St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-05-16
A WORD IN SEASON.

A WORD IN SEASON.
1t is more in spirit of sorrow than of
anger that the GLOBE expresses its con-
demnation of the factional spirit now
existing in the Democratic party in this
state, and which threatens to disturb
the harmony of to-morrow's convention.
1t would be vain to attempt 10 ignore
the existence of factions, for the re-
spective fractional leaders have been at
great pains to give publicity to the fact,
as they have also been free i'll their eX-
preSSions of determination to make it a
war to the bitter death. In their pres
ent state of excitement and inhamed
passions it is possible that what we now
propose to say on this subject will be
have a hope that our counsel will be
listened to by the great mass of the
Democratic voters and by their repre-
SentativeS who Will assemble in conven-
ton tomorrow.
First of all, we wish it to be distinctly
understood that the GLOBE is not allied
with any faction. We are actuated
simply by desire to promote the wei
fare of the Democratic party and pur
pose to establish Democratic principles,
without regard to the success of indi
vidualS or to the qualification of their
selfish ambitions. We shall proceed to
discuss this matter in the light of prin-
ciple, without regard to who is hit or
missed in the discussion.
For once in its history the Democratic
party in Minnesota finds the golden OPP
portunity for success within sight. The
great revolution against the ring meth
DDS OF the dominant party two years
ago brought the Minnesota Democracy
to the borders of the promised land, and
they stand to-day waiting for the COM
mand to go forward and take possession.
The position taken by the national adj
miniStration on the tariff question has
strengthened the Democratic column in
this state. We feel assured of this, and
the opposition admit it.
Why, then, in this crisis in the party's
history should Democrats permit fac
ton to be injected into the party as a
disturbing and a destroying element?
Why should the great mass of the
party stand idly by and see their one
glorious chance for success dashed
from them through the Vaccinations of
a few leaders who are more bent on
personal ACKNOWLEDGEMENT than i'll
an effort to establish Democratic
principles? We make an appeal to
these ambitious leaders to reflect for a
moment upon the consequences of their
action, and if they are imbued with the
spirit of genuine Democracy we feel
assured they will agree with us that in
their reckless desire to gain personal
victories one over another they are
jeopardizing the cause in which they
are enlisted.
Democracy means equality. The
Democratic party is organized upon the
idea that all its members are peers,
One man is entitled to as much conSid-
Grafton as another, and no one is en-
titled to special prominence except as it
is bestowed upon him by the voluntary
action of his associates, as a recognition
of distinguishing abilities and faithful
service i'll the general cause.
Faction is not party. The former is
simply banding together of individual
aX-grinders for personal gains. The
latter is an organization for the promo
ton of a great principle. Democrats
| who have the cause of Democracy at
heart cannot afford to allow factional
strife to be engendered in their ranks,
nor to suffer factional leaders to inter-
pose their individual ambitions as OBJ
stacles i'll the way of party success.
When the representatives of our Min
neSota Democracy assemble in conven-
ton tomorrow we hope to see them
come together in spirit of harmony
and good feeling, in the full conscious
ness of the gravity of the situation and
of the responsibility resting upon them
as representatives to whom has been
committed an important trust. If there
is any one who is inspired with feel
ing of bitterness toward fellow Demo
crat, we hope he will strange his pref
udiceS at the threshold of the conven-
ton hall, and will go into the body fired
with patriotic zeal to do only that
which his own good sense will teach
him is the best for the Darty'S welfare.