The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-04-12
THREATENED SOUTHERN THIRD PAR
TIES

The Democratic party in some of the South
ern States seems to have completely lost its
senses. In North Carolina and Georgia there
is considerable talk of third party to be
composed of Farmers Alliance men, sore
headed Democrats and other recruits of any
kind that may be inclined to break away from
either of the two regular political organiza-
tons. while in Louisiana it seems that one
faction-the Lotterytes-are to unite with the
Republicans. and not only try to defeat the
Democratic State ticket on the 18th inst. but
actually propose to spend half million DOL
lars. furnished by the lottery, to carry the
State for Harrison in November.
This condition Of affairs in any Southern
State is worse than foolish: it is dlsgraceful.
Have these Southern white men. who thus
deliberately threaten to disrupt and demoral-
ize the Democratic party in their respective
States. ever given serious thought to what
their action means? Third partyism in the
North is bad enough, as it invariably means
the attempt of disappointed politicians 70
gain place and position by the subordination
of all principle to- their own selhshness; but
beyond that no mischief results. even
if such attempts are successful, rs they are
once in a great whiie-for instance when a
few years ago ST. John was elected Governor
of Kansas on a temperance platform. But in
the South it is very different Here defeat of
Democracy. under any pretext whatever,
means disaster. since it necessarily means the
restoration. to greater or less degree. of Repub
hcan and negro rule. The white people of
Virginia once forgot themselves so lar rs to
affiliate with third party under Malone,
called the Readjuster party. and though at
that time the true sentiments Of the Read
justers were concealed under the name of
Democrat thereby deluding great number
of the unwise and the uuwarv. it did not take
long for the people to find out that Read
justerism was but another name for Radical
ism pure and simple. Surely tho unhappy
experience Of Virginia under that regime
ought 10 have been sufficient warning 10
every Southern State for oil time TO resolve.
henceforth and forever. TO spurn away from
them as a loathsome thing any man or any
party which. under any guise OF with any
allurements. might seek 20 draw them away
from fealty to the Democracy.
The Southern whites in North Carolina.
Georgia and Louisiana who are permitting
themselves to he deluaed into the support of
a third party should pause and reflect that
all such parties mean Republican success.
and Republican success in the South means
restoration OF the old days of reconstruction.
and negro rule maintained over the people
with bayonets and bludgeons by means of
force bills Nothing can be comparable in
misfortune to this. Such a free silver law
as these Third partyites clamor for would
prove most disastrous to the South since it
would by driving gold from circulation,
ruinously contract the currency. leaving us
with a smaller volume OF money and de-
based money at that. But even could it prove
to be all that they hope for, could all the money
in the world compensate them for negro dom
ination? Would they not be paying very
dearly for free silver if purchased at such a
price?
Fortunately it is not too late yet for these
Third party men to call halt Let the
leaders beware Of the fate OF the Mahones.
the Chalmers and the Lougstreets of the
who allowed their selfshness to lead them
in the ranks Of the enemies Of their section.
and who are now remanded TO well-merited
shame and oblivion. while there is lone so poor
as do them reverence. And let the followers
of ali Third party delusion beware of the
fate of Virginia while under Readjuster rule.
and recall the lessons of the era OF recon-
struction. There is absolutely no salvation
for any Southern State outside the pale Of the
old line Democratic party.