The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-06-15
The Ex-President's Speech.
From the Washington Post


The remarks Of Mr.. Cleveland at the ban
auet given in his honor by the Young Men s
Democratic Club Of New York are 50 CON
servaiive and sensible, and will be accepted
as so generally free OF unfair partisan bias,
that readers Of all shades Of political faith
NAV read them with profit and pleasure. The
speech will certainly stand the test OF candid
criticism from any direction, in point Of man
illness, dignity, and ingenious declaration OF
principle.
We find in it few il any traces Of the pro-
fessional politician aud nothing that can be
considered in the nature Of an inappropriate
reference 70 himself in the past OF as 70 the
future. When he states that mo man eau
lay down a trust which he has heid IN behalf
Of a generous and conhding people and feel
that at ell times be has me; IN the best posi-
BILE way the requirements Of has trust, BE
simply reeouuts the experience OF every one
who has been called 70 positions Of weighiy
and official responsibility. The best Of men
the best Of Presidents-may fall into occa-
sional errors of policy OF make here and there
an unfortunate appointment, or approve OF
reject measures concerning which on sahse-
auent reflection, the contrary action might
appear the better; bat these exceptions % 3
general rule of wisdom. hdelity, and sound
craftsmanship and an unvaFying purpose 20
deal Justly with any public question form not
even the shadow or suggestion OF al lndlci-
ment against an honest administration. Mr..
Cleveland answers for himself and oil when
ne saws: "He Is not deFelict IN dGty It be
has eonseieutiousiy devoted bis efforts and
MS Judgment to the peoples service
As TO the necessity OF parties. Mr. Iieye-
land finds its abundant occasion ~ the
differences ef opinion that must always exist
upoa questions Of principle aad pabl'e
pohcv.H These differences point oat the
field OF usefulness Discussion results "a
more valuable citizenship aad more inielli-
gent and better equipped psrtlsansi bat ~
order that party politics may not stand IN -
own way, and in the way Of the pablie vel.
fare. Mr.. Cleveland states the hroad and
patriotic proposition that parties should.
no more than individuals. Be uHtruibtni or
dishonest"
There Is no maganmpery in Tits pFoposi-
ton. Ii Is Of the essence Of polifieal sagaeliF
and public morality Equally wiss aRd traa
Is the further statement that when high party
aims and professions are lost SIGHT Of N the
greed for Office As a means % personal emoi-
nment or merely serdid ambition, the ele.
ments of effective aud lasting political strength
are gone.
M. Cleveland eaters into no elaborate
analysis Of the issues B0w before The country.
IN q few well.chosen words be depreeales
infammstory appeals 20 sectional hate aud
passion: opposes the multiplication Of Offices
merely for Offices sake, and urges an exaetion
from the citizen Of the lowest possible tribute
for the support Of the Government.
Altogether the address Is in excellent form
throughout-oalm. dispassionaie, and earnest
Ia clean cot profession Of faith IS the faith
Is in him. Il is also characterized BY 4 per
sonal modesty and evident indispositios 70
pose as the peculiar and distinguished guest
Of the evening thar reflect the highest credit
on the speakers good taste, nor are We aay-
where unnecessarily, nowhere Internationally,
reminded that he has bat lately occupied The
most exalted position ia the political giii Of
bis eountrymeg.