Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1889-05-28
sneenh from Mr.. Cleveland.

Hotel. New York. To tie toast, Our
Gnest u Mr.. Cleveland responded. Touch
inc nnon political matters be said:
II have been honored by my party far BE-
yopd nv deserts. After six years OF pubic
service return to you, my party friends.
now take my place in the ranks, more con-
yiaced than ever that the cause OF true de-
mocracy is the cause Of the people. come
to YOU with no excuse or apology, and Win
no confession of disloyelty. 1t is not gwen
to man to meetall the conflicting views CT
party duty and party policy which prevail
in an organization where individual opinion
is go freely tolerated as in the democratic
party. If with sincere design and intent one
charged with party representation mas kept
party faith that must answer his obligation.
No man can lay down trust which he has
held in behalf of the people, and fetl mat at
all times he has net ip the best possible
manner the requirements OF his trust, or he
is net derelics in duty If he has conscen
,iously devoted his efforts and judgment to
tne ueople's service. | have deliberately
pIaced ia close connection loyalty to demo-
cratic principles end devotion 10 the Interests
of the peol IL, for in my view they belong to-
gether and should mean the same thing. But
in this day of partisan feeling it is well for us
TO pause and consider the truth that the only
justification for the existence OF any party IS
the claim that in principle and performance
its objects are the promotion of the pubic
good. the advancement and welfare OF the
entire country. Ali party platforms make
this the foundation of party creed. any
BODY OF men who should openly proclaim
thew were associated together for the pur-
pose of gaining supremacy in the govern
ment with the sole intent OF distributing
the offices and the spells of victory among
narty associates would be treated with
scorn and ridcule. In the supremacy ola
party there are advantages for its members,
and this is not amiss. But when high par
ty aims are lost sight of, and the benefit of Of
| Gceholding and personal pelf ere all that re-
| main to inspire party activity, the elements
of cohesion, as we'll as public confidence ana
political strength, are lost. When we seek
| for the cause of the perpetuity of the demo-
cratic party and its survival through every
crisis and emergency In the face OF all oppo
sition, we find it in the fact that its corner
stone ia laid in devotion to the
right: of the people and sympathy with
all things which tend to the ad-
vancement of their welfare and happi'
ness. Though heresy may sometimes have
|
party conduct may at times have been irtiu
enced by the shiftlessness which ia the
habitual device of its opponents, there has
ALWAYS remained deeply imbedded n its
nature and character that spirit of true
Americaniem, that love Of popular rights,
which has made it indestructible in disaster
and defeat and constituted it boon TO the
country. The great founder of our party,
as ne consecrated himself by solemn oath
and pledged himself to tho preservation,
protection, and defense of the constitution,
added with all these blessings, what more
| is necessary to make us happy and pres
porous people? One thing more. wise
and frugal government, which shall restrain
men from in;using one another, shall leave
them otherwise free 10 regulate their own
pursuits Of industry and Improvement, and
shall not take from the mouth of labor the
bread it has earned. This is the sum OF
good government and this is necessary to the
close circle of our feicitie5.' In the lexicon
of true democracy these words are not OBJ
soiete and still furnish inspiration. Happi-
ly the party creed which we profess is not
within such narrow lines az that obedience
| TO it does not permit us to move abreast Of
the advanced thought of the country, and
meet and test every question, aud apply
principle to every situation. True democrs-
CIV, staunch in adhesion to the funda-
mental doctrine, is at the came time
progressive, recognizes our growth and
expansion aud the birth of new
thought and sentiment will judge them all
| By safe standards, and be prepared to an.
sWer every need of the people, and every
popular want. True democracy honestly
advocates a national brotherhood to the
end that ali our fellow .countrymen may aid
10 the achievement OF the grand destiny
which awaits us as nation. Ii condemns
that pretext Of lberality which, when parti-
can advantage is to be gained, gives way to
| i3llammetory appeals TO sectional nate and
passions 1t seeks to tighten the burden OF
life in every home. and take from the citi
Zan for the cost Of government the lowest
possible tribute we know that we have
espoused the cause Of right and justice. We
know that we have not traflicked principles
for success have not corrupted nor betray
ed the poor with the money OF the rich.
There are to day no weak, weary, and de-
spondent members of tho true democracy.
There should be none. Thoughtful atten
ton to political topics is thoroughly aroused.
Events are day BY day leading men to re
view the reasons for their party affiliations
and the supporters of the principles we pro-
TESS are constantly received by intelligent
young and sturdy adberents. Let us de-
serve their confidence. Stunning ignoble
practices let us remain steadfsst to the demo-
cratic faith and to the cause OF our country.
If true and loyal to these the cay of our tri-
umph will surely aud quickly come, and our
victory shall be fairly and nobly WOO,
through the invincibie spirit of true democ-
racy.
The Forum for June has been received
from its publishers in New York. Its con-
tents are: Corrupt Political Methods, by
Senator Geo. F. Edmunds The Drift To