Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1895-02-09

Ii they propose TO 20 TO that length
with their party, then that is veritable
machine politics. and they are mere
cogs in the wheel. There is an end to
deliberation, and the fright OF peti-
ton" would he mere mockery as to
anything named in the party plat
form.
1t is standing joke that political
platforms. as whole. are not made
"to get in (ofiice) on" 1t il well
known, that as a rule, voters read and
study the candidates more than they
DO the platforms and that it ia only
the dominant principles, that are con-
sidered rs controlling even the candi-
dates.
Take few illustrations. Are all
Democrats and Republicans friends of
the Civil Service Ballot Reforms
though again and again set forth in
their platforms? Are "all" Demo-
Gratis friends OF free trade? Are "all
Republicans "fricnds" of u high pro-
tective, prohibitory tariff? Are all
Prohibition party voters friends Of
'the equal righ; of the sexes to vote !"
of free and unlimited coinage of sill
ver;' government control Of rail-
roads and other public corporations?"
Do they not accept the dominant idea
Of prohibition. and reserve their opin-
ions and conduct ON many others |,
Do not some Of the speakers become
speechless on the stump, and tkeir
orators remain silent on the forum,
while in the forum OF their conscience
and judgement. they pronounce ana
themas on some OF :he principles in
the platform Come, brethren, sweep
diligently" your own house, till you
find that rare jewel called consist
ency. Alas for weak human nature
and finite judgement, the absolutely
pure jewel of first water is hard to find
in the mind, heart and conduct Of the
hest and wisest OF men. But we de-
part from the tissue" which is the
friendship. rel non. of "all who vote
with the old parties" for that which
is wicked and vicious.
Now, for little sermon from the
pew to the pulpit. on the text. Be-
ware of zeal without knowledge
with Il firstly" and SECONDLY" and
an application" II is not convinc-
ing, but grievous, not to say offensive,
to brethren whose whole life in thought,
motive, speech and conduct. according
to their judgement, has been hostile To
the saloon influence, to hear them
selves condemned hy those without
authority Us the 'iriends" of vice.
Men, whose pen, tongue and vote has
been for prohibltory methods. il not
for prohibition candidates of Il new
party. Your conduct in 81 doing
may Tighten the souls of fearful
weaklings;' but it is not likely to con-
Wet or convert men. who form their
own CONCLUSIONS" aud who have the
courage of their convictions. We
respectfully suggest tina, such rash
and dogmatic utterances cannot help
the cause you 80 much love.
Nor does il appear scemly Or ediiy-
ing, mentally Or spiritually, To hear
ministers of the Gospel, on the stump,
at camp meetings, on Conference floors.
denounce the old parties AS "rum-smk-
ed, and all the voters with those par
ties as "saloonists," and friends of the
saloon,' simply because they cannot
see eye to eye with them as TO methods.
A political party is composed Of indi-
viduals, and if the party he "rum-soak.
ed :" then the individuals are rum
soaked :" and If rum soaked and friends
of the saloon, what hope is there for
the cause Of prohibition. tcmperanc.
and righteousness? For they must he
converted, not from the error of their
ways only, but from errors of heart M
well as head.
They are net friends OF the saloon.
Don't, therefore, load your guns with
that kind of ammunition train them
in different direction, and don't call
names. Wait, at least, until you have
proved that the only way to secure
prohibition is by the organization Of a
political party. For the present, it is
the question Of the specdier and more
efiicacious way Of securing the desired
end that should I've discussed. aud not
the question of friendship. if there
must he discussion among friends. -
* s. K :. x
Appiication.-Tempor your zeal, y
with little more knowledge" hu.
mility and charity of Judgement, and
with little more knowledge of human
nature if not OF human affairs; and ii
the brethren cant agree as to taking
John Mark. let one take him. and an
other take Silas, and 90 your ways
preaching the same righteousness,
temperance and judgement" and it
there cannot be organic Union politi-
cally, let there be unity Of spiri, and
action in the attack on the common
foe. JAMES +. ELLEGooD.