Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1889-04-02
Hon..W. L. Wilson TO the Young
Men of PhIadeIphia.

w. Z. Wilson to the Young Mems
Democratic Club of Philadelphia,
since published in the proceedings of
their banquet. Mr.. Wilson was the
speaker of the Ohio Club, of Cincin-
natl, on January 8, and was there
fore unable to attend the Philadelphia
celebration:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
WAsHINeToN. d. c., January 9Th. 1891
Aessrs. John CndtcdLddes. President ". r.
Wright and Others Committee.
GFNTLEMEE:-I regret that shall not be
able TO attend the dinner Of the Young Mems
Democratic Club of Philadelphia, on January
Sth, aud respond to the toast assigned me.
Recent events full of disappointment to our
party. and, as we sincerely believe, not with
out detTimeut to our country, give TO yonr cell
ebratton of the day more than usual signi6-
canoe. 1t lie not the great victory of Andrew
jackson the Soldier, but the greater victory of
Andrew jackson the Statesman thai we COM
meinorate on this anniversary. In tile per-
petual struggle which has been going on since
the foundation of our government, between
the spirits of Democracy fighting for equal
rights and equal citizenship, and the spirit of
privilege fighting TO control the government
for Its own aggrundizement. General Jackson
fought a desperate battle and slined glo-
rious victory. In the past few weeks. another
leader, equally faithful to the people, and
equally courageous In their championship.
has. Ia this same traditional struggle. tonight
against greater odds and suffered temporary
defeat As the strength of the Bank in the
struggle of 1882 will always stand rs Jacksons
Justification for effccting its overthrow, before
1t grew too strong for the people, so the
greater strength shown by the close combina-
ton of private interests that control and draw
wealth from our system of taxation, will not
only be the justification of Grover Cleveland
Il eNa.
people. but will win imperishable honor to a
President whose fidelity to his trust was
greater than his personal ambition.
The fight for lower taxes is night for higher
manhood a fight against the ignohle rule of q
class ar mOncycd power in this country. The
necessary methods and the characteristic wea-
pons OF such power. were fully disclosed
IN the recent campaign. The instincts of
those instincts and win a victory at the polls,
only BY appeals TO Ignorance and prejudice,
and BY the systematic corruption of the cleo
tive franchise. No one will deny that the use
OF money by the Republican party to purchase
votes in the late election was open. lavish and
Widespread. and in view of the meagre majority
secured In the great pivotal State. where
those corruption funds were chiefly expended
we arc fully justified in claiming that the cleo
ton was not the deliberate verdict of the peo-
pie in favor of the present system of class tax
| alton, and that we have every encouragement
10 continue the fight with more energy and
fuller confidence than ever before.
Let 1t not escape our attention that the is
sues OF this contest between the parties are
moro momentOus than the reduction of sur
plus taxes. The policies ard ideas of the Re
publican party foster selfish and degraded
patriotism. because they teach the citizen to
use his right of suffrage not to secure good
government for all-which Is the sole condi-
tion on which free institutions are worth
Mountaineering to secure some personal and
pecIniary benefit for himself. 1t is to-day not
only using the tariff. but perYerting our pen
sion system to rally to its support all who de-
/ sire to vote themselves dividends out of the
public treasury. Such ideas inevitably pro-
duce corrupted franchise. for if some men
are to make money out of the operations of
the government, shall not others demand pay
in advance for voting them into control of the
government?
The ideas and policies of the Democratic
party on the other hand foster patriotism
that Is unselhsh. and thus directly tend to the
preservation of the ballot. They offer nothing
to the citizen in requital for his vote except
wise and frugal government. in whose bles-
sings all shall sllare equally. and none by law
be given an undue advantage over others
This is a great and inspiring cause for which
to strive. and one so sure of ultimate victory
that we need not disqnict ourselves over any
present defeat.
Rather let us rejoice that our party is to
day so fully and so zealously united in de-
fcnsc of its great traditional policies. and let
us pay deserved tribute to President Glove
land to whom this is SO largely due.
It was said of Augustus that he fOnnd Rome
brick and left it marblc.-it may truly be said
of the President that he found his paFtF- efteF
its long punishment from power. a combina-
ton of loosely tied'forccs of opposition to the
Republican party. and that hy his leadership.
he has made and leaves It great organism.
instinct with life. and rallied ON great princi-
pies which it understands, believes in and is
eager to champion. Most truly Yours.
WM l.. WILSON. L