The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-04-14
THE SAGE OF MONTICELLO.


That was noble gathering at
Monticello Yesterday. 1t was a sacred
day and a sacred spot-the birthday
and birthplace of Thomas jefferson.
the author Of the Declaration Of indie
pendence and the founder Of the Dem
ocratic party. Patriot, philosopher,
statesman, author. he stands to-day
along with Washington, man Of all
recorded time to whom all civilized
nations have, with one voice, awarded
the crown of true greatness.
As a patriot he reformed the insti-
buttons Of his own State, Virginia, and
laid upon imperishabh foundations the
Cornerstone Of republican institu-
items.
A philosopher. he legislated for al
mankind in ali countries and in all
ages. His power as a teacher was the
widest and most benefcent and the
influence Of his simple doctrines, de-
nonstrating the right Of man togoyern
himself, have exercised the profound
est influence upon the destinies Of the
world. lie wrote for no time, fer no
race, the suffering and oppressed mil
lions Of all the world still learn and
draw inspiration from the limpid pen
OF Thomas Jefferson.
As the second President of the Uni
ted states his administration was wise
and vigorous and Je4ferson's practical
stategmanship, more than that u any
man since his time. lifted him above the
yaearies Of party strife and dissension.
But it IS as author Of the Declaration
Of Independence and founder OF the
Democratic party that Thomas fefIer-
sons name win BE known to all
future generations. The adoption OF
this instrument was the GROWING act
81 American patriotism, The pivotal
point in political history, the triumph
Of self government. the elimination Of
the contest which gave to the world
political and religious liberty and en-
throned intelligence and popular viii
as the governing forces in the empires
Of the earth. 1t was a great achieve
rnent. not inferior in results 10 that Of
the English barons extorting the
Great Charter from King John. In
THAT immortal instrument Thomas
jefferson still lives and VIII ever live
SO long as the spirit of liberty throbs
IN the human breast.
1 He founded a great party and de-
fined its principles in language that
win ever live. party that has and
viii survive all other parties. He il
the true Democrat who believes in the
rule OF the majority. il local self-gov-
eminent, and n equal rights to ali and
special privileges to none.
Such was the creed Of the Democratic
party when it first became a party,
and such il is to-day. TO be sure that
creed like ali creeds was a growth. In
tie nature Of things, political parties,
like everything else possessed Of any
vitality, must change. Policies come
and go with the surging tide Of times
but principles abide. The real seed pril-
ciples Of the Democratic party we're
found in the administration Of Thomas
jefferson, or rather by the discussions
Of the underlying principles OF govern
mental systems excited BY his acts and
afterwards formulated into creed for
the party il his writings. From this
time the lines began to be drawn be-
tween the two great political parties
that have ever since eontended for the
mastery IN the presence Of the Aneri-
can people. The party Of Jackson and
jefferson took the name OF Demo
erat. The other party took the name
Of Wing.
1t was therefore fitting that the dis
ciples Of this great party should yes.
teiday meet at Monticello. the tomb
Of rs foander. TO celebrate the one
hundredth anniversary of its organi.
cation to aYow his immortal name with
fresh reverence and to declare anew
their devotion TO the greattrnths taught
by him. And equally fitting vas thf