The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-28


uals be untruthful and dishonest Oh
course, In the supremacy of a party there
are advantages TO its members-and this is
not amiss. But when high party aims
and professions are lost sight OF, or aban.
doned, and the benetir Of oflice-holding
and personal polf are all that remain to
inspire party activity, not only is the con-
fldence OF those relieG on for patriotic
support forfeited, but the elements OF CO.
hesion andof effective aud lasting political
strength are gone. The honest differences
OF opinion that must always exist upon
questions OF principle and public policy
should furnish abundant occasion for the
existence OF parties, and point out their
field of usefulness. Tho study and discus
sion of these questions cannot fail 10 result
in more valuable citizenship and more in
teligent and better equipped partisans.
When we seek for the cause of the per-
petuity OF the Democratic party and its
survival through every crisis aud emer-
gency, and in the face OF all opposition,
we find it in the fact that It's corner stone
is laid in devotion TO the rights OF the peo-
Pile and sympathy with all things which
tend TO the advancement of their welfare
and happiness. Though heresy NAV
sometimes have crept Into lis organiza.
ton, and though party conduct may at
times have been influenced by the shift
ness which il tho habit and advice OF its
opponents. there has always remained
deeply inbedded In its nature aud char.
acter that spirit Of true Amoricanism and
that love OF popular right which has made
Il indestructiblc In disaster and defeat
and has constituted II boon 10 the coun,
try in its time OF triumph and supremacy.
The great founder OF our party, rs he
consecrated himself by q solemn oath 10
the faithful performance OF tho duties of
the Presidential Office and pledged him
self 10 the preservation, protection and
defense Of the Constitution, after present.
ing to his assembled fellow-countrymen
the causes Of congratulalion, found In the
condition OF our country aud the charac-
ter OF our people, imi ressivcly added I:
with all these blessings, what more Is
necessary TO make us happy and pros.
porous people7' Still one thing more.
iellow-citizcns; A wise and frugal gov
eminent which shall restrain men from
injuring one another--slall leave them
otherwise free TO regulate their own pur-
suits OF industry aud improvements
shall not take from tho mouth Of labor
the bread II has earned. This Is the sum
OF good government, add this Is necessary
10 close the circle Of our felicities.
In the lexicon OF true Democracy these
words are not obsolete, but they still fur
nish the inspiration Of our efforts and in
depreciation OF our political faith. Hap
PLY the party creed which We profess is
not within such narrow lines as that ODE.
dencc does not pernit3s 10 move abreast
with the advanced thoUsbt OF the country,
and TO meet and test every question aud
apply principle 10 every situation. True
Democracy, staunch in lis adhesion TO
fundamental doctrine, Ia at the same time
IN proper sense progressive. IL recog-
nizcd our growth and expansion and the
birth OF new thought ana sentiment. IL
will judge them all by saio Standards, and
In all stages Of national Development II will
be- prepared 10 answer, as they ARISE every
need OF the people aud every popular
want
True Democracy honesty advocates na-
tional brotherhood 10 tho end that all our
fellow countTymen may aid in the achieve
mcnl Of the grand destiny which awaits
us OK q nation, and II condemns that pro-
text Of liberaliiy and harmony, which,
when partisan advantage Is TO be gained,
gives way 10 inilammaiory appeals 10 sec
tional hate and passion. II insists upon
that equality before the law which con-
ccdes the care and protection OF the Gov
eminent 10 simple method and cit zenship.
II does not favor the multiplication OF
offices and salary merely 10 make partisans
nor use the promise. and bcstowal Of
place for the purpose Of sitting the press
and bribing the people. ltseaks 10 tighten
the burden OF life In every home aud TO
take from the citizen for the cost Of gov
crnmcnt, the lowest possible tribute.
We know that We have cspoused the
cause Of right aud justice. We know that
We have not permitted dnty TO country 10
wait upon expedicncy. We.know that we
have not traiiickcd ouf convictions for
success We know thh we have not de-
coiyed the people with false promises aud
prctenscs. and we know that We have not
corrupted nor betrayed the poor with the
money Of the rich.
Who shall say that thoso things promise
no reward aud that triumph shall not fol-
low the enlightened Judgment aud the
sober second thought OF our countrymen?
There arc today no weak, weary and
respondent members oitho true Democ.
racy-and there should be none. Thought.
iul attention 10 political topics Is thor
oughly aroused. Events are day by day
leading men 10 review tho reasons for
their party affiliations, and tho supporters
Of the principles We profess arc constantly
recruited by intelligent, young and sturdy
Lot Us deserve their confidence; and,
all ignoblc practices, lot us re-
main sieadiast 10 Democratic faith aud 10
the cause Of our country. II We are truo
and loyal 10 these tho day OF our triumph
will surely and quickly come, and our vic
tory will fairly DO won through the In
yincible spirit Of truo Democracy.