The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1894-11-17
THE REASONS


on the election has subsidized 1t is
proper that we seek for the causes
that produced the effects that be-
come patent wheu the ballots were
counted. WHAT'S claimed to be an
overwhelming defeat for Democra-
cy is seen to be an entirely different
thing. 1t is a movementin the evo-
luton of the social organism to a
higher political state; and came
about, not from anything political
parties could control, but from the
growth of knowledge among indi-
viduals of the body polite. 1t is
the panic accompanying the birth
of an enlightened manhood in the
individual, and purer and better
life in politics. And as is the case
in all forward movements, the
existing conditions are and must
be assailed. Not the Democracy
or democratic principles are at
tackled, but as Democracy was in
power, it bore the brunt of turmoil
caused by the springing up Of n
new political independence. The
same causes led to like over
whelming defeat of the Republican
party two years ago,
The one great lesson taught in
these two elections, is, that the po-
litical machine and jobbery must
go. The strong conservative ele-
ment of society have twice pro-
tested against vile political trick
cry. And the manhood of the Ma
tion is awakening, and will make
itself felt from now on. And this
movement has not been directed
against either Democratic or Re-
publican principles but againgt the
political methods of both parties.
And while we bow ourselves to the
will of the people, and acknowledge
party defeat now, yet we know that
the truth and right in Democratic
principles is undying and will be
made manifest at last. And when
the agitation attendant on popu-
lar awakening has subsidized, and
the minds of the newer and nobler
body polite shall be drawn to prin-
ciples, then the truth will receive
the strong support of renewed po-
litical manhood, and the Demo-
cratic party will be as high exalted
as it now lies prostrate in the dust
of disastrous battle. And the truths
for which it has stood will make it
the stronger for its temporary de-
feat. This is no exception to re-
form movements at all times and
in all places; for it is essential to
the progress of reform, that the ex-
listing conditions be made to totter,
even though not overthrown. And
1t is none the less true that any re-
form movement, causes the people
to oscillate between extreme meas
ures until they settle down to a fix
ed line of action. These things are
the essential disturbances necessa-
ry to the proper growth and devel-
opment of a healthy body polite.
Viewing affairs then in this light,
what is our duty as Democrats and
citizens?
LIST. Reorganize these political
disturbances for what they are;
viz: The effort of the body polite
to rid itself of the vicious element
in politics; the human feas that
irritate and steal their living from
the life of the Nation.
End. Let us aid this movement
with all the strength of manhood,
so that all things may make to-
ward pure politics; and so the
minds of the people shall not be
distracted from considering the
principles and policies of the Party,
8rd. That we now on the heels OF
apparent defeat again renew our
efforts to secure the supremacy OF
Democratic principles, believing
them to be right and just and true;
and for our country's greatest good.
And if our principles be false or
injurious, and do not commend
themselves to the better manhood
and judgment Of honest men-then
fall, Democracy!
And it is incumbent on every
citizen to be factor in the politi-
cal life; tostake part in the Ma
tion's battle for life. We have moth
ing to fear from just considera-
tion of Democratic principles, and
we exhort those of our political
faith, to prove themselves in itand
having been confirmed to present
its claims for the honest and sin
cere consideration of their neigh
bers.
And, If, on investigation and an
understanding of the acts and pur-