Fair play., 1895-11-16
DEMOCRACY ABiDES.
Tho Party still Retains the Vitality of
Truth.

Tho Party stiI Retains the Vitality Of
Truth.
There was little of encouragement,
| there was much that was disheartcn-
| ing, to the democratic party i'm the
elections. Those democrats whose 10y
| atty TO party never flags entered upon
preparation for the elections this fall
in various states with old-time enthus-
iasm, deepened by the hope that demo-
cratic lethargy would be shaken of
and that the party, rousing itself t.
old-time vigor. would demonstrate that
at least it would turn back the tidal
wave of republicanism that over
whclmcti the country in 1891. and from
rrgainrd footing advance TO the inn
portant work of the presidential year.
The party has recovered in some di-
rections. it has lost in others. New
York, even, if republican this year. may
he made debateable ground next year.
The loss of New Jersey, of Maryland
and of Kentucky is for the moment
more serious. If German. who was
false To his party in legislation of the
deepest concern, is punished in Mary
land. no explanation is given for demo-
cratic defeat in New Jersey. Yet we
may feel sure that upon full vote in
presidential yeat neither Maryland
New Jersey nor Kentucky will desert
democracy. The party's defeat in New
York would have been larger, had il
not been for its championship of per-
,nI
larly in New York city. but even this
assertion of an old-timc democratic doe
trine brought upon the party the re-
proach, effective in rural districts, that
it was merely an ally of the liquor in
terest.
The Chronicle is too ingenious to
deny the Importance to the republican
party OF its present successes mt the
polls. Attracting to its ranks the hith-
erto halting and doubtful, it will np-
proach the presidential year with re
ncwed confidence. But its position Of
apparent power and popularity is also
one of danger. Next December Il re-
publican house will meet for a long s,s-
sion. This in itself is n great peril!
Party leaders will no longer he able 20
crade declaration on the currency uues-
lion. Republican bosses, finding them
selves strengthened by the result of
state elections. will be less cautious in
their arrogance and will insist. through
combination, upon the selection of a
Iomnee whose first requisite shall Ec
his subserrency to them. Whoever
they nominate and whatever their |
course i'll congress, the republicans will |
lie compelled TO meet next year Il full |
not partial. vote. and the prestig. |
which is theirs to-day may be greatly |
impaired or may wholly disappear be-
fore next November.
Success. though much, is not every |
thing. With unimpaircd vigor the dem
"crafic party has sur' ived repeated de
fcats. X has always been strong, CON-
pact. cheerful and aggressive in adyer-
sity. 1t possesses the vitality of truth,
III, courage of honesty, the buoyancy
OF hope. Taking heart of grace, il will |
enter the presidential year with vigor
and determination which will ustound
Tic now juhilant enemy. 1t will he the
same old democratic party. the Cham
l:on of personal liberty and religious
Freedom, the foe Of protection, The
friend of n sound currency.
Nothing in recent results warrants
the slightest departure from the time
h"Eored principles of the party. Let
him who viii in the face of apparent
disaster run after false gods. The party
rs whole is loyal to the Lord God of
Chronicle.