The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-09-16
AMERICAN PUBLIC OPINION.

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Public opinion is the grand total, or
rather The general average of the charac-
ter and intelligence of nation or com
munity. It's power for good or evil is as
irresistible as the influence Of the sun.
Like the suns rays. it gives life makes
health or sickness. growth or decay. 1t
keeps the quiet calm of living peace,
within and without. Or it makes revo-
lutions, commissions and general storms.
Possibly the power and excellence
of the public opinion of the civilized
world has never been so strongly illus
trated as within few months past, when
the discreditable effort of Russia 10 seize
Bulgaria was brought to an instant halt;
as the light and reprobation Of the ma
tions was cor centrated upon the.place and
the act. Then the Empire of Russia
quailed and skunk away convicted and
ashamed. In our land now the two
great parties, each almost regarding it,
self as the nation, are but champions,
contending for superiority in the
light of American public opinion
Many politician will fall in the strife,
and may be he doom OF many be sealed
But at last The great contest is what
phase of opinion, what policy shall for a
time prevail. The great existence, the
American nation will move onveered, in
fluenced for awhile, disturbed, perhaps,
but moving right on The soul of America
is imperishable. A thousand forces I'M
der Heaven contribute to its perfection
and power and life. In this woman ap-
pears and exercises her best sway. Out
side of contests and conflicts, and above
them, her influence is purest and most
powerful Mothers, sisters, sweethearts,
wives inspire, guard and sanctify the
springs of National life and public opin-
ion. social circles, clubs, societies, cham
bers, associations, Sunday schools,
prayer meetings and a bold and enter
prising press, respectable and responsible
citizens and IN embers Of families, honest
employees and business men everywhere,
from their centres. send out influences
and exercise power for the enlightment
and enlargement of the mind and soul OF
the nation-ihat we call public opinion
The character and thought of every one
is an element Of the great result-the
power that rules the laud.
To our minds Democratic doct zine has
never stood before the world so clearly
enunciated so positive, and so identified
as embodyirg the great ideas of the
American Republic. And certainly the
Republican party could never appear at
a greater disadvantage than when its
candidate is compelled TO approve all the
principles Of the Democratic platform,
and finds himself driven to peryert the
meaning Of its assertions and
impugn its motives Could any.
thing be more undignifed or more
unmanlyy Fortunately the Democratic
President ha; record that by very con-
trast conyicls and condemns his assail
ant. In deed and word President Cleye-
land is before the world. as man incapa-
BILE of subterfuges whose word stands
for his act; who means the thing he says.
America has reached mans estate, is TOO
wise to be deluded by heresits or TO be
frightened out Of It's manhood. The
American people will not allow them
selves to be penned up and fenced In 10
be fed on by monopolisis American
consumers for American monopolists Is
medieval tyranny.