The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-18

as the criteria OF Democracy by the
Democrats who hold official position. and
the party must stiIl bear that intolerable
burden until there Is some official dis
claimer Of 1t by body representing all
the Democracy OF the country.
Very well, Democrats had as well make
up their minds that they will never see.
taste or smell the delicious contents OF
the patronage cupboard while they hold
on 10 those mad schemes. The Republi-
cans may go on laundering and com
hitting crimes to the end of time. but
the people OF the United States will never
turn them out Of power 10 put in their
places men who think that the Govern
ment of the United States can make
money with a printing press to turn nifty
cents into a dollar, or allow mob to
destroy property at its will. The Dingiey
bill. the pension scandal. official corrup-
ton are all detestabie TO the American
people But every man who owns ms
home or who hopes TO acquire something
by his work and enterprise, will stand 1t
all and a great deal more, before ne
will consent to seeing our standard OF
value pulled down one-half or the idea
accepted that a man who has money due
him shall be satisfied by accepting few
bits OF green paper, or that mob may do
what IL chooses.
We don't know where the l0l represen-
tatves who took part in passing these
fY,. hut ha
agents were distinct in stating that the
representatives of the great commercial
State. New York, were conspicuous by
their absence from the caucus OF
course, the South was there almost sol
idly.
1t looks as though the South had tied
itself for all time to the wheels OF reac-
ton, and that it had resolved to see the
tide OF progress and prosperity sweep by
il while it stood upon the brink. refusing
to have any part or lot in it, Its political
future is gloomy.
What a pity Southern men will not
study and profit by the example that
was set them nearly twenty years ago
by one Of their most distinguished pubic
men. Senator Lamar. of Mississippi.
When he was in the Senate. and the Leg
islature of his State passed resolutions,
directing him TO vote for the free coinage
of silver he offered 10 withdraw from
public life. and. in refusing TO vote as
he was instructed. he uttered these
memorable words:
mir. President, between these resolu-
tons and my convictions there is great
gulf | cannot pass il. l have
always endeavored TO impress the belief
that truth was better than falsehood'
honesty than policy. courage better than
cowaTdice. To-day my issues confront
me To-day | must be true or faise,
honest or cunning. faithful or unfaithful
TO my people Even in this hour or their
legislative displessure and disapproba-
tion. | cannot vote as these resolutions
direct. I cannot and will not shirk the
responsibility which my position imposes.
NV duty. as | see 1t. ! will do. and !
will vote against this bill. Then
il will be for them to determine if adj
herence to my honest convictions has
disqualified me from representing them
This was action and these were words.
worthy Of the ncblest type Of represen-
tative the South has ever had.
What a misfortune to her that she has
no more representatives, who can see the
folies Of the Chicago platform as seaa-
tor Lamar saw them