The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-15


nor measured BY the stunted standards
OF prcse<t success. A. a time when men
are oft promoted to places OF official trust
as the result 0f machine methods. or
through the influence Of agencies seek
ing favors at the hands OF the govern
ment. We turn with pride 20 this trusted
statesman. whose methods recall the type
~ men who adorned the purest days OF
the Republic.
HIS HONESTY OF PURPOSE.
But not alone because Of his intellec-
tual attachments. his knowledge OF state
craft. and his power 20 impress his Views
upon his associates, do the people thus
honor him
Above and beyond all Il is because OF
their faith in his political integrity and
loyalty 10 his convictions. do not mean
to assert that there exists unanimity
Of sen.iIuen. @nons his supporters as 70
all the principles which he has so vigo-
rously espoused. /. myself. with many
other OF his friends. have differed with
him. and still differ with him. as 10 the
wisdom OF one great question Of govern
mental policy. bur as to the honesty Of
his convictions as 10 his courage I'm pro-
claiming his views. have no question.
We have seen him with the same intre-
pid voice declare his sentiments IN the
time Of their popular disfavOr as Ia the
tide Of popular applause. The influence
OF administrations the power OF patron
age. has never caused him 10 abate his
zeal IN their support Whatever the
clamors whether from the people or from
the throne. he has cOurageously stood
Tor principles and policies which. accord
ing 10 the dictates OF his conscience, he
believed 10 be for the public veal
These characteristics which have so
impressed the people OF his native State
have produced Ike effect upon his as
sociates IN the Senate To an the great
discussions involving questions OF taxa
ton. finance the rights Of the States
the ncrOgatives OF the Federal govern
m mt. its relations with foreign powers
he has contributed his fun measure OF
labor and OF light. lie fills with dis
tinction PLACES upon the most important
committees Of the body. and both I'm the
conference rooms and on the floor OF the
Senats his learning. and his eloquence
his worth and his patriotism. mark him
a. an well fitted 20 stand as arenresen-
tative from this ancient Commonwealth.
But not alone. Mr. President as a clti-
zen or noble personal traits AM attain
ents, as a statesman faithful and cour-
ag@ous in the discharge OF duty do We
commission him to-day. He goes forth as
the accredited representative OF one Of
me great political parties Of this country:
ana a word as 10 the spirit and mission
OF that party Will not be Inappropriate.
DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES.
I shall not mar the harmony Of this
occasion by a partisan assault unOn the
record and purposes Of any opposing
party nor by a discussion Of questions
as 10 which the whole household Of
Democracy is not agreed would rath-
er speak for the moment OF the basic
principles Of the Democratic party. their
adaptabiity 20 the proper conduct OF the
government. and how by their ohserv-
snco present MS may be remedied ana
iuture dangers avoided
10 has been frequently charged that the
democratic party IS without any WE'LL
Defined constructive policy. and is best
IN opposition; that as a brake upon the
wheels Of gOvernment-as an opposing
force against legislation Of doubtful con-
suiutonality and questionable wisdom
Il has always exercised "a beneficial ln-
nuence upon the history and fortunes OF
our republic. This criticism. partially
true. has had It's origin in two circum-
stances; First. In the character of Demo-
cratic principles and. second. in The poil-
cies OF the various parties which. from
the dawn Of this government. 90 has per-
sistently opposed.
Foremost among the great tcncts OF rs
faith are the declarations that that
government governs best which gov
erns least; that caly so much OF
the citizens liberty should be cir
cumscribed, and only so much Of
his property taken in taxation as
is absolutely essential 10 the peace OF
society and the conduct of a govern
menl simple In form and frugal In ad-
minisiration, that every function Of the
government which can be performed in
the vicinage OF the citizen should there
be exercised rather than 40 its central
and more distant head; that the purposes
of the government are impcrsonal. in
that they were designed 20 restrain crime.
protect property. and 10 secure TO the
citizen the right 10 work out his own
destiny without let or hindrance from
any source: that all citizens. without re-
ference TO their occupation or the natural
Of the section IN which they
have cast their lot. have only the right
TO the governments protection. and that
any effort on its part 20 foster industries
or 20 lend its aid directly or indirectly.
10 the advancement of any trade or call
ing. community or section. is perver-
sion Of It's powers and an imposition upon
one citizen and section for the benent OF
lnOther-unWarrante1 by the Constitution.
These are the great principles Of the
Democratic party. With a government
controlled by party imoued with these
sentiments. IL will be we'll appreciated
how the criticism has arisen that such
an organization would not and could
not lead In the development OF a new
and IN the upbuilding OF a great
government
THE DEMOCRATIC POLICY.
The history OF our country. however.
during that portion OF rs career when
the Democratic party controlled its res
.inles and applied with greater or less
idelity these principles in the adminlstra-
lion OF its affairs negatives the charge
that Democratic principles are inimical
10 a constructive policy; provided. always.
the policy here referred 10 is well within
limits Of the Constitution and the pur-
poses for which the government was es-
iabhshed From OF Old the parties in op-
position. under whatever names. have
contended for lines OF policy repugnant
10 these conceptions. \ government with
multiplied powers and purposes gov
ernment strong and growing stronger al
the central head-a government dispens-
Ing tavors and privileges; a government
the liberty OF the people in
trade. currency. methods and commerce: |
a government OF bounties subsidies and
pensions. A government toward which
privileged classes of the people look for
f8vors and fortunes a government under
the hane OF whose paternalism. individual
sturdiness and private enterprise are lost
In reliance upon aid from national legis-
IatiOn and bounties from It's treasury
Such IN the main. are some OF the prin-
,iples 81 the parties which have always
stood In antagonism % the simple te-
nets Of the Democratic creed.
The legitimate outcome OF these princ!-
pies in the administration OF our govern
-nent the system Of partnership. it NAV
30 express IT, between the government and
various classes OF its citizens, private and
has worked disastrous results