Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1896-01-12
UNITY OF PURPOSE.
Democrats Are Working Together
 in Harmony.
The Republican Majority in Congress. on the Other Hand, Is Completely Dis- organized-Pitiable Condition
 of the G. 0. F.

of Self-preSerVablon. II regiments brigades, divisions and corps do not CO., operate, armies might as well disband. On this general principle it has been necessary for the democrats in con press to get together and stay to- eethcr. They are circumstanced as were the early colonists, when, after signing the declaration of independ- ence, Benjamin Franklin said: I've must all hang together or we will all hang separately" It is said that subse- ouently Frenchman, in referring to the famous sentence, explainedit it to his countrymen by saying: Monsieur Franklin said: We will surely hang beside each other, or we will beside each other be hanged.'
 When the house of representa- tives was called to order on the first Monday of December, the minority of demo- crats had it's little coteries of discord- ant clements. Nobody knew this un- fortunate fact better than Grover Cleveland He sent for leading demo- cratic congressman and talked with them, so that, from various sources, he d1Ld1TS on Capitol hill. He felt that it was necessary for them all to get together. and knew that the only way to do so was to give them an issue which would compel party harmony. Existing conditions warranted prompt acton. The finances of the country were Ill a deplorable state, and the president had lad htrf nothing had been done and congress was about to adiournHor the Christmas holidays Such adjournment would have deferred all legislative action un- til the latter part of January. Presi- dent Cleveland called upon congress to remain in session and take action suit able to the occasion. Inasmuch as the republicans have large majority of the house, it was deemed wise to leave that majority to wrestle with the q'Ies- ton and provide remedy.
 There was nothing for the republic ans to do but face the music. They passed tariff bill, which indicated harmony in the republican ranks, be- cause protection is a cardinal principle of the republican party. But when they undertook to pass bond bill, the inherent weakness of the republican majority cropped out, and open revolt was the result. Tom Reeds lines were broken. That was the beginning of an era in political history. It will be followed by disintegration and dis cord. There will be no more sem blance of harmony in the ranks of the republicans of the house of representa- tiyes.
 Mark the difference in the democratic minority. 1t was necessary for them to cohere. Self-preservation plainly in dicated that harmony alone would pre- vent disgrace The little band of dem ocrats voted solidly against both the tariff and bond bills,
 Look at the condition of affairs in minority. The lines cannot be broken there. But the republican senators are scattering and shivering with the responsibility which they have been obliged to accept. Their tariff bill is undergoing the throes of aggression and retrogression. Some of the repub- ican senators are anxious to take time to prepare q complete tariff bill. They want to make a bill with which they can go before the country in the next campaign Others of their number be- lieye that the house bill should be passed without amendments. There are ten republican senators who declare that unless a free coinage of silver bill shall be passed, they will no longer stand by protective tariff.
 Two months ago I would not have believed that it could be possible to elect democratic president in 1896. Our party was in a state of demoraliza- tion. Four weeks ago there were some signs of getting together and making a fight for existence. Two weeks ago our lines were reformed, and hope began to brighten every face. During the past ten days there is an elas stieity of step. brightness of con versation, cheery clasp of the hand from all of the democratic representa- tives and senators. The entire scene has completely changed. And the i'm provement will continue as the days roll away into history. The democratic party has principles, living principles. end fighting stock. We are in the arena and will not brook further defeat. Our tune is coming, and coming fast.
 The republican congress has done nothing in response to the urgent re- quest of the president, and nothing will be done
 The bond bill passed the house under the party whip and lash, but you should pear in mind the fact that AT republic ans in the house bolted the bill and voted against it with the little band or coherent democrats. That shows how the republican lines were broken. Nearly one-fourth of the republicans of the house are in open revolt against Needs management. They have once declared their independence. They will make further declarations of sim liar nature. The conventions which re- nominate eongressmen. or nominate | |. tw