The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-04-14

az have inst received your invitation to At
tend the bauQue to BE- given by the Jefferson
Club Of Seattle on the 1:sh inst. IN commemora-
ton OF the birth, life and services Of the Demo
cratic party.
II very much regret that am unable to &C.
cept the invitation tins coufteousIy extended
to me, for believe that those who profess the
political faith OF Thomas jefferson cannot too
often contemplate his life and services, and al
that he has done for our country and for the
American name.
every Democrat should be proud to claim
that the services he rendered in the cause OF
freedom aud humanity were rendered under the
sanction Of Democratic principles. Nor should
we forget that the honest and fearless appiica-
ton OF these principles is of no less importance
now than when our great leader announced
them.
1.-THE occasion which you contemplate should
not therefore be allowed to pass without leaving
in the minds OF those who participate the con-
viction that as followers OF Thomas Jefferson
they assume responsibility 10 their fellow
countrymen which exaets not only loyalty 10
party organization, but the intelligent and
sturdy advocacy of Democratic doctrines in
their purity and integrity.
III these doctrines are fairly md frankly
taught, we need have no apprehension that the
absolute reliance upon the deliberate thought
OF the American people, which jefferson in
sisted upon, will disappoint us either as mem
bers of the Democratic party or as patriotic
American citizens"
Governor sylvester Pennoyer, Of Oregon,
wrote:
"During the month prior to the Inauguration
Of Thomas Jefferson as president, the Federal
party which had control OF all departments of
the government passed through congress an act
providing for the more convenient organization
of the courts of the United States, by which
marshals were created. the appointment of
which was made by President Adams among
the last acts OF his official term, and from among
bis political friends. Two months previously
he had placed the Federalis:, John Marshall, on
the bench of the supreme court and now thir-
teen more Federaiists as judges were thrust
upon the people. IN popular rarlance, the
Fedcralists were stocking the federal courts.
The Democratic party having gained control of
congress at its first session under the jefferson
administration. promptly repealed the law,
which, Of course, sent the new judges,
attorneys and marshals to private life. History
In part has repeated itself. Tho Republican
party of today, which is the iineal
descendant of the old Federal party,
inheriting all its greed OF office, its desire
for the lodgment OF power in favored classes,
and its contempt OF the common people, passed
at the last session of congress similar BILL cre-
ating new horde of federal judges. This is the
worst OF its many grieyous infections upon the
people. The fact Ia so patent that Ec who runs
may read that the federal courts constitute the
worst oppression under which our people suffer-
They have become bulwarks behind which cor
porate power In this country is entrcnched, and
from which 1t repeatedly sallies forth, shielded
by court decisions, for fresh encroachments both
upon the rights of individuals and of states.
And history will undoubtedly repeat itself in so
far as appointments are to be made. The presi-
dent will doubtless fill the offices from among his
partisan friends, and will choose CORPORATION
lawyers or judges for those positions, as he has
chosen them for vacancies on the supreme
bench.
"Now, trust that history may repeat itself in
fun, aud this is the suggestion l would make,
that the Democratic party, when it gains control
OF the federal government (Which will be in
1880, will repeal the law of the last congress
and let, Is was done ninety years ago, all the
ncwly-sppointed federal judges, attorneys and
marshals ont of Office. Then 1t ought to take
one step further The enlargement OF the juris-
diction OF the federal courts by statutes of con-
gross, as well as by their own unwarranted as
sumption. during the last few years, is subver-
eive OF the reserved jurisdiction of state courts
the rights OF the states, and the liberties of the
people. Instead OF increasing the dumber of
courts and simplifying their jurisdiction, bold
step should be taken in the other direction, and
such jurisdiction should be restricted. at least
to what 1t was under the Judiciary act of 1859,
which was ample for all required purposes
The repeal Of the late law and the restriction OF
the jurisdiction Of the federal courts, as sug-
Eessed, would entitle any party procuring them
to the lasting gratitude Of the whole people of
the United States"
Robert f. Patsison, governor OF PENNSYLVANIA.
excused himself because the state legislature
was in session. He said. s'The life and charac-
ter OF Thomas Jefferson are worthy of the most
careful study. They furnish examples worthy
of the most careful imitation, and you do well
to aid in keeping them before the people of our
great and prosperous country
Governor William E. Russell, Of Massachu-
sets. said: "The name of Thomas jefferson, and
the patriotic principles that he en1nciated, are
ever an inspiration and a guide to the Demo-
cratic party; more than ever, today it rests upon
those principles as the very foundation of its
faith.'
Governor James E. Campbell, of Ohio, de-
clared III am in hearty sympathy with every
movement to keep nliye the memories which
cluster around the name of Thomas Jefferson
Mr.. Franklin Lane, editor OF the Tacoma
Neaes, declined in order to attend similar din
ner In Tacoma He said: 81 am sorry our two
banquets fall upon the same evening. 1t looks
much rs If the ieud between Pierce and King
counties extended into party politics; but can
assure you that 1t was in no spirit of rivalry
that our banquet was decided upon. This petty
Jealousy that marks the two places is so pro-
yincial, SO narrow, so undemocratic that sim
ccrely trust IL will not faint the relationship be-
tween the Democrats of the two counties We
have common enemy and cannot afford diyis-
ion."
Hon. Jefferson Chandler wrote from ST. Louis:
al regret exceedingly that it viii not be posi-
bic for Inc TO be present on the occasion desig-
mated in your invitation. l remember with
great pleasure the splendid hospitality extended
to me by the people of Washington and those of
the royal young city OF Seattle ON the occasion
OF my visit there, and long to have an oppor-
tunity TO repeat the instructive lessons OF that
experience; and especially would enjoy parti-
cipation in any ceremonies OF honor to the name
OF Jefferson. lie is reyered America great
est civic leader. He was first to OK.
press IN imperishable form the true re-
lation existing between the people aud
agovernment which they might ordain Through
his genius the world was given to realize and
know that municipal authority is subordinate
10 the people; that civil institutions, no matter
how high, impressive or grand in their opera.
ton, are mere instrumentalities of the people 10
promote their convenience and security; that the
inalieusble rights OF life, liberty ana the pur.
suits of happiness are eadowments OF nature
and cannot be repealed or abridged by the state:
that each person is entitled to the fruits of his
own industry and frugalty and any unnecessary
depletion or appropriation thereof by govern
ment is robbery. In short, that man is master
aud government his servant Through the pres
ervation OF this philosophy continued progress
is alone possible. Under Jeiierson's theory OF
politics insolence in Office, arbitrary and tyran,
nical use OF power could not exist, aud the dey.
ctees thereof have no abiding place"
Letters were also received from ex-Secrctary
W. {. Whitney, Governor David b. Hil OF New
York. ex-senator /. +. Grover OF Boston. Hon