The sun., 1890-10-08
Thn Dsmocrnt Of tho Time.

The Democrat OF tho Time.
was the political situation over before just
what 1t is to-day. at tho beginning OF the
campaign leading up to the November
elections
The rank and file OF the Republican party
IL drawn closer together than for years past
By the sudden development OF definite,
aggressive, and audacious policy. The De-
mocracy, equally determined, aggressive.
and united, confronts the party OF force and
fraud on the old battle ground where 1t has
fought 30 often for Constitutional rights and
the preservation OF the Government which
the founders OF the republic established.
The one thing new and strange In the
situation Ia the fact that while the Republi-
cans are hesitatlng only to decide which OF
several leaders to follow and obey, the
Democrats OF the ranks have been looking
and waiting in vain FOR the appearance OF
any leader with a clear title to COM
mand, On the one side 1t has been,
n anything, an embarrassment OF
riches; on the other painful and
obvious void. In Congress, the presence OF
great opportunity has thus far failed to
bring to the front on the Democratic side
any single individual with the clearness OF
vision, strategic experience and skill, and
force Of character which have put Speaker
REED at the head OF his party In the House.
Neither the House nor tho Senate has pro-
duced such Democrat; and yet It. Is such
q Democrat that tho party needs now, IL
ever in its history.
The spirit displayed by the Democrats In
the House throughout the struggle with
majority managed with consummate and
insolent skill from the Speakers chair has
been magnificent. The courage, firmness.
ingenuity, and wisdom Of their tactics, and
the moderation and eloquence Of their pro-
tests, have been all that could be expected.
But in reviewing the politics Of the session,
It is apparent to every candid observer that
the credit for the Democratic resistance be-
longs thus far to the party in the House col
lSctiyely, and not to any one Democratic
Representative conspicuously above his fell
lows. No one Democrat in Congress strode
to the front to face the burly Speaker and to
speak authoritatively for the whole Demo-
cratic party, as Mr.. REED himself typifes
and represents tho Republican policy OF
aggression. The campaign on the Demo-
cratic side thus far has been conducted by
council OF war, not led by a chieftain.
The situation In the House has developed
an extraordinary number OF able neuten-
ants, but no captain has yet appeared. And.
we say again. the day is close at hand when
the captain must appear. or there will be
disaster Instead Of victory for the solid and
hopeful column
Where Is hep RANDALL is in his grave.
The national leaders Of the last campaign OF
folly and defeat have either fallen back into
obscurity or arB still living and talking on
In the delusion that the hands Of the clock
have not moved since Nov. g. 1885, The
stoIid egotism OF the candidate of that
year Is dumb in the presence OF an
issue which he did not shape, and a
duty which his one-lobed Democracy
cannot appreciate or even apprehend.
The old war horses Of the West, like HEN
DR1oKs and PALMER and MCDONALD and
THURMAN, have either gone over to the
silent majority or are qualified by their
years rather for council than for war. The
new generation Of Democrats in Congress
has marched past the opportunity without
producing the man.
Nevertheless, during this time Democrat
has been In sight-a party leader who knows
all there is Of practical politics except what
it Is to be defeated, q political philosopher
who understands the principles OF Jefer-
sonlan Democracy more clearly than any
man since TMDEN. who has given the most
powerful voice to his party's sentiment
during its present crisis, although he could
not direct its action on the floor Of Congress,
and who has defined the present issue with
Incompatible force in these recently uttered
words:
"ThO spirit Of JenerSonan Democracy 10 synony-
nous with bsrty-nbertyin Its broadsSt and best senses
Il demands protection for the poor, the weak and the
humble; contends for equal rights and privileges to
ALI II stands for manhood suffrage: 1t represents tho
tOsrs rather than droneS; tAvors equal taxation
and Q fair representation; it advocates the
greatest possible liberty to the individual
citizen consistent with the public welfare;
10 opposes oppressive and SumptuAry lsEiSIA
tion IL believes In the freedom OF religious opinion It
wants honest ballot; 1t insists upon rsooEnion OF
the Southern States part Of restored Union and
conquered provinces; 1t hates SsctionAlSm, hy
pocEisy. and fraud, It the Constitution and
lovss the Union anu Its will surely bring pros
DSFity. wealth aud happiness to ths great country"
His name Is DAVID BENNETT HILL, he Is
the Governor OF tho Empire State, and he is
Democrat.
An Interesting Charge Of Crime.