The weekly messenger., 1894-09-22
Louisiana Sugar Planters.

ters of Louisiana are being criticized for
the independent stand they have taken
in politics. When men break loose from
the driftwood Of politics or anytlling
else they are sure to ba attacked. This
has been the history Of the world and
history Is known to repeat itself. But
he sugar men are not in the slightest
degree dismayed by the unfavorable
comments made by certain people and
newspaper upon their course. They con-
slider themselves in the right, and in the
estimation of men who are entirely un-
biased they are held to be right.
There are three classes of persons who
array themselves against the planters,
viz: those who sincerely believe in
blind allegiance to the Democratic par
ty because in thorough accord with its
policy, those who adhere to it for the re-
ason that they believe in party organi
zation above all things, and those who
prate of Democracy because OF the ia
| WI . ticy cApcCI dt lto fhuu.
The sugar planters of Louisiana have
taken an advanced position. They hold
that no party should own them body and
soul; that they are American citizens,
and as such have the privilege of exer-
cising freedom of thought and of action !;
that when political party deliberately
sets its face against their interest, they
have right to repudiate it, and 60 into
the ranks Of any other party which will
be their friend and ally in those things
which are Of first consideration with
them, and the neglect of which, Oh their
part. would be egregious folly.
Is not their position logical? Is it not
dictated by natures first law. self-pre-
servatiOnp insensate, indeed, would be
the man who sacrificed all his worldly
possessions through worship OF a party
which has proved faithless to the prom
ises it made the people; party owned
and controlled by Wall street. which ut
terly disregards the welfare of the great
masses Of the people and legislates i'm
the interest Of its masters.
This was not the Democratic party OF
old. when Jefferson was its head or Jack
son guided its fortunes. In those days
promises were kept; they had about
them that sacredness in Which they are
held by all good men and true.
Edmund Burke deplored that the days
OF chivalrv was over; the sugar planters
now lament that the days of political
honor are gone. Shall they lend them
selves to dishonor because they hare
been Democrats. As well be an accesso-
ry to crime committed by a friend be-
cause once he was dear to us. His crime
has severed the tie of friendship; the
treachery of the Democratic party has
made it no longer entitled to the fpaity
Of those who had in all things beer
faithful to it, and who are now rewarded
for their 6delitys by infamous treat
ment.
The duty of men to party is not like
that they owe to country. II in the de-
claratiOn of war ones county should err
one would not hesitate to take up arms
in its behalf, despite Its error. Try to
prevent the mistake he might. by argu-
ment and other peaceful and rational
means; but once stop taken by country
and she called upon her sons to aid her
no man would hesitate to sacrifice every
drop OF his blood in her cause.
But there is not question of country
in party fealty just now. No war issue
is before the country. We hear not a
word OF threats of invading the South;
OF massacring her people and Destroy
ing her property. The issue before the
country is one Of plain. cold business;
1t is free trade or protection. f1
The sugar planters know that free
trade means ruin for them. Shall they
advocate it? 1t would be madness to do
20 and fortunately they have not lost
their reason. Why they desire protec-
tion and to that end will they cast their
votes when the time for Congressional
elections arrive.
State politics enter not into this. Il
is question Of national politics. and
when the Democrats nominate their
State officers they will be glad to receive
the support of the men whom so many