The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1892-12-03
MEANING OF THE VICTORY
Mr.. CIeveland's Speech at the
Willard Dinner.
Ne says that Triumphant Democracy
faces Weighty Responsibility
and tells the Way to Meet II
Successfully-Ilis Faith
in his marty.


in his party.
At the dinner given by Mr.. Henry
Willard to President elect Cleveland
and some of his personal and politi-
cal friends, Mr.. Cleveland respond
ed, when bis health was proposed, in
the following brief speech;
Mr.. Willard and Gentlemen: l
find it impossible to rid myself at
this moment of the conflicting emo.
tions which stir within me. see
here assembled good and staunch
friends who have labored necessarily
and devotedly for the success which
has crowned Democratic effort in the
canvass just closed; and cannot
forget how greatly these efforts have
been characterized by personal at
tachment and friendship for the can
didate selected to carry the Demo
cratic banner. This awakens sense
of gratitude which it is great
pleasure for me to thankfully ac-
knowledge. I confess, too, that l
have fully shared in the partisan
satisfaction which our great victory
is calculated to arouse in every
heart so thoroughly Democratic as
mine. 1t is seldom given to any
man to contemplate such splendid
campaign, SO mssterfully arranged
in his behalf by such good friends,
followed by such q stupendcns and
complete triumph.
l should not. perhaps, introduce
anything sombre on this occasion,
but l know you will forgive me when
l say that every feeling of jubilation
and even my sense of gratitude is SO
tempered as to be almost entirely
obscured by realization. nearly
painful, of the responsibility l have
assumed in the sight ofthe American
people. NV love of country, my at
tachment to the principles of true
Democracy, my appreciation of the
obligation | have entered into with
the best and most coDtiding people
in the world, and consciousness of
my own weakness and imperfections
all conspire to fill my mind with So
Der and depressing reflections.
When ! consider all that we have
to do as party charged with the
control of the Government, l feel that
our campaign, instead of being con-
cluded, is just begun. What shall
our performance be Of the contract
we have made with our countrymen,
and how well shall we justify tho
trust they have imposed on us? If
we see nothing in our victory but a
license to revel in partisan spells, we
shall fail al every point. If we mere
ly profess to enter upon our work,
and if we make apparent endeavor to
do it, cover for seeking partisan ad-
vantage, we shall invite contempt
and disgrace. II we attempt to dis
charge our duty to the people with
out complete party harmony in pa
triotic action, we shall demonstrate
incompetency.
| thank God that far above all
doubts and misgivings, and away be-
yond all difficulties, we may constant.
ly see the lights of hope and safety
The light we see is the illumination
from the principles of true, honest
and pure Democracy-showing the
way in all times of danger and lead
ing US to the fulfilment of politiral
duty and the redemption of all eur
pledges. This light is kindled in III,
love OF justice and in devotion 10 the
peoples rights. ii is bright in &
constant patriotism and in Nation
promise. Let rs not he misled toenl
undoing bv other lights of false Dem
oeracy which may be kindled in bro
ken faith, and which, shining in by
pocrisy, will, if followed, lure us Il
the rocks of failure and disgrace. |
we sec stern labor ahead of us, and i
difficulties loom upon our horizon
let us remember that in thickes
weather the mariner watches mos
anxiously for his true light
Who in our party charged with
any responsibility to the people hat
not pledged bis devotion to the prin
ciples of true Democracy? And WHIT
among us has made pledges with in
tent to dcceiye2 l have faith in tn,
manliness and truthfulness Of tn,
Democratic Party.
My belief in our principles ant
my faith in our party constitute m,
trust that we shall answer tho ex
pectations OF eur countrymen ant
shall raise high aloft the standard o
true Democracy, to FIX the gaze TO
many years to come of a prosperous
happy, and contented people.