The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-03-11
The St. Louis Meeting.

l
The st. Louis Meeting.
Again the people have demonstrated
their ability to Withstand temptation,
act with moderation, and stand firmly
upon principle. The trickster, traitor,
and willy politician have been coDfound-
ed, and the disorganizer with ell bis ilk
has been ingloriously defeated. Well
laid plans to disrupt, side track, or load
down the movement with Objectionable
features met with . similar fate, and
the wrath, chicanery, and wickedness
Of lite enemies, were made to serve the
cause Of justice and reform. Out of
that tangled mass of inharmonious
opinions, diversity of sentiment, and
distrust of each other. have evolved a
declaration Of principles that will ever
challenge the admiration of free
people. Nothing save a righteous
cause guided by the hand Of Omnipotent
Justice could have terminated in such
a happy, beneficial, and almost unexpect
ed manner. Let those who are inclined
to scott and treat lightly Of this move
ment consider carefully its origin,
growth, and the result Of this meeting.
for there is lesson contained in its
history that will some time be declared
from the house top. 1t is true that this
meeting marked crucial period in the
life of this reform effort, but the fact il,
nevertheless, certain that the test was
squarely and honestly met. That there
were mistakes of minor importance
made that convention Of machine
politicians would have avoided is doubt
less true, these very mistakes confirm
the honesty Of purpose which actuated
those present. Taken altogether. its
counterpart was never witnessed before
on American soil.
| Such a rugged protest against pres
emit conditions. backed up by the rising
tide Of educational enlightment, and the
we'll known continuity Of action which
obtains among the class making it, can
not be much longer ignored, but will
sooner or later be recognized in its
fullest sense. This action will result
Immediately 10 show of hands, and, as
in the days of Gideon, towards and
traitors will go to the rear.
| The number who have been counted
as in this reform will be materially
lessened, but the quality will be greatly
improved. All manner Of excuses will
be given for DESERVING the banner Of
reform, and the most unreasonable. and
extravagant propositions will be brought
forward to sustain this detection. Men
who have stood ia the advance as trusted
counselors and leaders will be seen in
the near future marching in the ranks
Of the despoilers of the people. Men
who have climbed the ladder Of fame,
and reached positions Of honor and trust
through the confidence and assistance
Of the rank and file OF this reform, will
betray that trust, make merchandise Of
their positions, and. like the dog, return
in due time to their vomit. 1t was eyer
| thus. and ever will be, until the rule OF
the people is complete and summary
Justice is relentlessly melted out.
| 1t was necessary to meet these con-
ditions. and begin this inevitable work
Of elimination, in order TO disclose who
were for and who were against the
reform demands. The die has been
cast, the shibboleth has gone forth. and
the alignment will soon begin. Let no
one fear the result. Let no one be
discouraged when some trusted leader
or friend gathers up his arms and joins
the other side, since it we're better so.
It is purifying, purging process that
organizations as we'll as nature demands
As the walls of Jerusalem we're once
rebuilt. every man against his own
house, so will this great army of reform
become invincible when altar fame Of
. patriotism burns brightly within each
individual heart. Let us all be thank.
: full, let ns all take fresh courage, and
: declare for more vigorous action.
N. A. DUEaING.
B T.S&kln HSwn'S Ew~n~Snon