The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1893-09-07

to speak is evident from many pass
ages in his able argument. But
in the following extract it is especially
conspicuous:
1t is perfectly true that the Demo
cratic patty is responsible for what
ever occurs in the future and whatever
does not occur. they have the presi-
dent; they have an enormous majority
in the house of representatives, and
they have the senate to themselves.
For the first time in thirty years they
have been removed from the low level
of criticism OF the acts of others and
have been lifted to the high level of
responsibility and of performance. 1t
could not be expected that they would
change their nature in the twinkliUg
of an eye. Elections might put them
into power, but only the lapse of time
can give them the proper sense Of re-
possibility.
The time will come when the Demo-
cratic members OF congress, instead ot
disputing with each other what the
Democratic platform means, will be
disputing with each other as to what
the necessities ofthe country demand.
Until that period OF responsibility
shall fairly rest upon their shoulders,
and also afterward, they can rely upOn
the assistance OF the Repu blican party
in the minority as they have relied
upon them in the majority--in the di-
rection of sound government, OF re.
sponsibility and of honest administra-
ton of atfairs.
l am only sorry that this question
cannot be settled and settled right.
eously within the bounds of the Dem.
ocratic party itself, but, as I know,
and every man in the country knows,
the majority of the Democratic party
would decide against the good sense
of the nation.
Now this is not quoted to slow Mr..
Reeds pique, but to emphasize the
very unpleasant truth contained in
all the extract but the last paragraph.
Mr.. Reed knew he was wrong in say
ing a majority of the Democr attic
party would be against Cleveland.
But as to the rest, how unfortunately
too true to the mark he was. The cool,
discerning eye of doctor reaches
to the cause of disease, while the sym
pathy of a relative fears to investigate.
An enemy knows our faults better than
our friends. An enemy may gloat
over those faults, but you may be
pretty sure when he tells you of them
to your face that they are there.
And with what precision did the
arch enemy of Democracy insert his
'calpel into the sorest wound of the
party today. How scathing his ar
alignment of the confusion in the
party, the rebellion over authority
mat exists the moment it is restored
20 control of the government
'fter its 80 years of deposition.
Elections might put them into power,
tut only the lapse of time can give
hem the proper sense of responsible
y" And then the opening sentence
# the second paragraph, how cruelty
pointed.
Democ1 ats is it not alas only too
rue? Hate Car Reed as you may,
8 he not right in his diagnosis? We
ave claimed to be disciplined polit-
cal party and we turn out to be a par
ell of unframed school boys. 1t was
'ad enough to quarrel among our
elves when we were in the minority
nd could do no harm, but
Or us to keep it up now
hat we are in control of
fairs and responsible for the nations
Veil being, it is criminal. We should
AVE learned during all these years
It least one lesson from the Republi.
ans, and that is the force and effect,
he wisdom of strict party discipline
nd action. When, if ever, we do
earn this lesson the unterrified De-
nocracy will indeed prove a lasting
lower in the land.