavering in its administra-
tive policies to the improvement of the PEG.
pie and their interests, knowing no North,
no South, but working to the very best in.
tercsts of the entire country. The policy
of the Republicans in power for rs long
years, was for the benefit of the few to the
injury of the many.
The civil service of Cleveland is pointed
out as an example of broken promises to the
party now at the helm, but to all let it be
understood, when Cleveland's term shall
have expired, by the aid of all true Demo-
Gratis our government, from the high to the
low, will be purified of that foul corruption
which has SO long hung over us by misman.
agement, bribing and other republican
schemes worked by ike Office holders.
Democrats, to your places in line with
honest men and an honest free government.
We are democrats because of the purity Of
the doctrine and its records.