The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1894-05-10
The Political Status.
VANCE COUNTY, n. c., May Z, 1S9

VANCE COUNTY, \. T., May {, 1894.
EDITOR GOLD LEAF:-In discussing the
various truths, which hope to present
in this series of letters to your readers,
| wish in a calm and dispassionate man.
ner to take a view of the political status
of the people of these United States-and
if possible to ascertain the source from
which our financial and other troubles
emanate. Perhaps in the history Of the
world, there is no instance on record,
where q people have been more highly
favored by Divine Providence than those
of the United States of America. A
domain extending North to South, East
to West thousands of miles, watered by
immense rivers and inland seas; a soil
and climate dapted to all the products
of the world; fertile valleys, deep gor-
ges, towering mountains, innumerable
landscapes, presenting scenes OF beauty,
so sublime and so full of grandeur. Its
mighty systems OF Railroad and water
transportation, telegraphic and tele-
phone communications, schools, colleges,
of art and science; asylums, homes and
institutions for the aged, infirm and
afflicted. A people SO blessed with all
modern appliances and natural advan-
tages, should OF all others be most con-
tented and happy, but such is not the
case. There seems pervading among the
masses a widespread spirit of unrest and
dissatisfaction. Many theories have
been advanced as to the origin of this
state of affairs, but SO far, no solution.
Whatever opinions may have been enter
tanned, whether true or false, moral or
political. sentiments, thus inculcated-
imbibed-remain ever fixed. Sentiment
is often the creature OF self interest. We
take for an instance slavery, as it existed
in the early days of the Republic. When
first introduced in the colonies, New
England was the first to ply the trade
with vigor and profit, and established it
within her borders; then it was morally
right, but when such labor could not be
utilized owing to the harshness of the
climate, and was transferred to q more
congenial cline, then in the opinion of
New England it was morally wrong, and
becoming a moral question, agitation
commenced, and grew from year to year,
engendering the most bitter feelings,
until a sectional President was chosen,
inmical to the institution, eliminating
in war, and it's final extinction, upon
this great moral question the Repub-
lican party rode in power, and controlled
the government for thirty years. Taking
advantage OF the sectional prejudices
then existing, it entrenched itself in all
departments OF government, and ruled
with an iron rod, i'll the most despotic
manner, by which State governments
were demolished, State lines obliterated
violating the spirit of the Constitution
by making the States subject to the
military, and centralizing the govern,
ment into a consolidated despotism.
int an fp, al;
any party, but only to speak the IN
vanished truth, for all parties possess
worthy members, while there are Others
who only cling to such organizations, for
no other purpose than self interest. 1t
is, however, well known fact that no
political party can retain the reins of
government an indefinite period, and
remain incorruptible. The Republican
party so shaped its policy, as to become
firmly fixed. High tariff laws were en-
acted, syndicates, combinations and
trusts were formed. Mythical gamblin q
introduced, and the widest speculations
encouraged, driving business from it's
legitimate channels, and specializing on
the necessaries OF life, by which the poor
were often deprived OF food and raiment,
while the bloated Spectator reveled in
wealth and luxury Such schemes were
! caressed and encouraged by the govern
ment and in some instances, govern
mental officials took part in this mad
specu lation. The dominant party needed
not the cries of the distressed, nor the
protests of the people, but in order to
retain the power, it had so long abused,
it attempted to pass the Force bill and
Election law, which hadit been successful
all future elections would have proven a
foan hot hoc hon n
long years of misrule? Like an epidemic
it has spread all over the land, almost
every mans hand is against his neighbor.
awaiting an opportunity to defraud the
unsuspecting, and the most fragrant
swindles are often perpetrated, and the
authors are recognized by the elite and
professed virtuous of society. Is it any
wonder then that suspicion has been
aroused, and confidence lost? When
men all over the Union, occupying posi-
lions OF trust in federal, as well as public
and private corporations, betray the con-
hdence reposed in them, and in defiance
OF sacred oaths they have taken, violate
the law, and become embezzIers and rob-
bers, Is 1T any wonder then that con-
fidence is lost, and society shaken, from
center to circumference? After years of
mlsrule, causing countless wrecks and
disasters, long suffering, outraged
people arose in their might, and hurled
from power the party which had not full
filled its pledges. Now what does the
overthrow OF this great party teach?
1t teaches that the people are supreme
and will not tamely submit to violations
OF law. This should be a warning to
ali other parties, which may in future
control this government. Ii they pur-
sue the same course, they will deserve the
same tate, that has overtaken the most
gigantic organization that has ever ex-
listed in America.
\En Nr,rpr-,u