The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1892-12-15
MR.. CLEFELAND'S MADISON
SQUARE GARDEN SPEECH

and patriotism. His speech Saturday
evening in New York at the Madison
Square garden on the occasion oil al
ovation rendered him il an evidence o.
the elimination of that trust.
Mr.. Cleveland's early career in the
political field was too rapid at first fol
him to widen into the highest kind o.
independent thought, but when
great fact dawned upon him and fast
ened to itself his convictions, although
he was well aware the people OF the
country were not prepared for It's ac'
ceptance, he was not restrained by
selfish political considerations from
announcing it, but in the most prom
inent and boldest way he promu''
ea'ed the doctrine OF tariff reform
through a special message to congress
He knew it would be the means sol
defeating him in race for reelection
to the presidency, but he did
not hesitate or falter in doing
his conscientious duty to the country.
Then as now he had an unwaverlnR
confidence in the integrity, 1ntelll
gence and patriotism of the peoples;
every additional utterance OF the
president elect shows that he is nearer
in touch with the minds and hearts OF
the masses than any modern states
man: his re. election after four years OF
priyate life is an evidence of his sagac-
ity and the wisdom in his trust IN the
action of the people.
His speech on the occasion referred
to is more significant than this. Ii
demonstrates the fact that he appre'
ciates that this is government of the
people and not of the professional!
politicians and that his political action
will be governed by a conscientious
discharge of duty under tho weight I
his responsibility directly to the foun-
tain source of all authority, the will OF
the majority of the sovereign rulers
throughitheir chosen agent This is a
very healthy sentiment and foreshad
ows return to the simple economic
form of government intended to be
instituted by the founders of the Fed
eral union.
This confidence exhibited by Mr.
Cleveland is we'll founded. 1t is true,
beyond all controver y, hat the PEG
pie of this country will IN political at
fairs take the wisest and best course
for the general good and for the pres
ervation OF we'll established land marks
in the direction of public affairs They
are sometimes deceived for while by
the specious pleadings of designing
men for selfish policy, but in the long
run they will settle back into old chan
nels aud swelling into floodtide, they
will sweep away the drftwood of
emergency ssthat impedes the progress
of the broad river of prosperity on
which every man.is privileged to sail
his own boat, all alike, without
the aid to some.by a'government steam
tug 10 pull them into port.
There is another significant thing
called to mind by this speech. Mr..
Cleveland in:speakingo of the late vic
tory does not attribute it alone to the
Democracy but "the NatonalDemoc-
racy and its allies in political princt-
pies"
Its allies" is very proper recogni-
ton of an independent vote in this
country that all parties hereafter will
be compelled to recognize. The indie
pendenr voter in this country is the
man who regards the interests of the
country higher and more sacred than
the interest of party and who does not
hesitate to break with party fealty if
the party to which he is attached goes
off to worship false gods. He is not a
hero worshipper and is not attracted
by men but is governed by principle
and if his par y advocates false doc
trine OF strains the construction of
certain principles into an emergency
platform by which candidates can
win votes he does not hesitate to bolt
an organization that stands on any
other than a platform of sound planks,
or If his party has become corrupt and
unmindful of the public interest he
unites with any organization that
promises sound government or neces-
sary reform.
This element has become power
in the land and hereafter will stand
as O check to any party in power.
Mr.. Cleveland recognizes this when
he SAYS, Let us not forget for mo-
ment that our accession to power will
find neither this intelligence nor this
vigilance dead or slumbering."
This manifestation Of confidence in
the people by Mr.. Cleveland gives in
spring hope for the wise conduct of
public affairs and ought to insure to
him in the arduous and intricate task
he has before him the support and en-
couragement of the people Let it be