The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-03-04
I'VE Will See"

lNr Edit,r-I fail 20 see anything which
appears ''envious" OF, or ''trou"ie a"ont the
new issue Republican" 10 questions suggested
10 you in you. Issue of the 2ls, iass. had
40 though. of calling forth a faint wall from
Mr.. Holman or any other N. /. R., Who Is
so we'll satisfied with his ''good aud sufficient
reasons already published" that he coulo
not put himself in the category with ancient
or modern political Peters and apply any
thing said. GIVE will see'' from MIR. Hol-
man S own confession whether or not he IS
any thiog of Peter. he says: lone OF
then. IN. l. R. at least, (refe7riug unques-
tiooably to himself knows that be bas oeen
taught such good lessons by the Democrats IN
office seeking, tEat his chances to get 40
Office of profit from his new political friends
are fair and be would be pleased to be hon
ored with one - All, benz! "Watch Tom .
That, Mr. Editor, has rather pappy smack
to me, / admire Mr.. Holman 5 candor out,
while ''an honest confession is good tor the
soul,' sometimes, betrayal OF purpose oy
40 inadyertent confession is very distressing
to the soul. Ofice-seeking is no crime under
Democratic laws, end Mr.. Holman or any
other citizen has the uuquestionaole prlvl-
lege, if it is his pleasure, 10 seek any Office IN
or from ans party or faction: "We will see"
if the Democratic party with which Mr..
Holman affiliated so loag, but which he re-
Gently abandoned, or deserted in disgust and
with denunciation, has aay "hxed prlrci-
ples'' or not Democracy is principle itself
aud what is done, or not done, in the name
OF Democracy does not change or affect the
priuci, ;e. The principles Of Democracy are
often ignored, Siolated, and outraged oy
protessedly Democratic parties, factions aud
bodies. Websters definition OF Democracy
is. ssGoverumen, by the people; forn OF
governmen. iu which the supreme power Is
lodged IN the hands of the people collective
ly +: or in which the people exercise the
power of Legislation ~ 1--WE Will See IN
contrast, what Republicauism, or Repu oiican
principle are. Weoster's cehaitIon IS, "a
Government state IN which the exercise
of the soverign power is lodged In the Rsp'
resentatices elected by the people. In modern
usage il differs from democracy, or demo-
cratic state, in which the people exercise the
powers of sovereignty in person" more
nodero usage and application Of Republican
pricciples in South Carol!nN and our natioo-
al eoverpment, is Capitalization of power ia
the uatiooal government, administrations,
public officials legislation for the benefit OF
the aoueyed class for illustration, the protect
i've tariff laws which have done more to enrich
the few aud oppress the poor, than any in.-
quiteus laws ever enacted by a government
of free people), extravagance in the admins
,ratioo of government, &c. Does Mr. Hol-
nan see the distinction and If so, where
does he stand ? trust he will not undertake
a controversy with Mr. Webster, for be s
dead. While democratic administrations, or
parties, or bodies have at times, anG TO some
extent, deviated from democratic principles,
committed sins in the name Of the party, yea,
subverted its prlncs2les yet, the principles
are unchanged. would rather advocate
and support men and measures pCt forward
:by republicans, which were equitable, just,
and democratic, than men and measures put
forward by profassed democrats, which were
upiust aud undemocratic. Democratic prin-
,cipies would prompt this course without de-
serting the party, aud then, worse, attempt
ing to deny and belittle the principles of the
party.
As to Mr. Ho'man's claims for Protection
Tariff, {alias. Protective Tareap, and its bless
iugs, and 'the voice Of Kentucky, Maryland
and North Care lima, etc - that is only bis
opinion without proof. will differ without
giving reasons or proof. May be that Ken
tucky, Maryland and North Carolina were
affected by the Golfers Of the protected ele-
men.," and political craze, superinduced
by the oppression of tariff and kindred ini-
auitous laws, the abuse Of the public mind
by demagogues as to the cause OF trouble, and a
natural desire to seek relief by experiment
like that which recently swept over South
Carolina, and fixed upon Der the continuation
of fraudulent elections; Legislature which
refused TO do the will OF the people, aud as
sumed the power to violate Democratic prir-
ciples aud precedent, by enacting q law which
absolutely deprizes the people Of sef-govern-
ment and rests the power Of government io
the hands Of the State administration, or q
few weak officials. The dispsnsary law
while 8 grea, Improvement OF the OLD bar
room system, is rehabilitation OF power, un-
democratic. and monstroas; for it is danger
Gus TO the freedom, rights and liberties Of The
people 10 deviate from established Democratic
principles OF equi+y and justice. and take ;he
sovereign power from them. This and many
other proceedings Especially the public print.
ing busioess) of tie "Majority Democracy
Of our State in the last few years, appears to
me as Republicanism and not Democracy. l!
the people and Mr. Holman think this Dem
ocracv, $50 mote it be' I have no quarrel
with them.
have been as brief rs possible, but hope
Mr. Holman can see there are fixed Demo
cratic principles, and where he, aud I, stand.
AT the next swing OF the political pendulum
Kentucky, Marylan South Careliua and Mr..
Holman may see differently. Rumor says
some old time Democrats, aHors them An
eminent and honored sage in toe rural dis
trict are ready 20 vote the local Democratic
ticket (for ssl7e) aud the National Repub-
lican ticket (for pap feeler.} If cant ge'
an elective Democratic Office. will take a
Republican appoin,ive fbce-ha: ha
DEXocRAT ON Pa;NCIpLE.