The Delta independent., 1889-06-04
DEMOCRACY DEFINED.
Address by Cleveland at q Banquet
Given in His Homer in
New York,

Given in His Homer in
New York.
New YORK, May 27.-The Young
Mems Democratic Club of this city ex-
tended q banquet Of welcome to cx-Presi-
dent Cleveland at the Fifth Avenue Hotel
this evening. Nearly 800 of the leaders of
the Democratic party were present. The
cheers were long and loud when tho ex
President entered the banquet hall. He
submitted to the handshaking of many
guests for an hour before taking his scat at
the table. Mr.. Cleveland was dressed in
a somber suit OF black. There was moro
OF the glow Of health in his face than at
the time he retired from the Presidency.
He appeared in the best of spirits. All
factions Of tho Democracy were repre-
'scntcd at the banquet-Tammany, the
County Democracy, the officers Of the Re-
form Club and the various other Demo
cratic clubs of this city and Brooklyn. The
march in tho banquet hall was led by
President Arnold alone. He was followed
by ex-President Cleveland, Governor Hill,
and Mayor Grant in the order named, each
escorted by q member of the club, under
whose auspices the banquet was given. At
the main table was the guest Of the even
ing, on the right of the president of the
club. Others in places of honor were Gov
ernor Hill, Mayor Grant, cx-Ministcr to
England Phelps, w. L. Scott, G. +. Black,
ex-Sccrctary Fairchild, Ex-Governor
Hoadly, OF Ohio, and p. A. Collins. About
seven long tables laid at right angles 70 the
stes talt hnn
drcd other banqueters. Before the guests
took their seats Mr.. Cleveland was ten
dcrcd On impromptu ovation. When the din
ner had been fairly started an orchestra
began rendition OF selections Of music
which continued a. intervals during the
banquet.
When the presiding officer introduced
Mr Cleveland there was furore of ap-
piausc which threatened to oyerstcp all
bounds. When quiet was finally restored
MIR. Cleveland began his speech. He said:
.Aiany incidents of my short residence
in this rood city have served TO ill my cup
OF gratitude and TO arouse my appreciation
OF the kindness and consideration of those
with whom have made my home. The
hospitality for which the citizens of New
York have been distinguished has outdonc
itself in my welcome, and yet ] can truly
say that none of these things will be moro
yividly or gratefully remembered than the
opportunity afforded me by this occasion
TO greet the political friends l sec about
y.c. While believe that no one is more
susceptible than 1 TO every personal kind
mesa, while l am sure no one values more
f,.l. D.; q ,,,, IL.
cause no surprise when l say that these
things are not more cherished than my at
tachmcnt and loyalty TO tho true Demo.
cratic faith, and my obligations TO the cardi-
nal principles Of its party organization.
havc been honored by the party far beyond
my dcseE-I: indeed, no man can deserve its
highest honors. After six years of public
service l return to you, my party friends
Six years have stood Us your representa-
two In the State and Nation, and now 1
take my place again in the ranks, more con-
Democracy IL the cause of the people, their
safeguard aud their hope.
"a como TO you with no excuses or apollo
giea, and with no confession of disloyalty.
II Il not given 70 man To meet all the vari-
ous and conflicting views of party duty
and policy which prevail in an organization
where Individual opinion is so freely tole-
rated ~ In the Democratic party; and yet
they should provoke no bitterness or con-
domination, but when they are dishonesty
proclaimed as n mere cover and prctcxt for
personal resentment and disappointment,
they should be met by the exposure and
contempt which they deserve.
mo man can lay down trust which he
has held in behalf Of generous and con
fiding people and feel that at all times he
has met In tho best possible way the re-
quircmcnts Of his trust But he is not dcre-
iict In duty II he has conscicntiously do
voted his efforts and his Judgment to tho
peoples service. Ihave deliberately placed
in close connection loyalty TO Democratic
principles and devotion to the interests of
the people, for In my view they belong to-
gcthcr and should mean something, but in
this day of partisan feeling md attachment
II 10 well for US TO pause md recall the
truth that the only Justification for the cx-
istcncc Of any party Is tho claim that in
principles and performance its object and
purposes arc the promotion OF the public
good and tho advancement Of tho welfare
and prosperity of the entire country. There
never was n party platform or declaration
Of principles which did not profess those
things and make them the foundation of
party crced, and amy body Of men who
should openly proclaim that they were as-
sociatcd together for the express purpose
Of gaining supremacy in tho government
for the purpose Of distributing Offices
and tho spoils of victory among their asso-
ciates would be treated with ridiculc and
scorn. Thus arc we brought face to face
with tho proposition that parties should no
moro than individuals bc untruthful and
dishonest. OF course in the supremacy of
party there arc advantages to its members,
and this is not amiss, but when high party
aims and professions arc lost sight Of and
abandoned and tho benefit Of Office
holding and personal sclf arc all that re-
main 70 inspire party activity, not only Is
tho confidence OF those relied on for pat
riotic support forfeited, but tho elements
OF cohesion and of effective and lasting po-
litical strength arc gone.
"Honcst differences of opinion that must
Always oxist upon questions of principle
and public policy should furnish abundant