The Opelousas courier., 1897-06-19
Our View .

Since Senator McEnery voted wit,
the Republicans and four Democrats on
tho tariff question for protecting ric,
and sugar, there has been much com.
ihent on his course, lie being a Demo
crat. Some OF eur State journals cen
sure. while others' commend his course.
Ne Know that before he sat out and
was elected, the old rank and file OF
me party was aware that, like some
"ther National Democrats, he was a
protectlonist. He boldly announced it,
so that it cannot he said ho gained his
present position by deceiving his party.
The truth is that Democrats have al
ways been divided on the question.
but to-day we have leaders aud camp
followers who believe that to complain
ana fault ind IS essential to Democratic
faith. They are obivious to the fact
that to promote the general welfare is
one OF the general declared objects OF
government that there is not one
word IN our organic laws which obli-
gates anyone to serve the party. 1t is
unfortunately true that thousands sup
port party and thereby forget the plo-
motion OF tie general welfare. Free
trade is party dogma. and it became
such because it reflected popular con-
ception of public policy.
Rightly nndei stood, under very
many circumstances OF natural ueces-
slty, 1t is IL veritable Political herssy.
The old nations that ustensibiy adhere
toit, avoid its practical effects upon
their interests by treaty stipulations
which in reality give them the hene-
Tits OF protective system. Any ma
ton whose productions do not keep
pace with the necessities of the people
require free trade to supply their ne
cesslties. They have betaKen them
selves to manufacture, and as II matter
OF cOnrse they require cheap raw mate
rIals- We are amply able to produce
and to omannfacture. aud both interests
should he duly considered. Senator
McEnery is aware of our condition, and
he has made himself II representative
OF the people, and not alone of Il party
dogma. He has voted for I, measure
which he considers, and which he be-
lleveS to be, calculated to advance the
general welfare vt those it is his prime
duty to represent. The snpner the pen-
plGrealize that oar congressman are de-
pnted to represent them, and not mere
ly a party, the better for them. There
is no practical utility in sending them
to make laws and to declare public pol
icy if the real interests Of their consit
uency must he subordinate to mere
party interests. They are sent 10 rep
resent those who depute them, and
should be required t" do their duty. 1t
our people are not to he primarily rep
resented they might just as well leave
all legislation affecting their interests to
Congressman and Senators elected in
Massachusetts and California.
We most heartily commend the ac-
tios,sf our noble representative, and
fGM confident that Senator McEn
cry has won the appreciation of every
man who believes the welfare of Lou
isiana is paramount to other mere patty
considerations. lie has shown himself
to be representative Senator, aud as
the prosperity Of Louisiana must fol
low the Inauguration Of the policy he
supports, so will he be honored and
loved by his fortunate constituency.
Hon. Don Caffery must understand s,is
hold upon the people 10y contrasting it
with the admiration lavishetl on Sam.
ID. McEnery.