The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-24
TIL, SALT or DEMOCRACY.

The speech whfch was uohfo'"N W "''' -
G. Dewitt OF tho late gubernatoriai conven.
ton in New York In presenting the name Oh
Mr.. Chaplin. of Brooklyn, for the position 20
which Mr.. Flower was subsequently nomi-
mated. was expressed in way that gave -
en- interest which has survived the speoiA'
occasion on which it was spoken.
Mr.. Dewitt enlarged upon the growing
influence Of money in tho political affairs OF
this country. While his remarks were IN
tended 10 convey a warning 10 tho people oil
one state. their scope really extended to all
of the States Of tho Union, and this fact as-
sumes deeper Importance when it is recalled
that the presidential canvass will be under
way at this time next year, prompting vast
expenditure of campaign funds for illegiti-
mate purposes.
We do not, however. agree with all that
Mr.. Dewitt said. Thus he declared that
under the baleful influence of tho love of
money love Of the honors Of the republic
il gone. Devotion 10 the great principles
that lie at the foundation OF our civil fabric IL
gone. Where now Is the noble philanthropy
which npon the one hand would shed an
ocean OF blood 10 libernte the oppressed, or
the sturdy State fidelity upon the other
which would let the last man die in the last
ditch before the sovereignty of the state
should be overthrow? Where now Is the
Roman for.itude which would put life and
liberty and everything at peril in resistance
Of an offensive taxi "
All this was very eloquent on the part OF
Mr.. Dewitt. but he undoubtedly exaggerated
the present decline in the spirit of patriotism.
The improper use which has been made of
money rs means Of political manipulation
has certainly had the effect Of lowering the
general political tone of this coEatry, but
that its corrupting influence hos extended as
far AS AIr. Dewitt represents it to have done.
il unsupported by any strong evidence.
We believe that there Is as much patriotism
in the United States to-day as there has ever
been. and that if dangerous national emer-
eency were precipitated. there would be an up
rising which would be confined to no one sec
ton. The people of every section would
unite TO successfully confront the common
danger.
NniI0 tlert Is MUCH COITuptiou AZ NV
United States. there Is as yet little excavation,
probably because the corruption as yet is re-
strcted. so far as private individuals arc con
oorned, TO the means employed in accumula-
ting wealth. and not in spending it, As long
rs there Is a universal desire on the part
OK a people 10 amass wealth rather than to
throw it away in criminal indulgences, just
so long will the corrupting influence OF i'm
proper methods Of building up fortunes be
literally discounted.
We are convinced. with Mr.. Dewitt, that
the only means Of purging our national life Of
all the evils that attend either too great a
devotion to money-making or ITS improper
nse in elections must be looked fox IN the
principles Of the Democratic party. Those
principles keep tho great body Of the people
always in view, uphold their rights in oppo-
sition 20 special interests and teach that the
highest aim of every community should DO to
maintain the spirit Of liberty and integrity in
all the affairs Of men regardless of the temp
tations Of want OF the seductions Of wealth.
The principles Of Democracy constitute tho
salt in our national life, both social and po-
litical. AS long "a That salt preserves its
SAVIOR by the watchfulness Of the people the
corruption 70 be observed in the United
States can only be superficial.