St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-09-08
CONCERNING THE DEMOCRAT
&c FAITH

we are COnVlllCeu IIdt IUeT6 dTc Ill
Minnesota today many voters who,
though of Democratic anIecedents, voted
for Mr.. OWEN two years ago and are
now hesitating between the cOnServa-
tive advance of the Democratic faith
and the alluringly prodigal promises of
the so-called Peoples party. With
these we want to have frank, friendly,
earnest talk. Understand. gentlemen,
we do not approach discussion of your
position in a spirit either of supercilious-
ness or of acerbty. Upon the contrary,
we invite your attention because,
while we cannot accept many of your
doctrines OF assist in achieving many of
your aims. we have a profound respect
and sympathy for the real sufferingS
and honest aspirations that are the true
mainsprings of your agitation. We be-
lieve there are some plain facts. some
simple considerations of your own in
terest that should be presented to you
in a direct and respectful way, and
which, if so presented, you cannot fail
to appreciate and act unon.
Once you were good Democrats. Most
Y
to the Democracy even now. Some of
you thought two years ago that you
knew more. saw clearer, than the rest
of US. Perhaps you did. But we cam
not think so, and already many OF you
have begun to doubt it. Are you COM
ing home this fall? If not. why not?
If you decide definitely to turn your
backs upon the Democracy, with what
just hope of gain do you take the step?
That is what we want to talk over. We
know you did not leave US because you
had ceased to believe in the principles
we avOwed, for you still proclaim them
all, both loudly and often. Do you wish
this proven to you? Listen. For what
does the Democracy of the nation stand
in very fact? What are those basic
principles to which every Democrat
must pledge his loyalty, which form
part of the test-oath of Democracy? We
say it freely. They are three.
First-We oppose the custody of the
local ballot box by the federal Dayonet.
Second-We demand equality and the
just observance of natural rights in the
distribution of the burdens Of federal
taxation; that tax laws for tie people
shall no longer be n.ade by their in
evitable and irreconcilable enemies
Therefore we aSSail the fraud Of Re-
publican protection.
Third--We insist that the nations
finances shall be economically admins
tered, and its laws honestly and faith
fully executed.
For these three things all Democrats
must stand. Nothing else is essential.
1t is true we have national platform
that is as long as plank road, but, out
side of tine subjects we have named. we
dare to say a Democrat may be at one
or at odds with the majority of his party
without offense. But belief in these
three things no man can lack and be a
Democrat. Possessing this, we welcome
him. neither asking his past nor de-
handing security for his future. ''Suf-
ficientunto the campaign Is the issue
thereof" Upon these conditions, are
you not of Democratic faith?
What man among you dare say he does
not believe in these three things? They
are the eager. burning, all absorbing
political interests of this day. In your
hearts you know and acknowledge that
about them RACES an irreconcilable. con-
stantiy embittering conflict that cannot
down, and can end. must end, only in
the complete triumph, be it soon or late,
of the righteous cause of the new Dem
ocracy. Your heart is with us. Why
should not your vote be for US?