The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-08-01
SUNDAY. AUGUST l, 1897.
PRINCIPLE IN POLITICS.


chair aueetance from certain formularies
OF political faith is not always Que 70
lack OF integrity OF conscience, but gen.
orally 10 a want Of appreciation OF inc
,,l meaning Of the faith which they
o,ce no.sessed. or that which they subse-
quantity adopt. II is true that rapid
change Of political conviction has oi'eh
been considered as evidence of lack OF
character, and evidence OF a sale OF con-
yictions. such men being held, as was sara
a few years ago. "apostates for the price
OF their apostacy." This rule applies TO
individuals, and seems TO be abated as TO
the movements Of parties. Men claim In
politics the right to follow a multitude
TO do evil
Tn. conduct OF the Democratic party at
Chicago last July is the most notable In
stance OF a general abandonment OF
tqinciple. The Democratic party had
from its foundation stood for individual
liberty. for a deccntralized government
States Rights-for free trade. or under
necessity, a tariff FOR revenue ONLY Tor
exalting the individual and for limiting
in every possible way the powers OF gov
eminent Faith in the people had been
its watch-word, and resistance to the ag-
rressions OF government. and 10 its as
sumption OF any function belonging TO
every day life. which could by possibility
be performed by the citizen its constant
aim. Its adherence 10 sound money
the money Of commerce throughout the
world. the best money-and resistance 10
the control OF currency By the govern
ment had all been distinct and positive
characteristics OF the Democratic party.
Yet what did we see in 1895. We saw an
abandonment. under the importantly OF
siyer.te protecuonists. Of che principles
tnst tariff duties should be levied for
purpose Of revenue ONLY. and that word
"onjy" left out on purpose, in order to
ooncuiate those who would aid in execut-
lag the boundless folly of putting the
currency OF the United States upon sill
yer basis.
We saw the Democratic party consort-
ing with the Populists, whose theories or
government are as far removed from
Democracy as the East is from the West;
who believe in the government assuming
ALI means OF communication and OF trans
portation. and the exclusive issue or
currency mot money! and IN short Of
making our government as near as posi-
Die a socialistic concern.
We saw the Democracy, which stood
for liberty OF the individual, exhibiting
every purpose 10 convert this country
into a sociallstic depotism. TO throw our
financial and commercial system into
chaos, to change the principles under
which revenue duties were collected TO
extend beyond any limit the contemplated
functions OF government 20 minimize the
sphere OF the citizen. 10 abate the power
OF the law. and all this with no other pur-
pose than 10 accomplish the coinage OF
silver at &c TO ].
II is not TO be believed for an instant
that OF six and a half millions Of men
who voted to carry out this programme,
that even a large percentage Of them APP
preciated the enormity Of the plan which
they were endorsing. And yet when men
surrender their intelligence and their con-
science TO leaders who have their private
ambitions at heart more than the welfare
or the country. we may be prepared 10
see the most awful consequences.
And from this Chicago apoc;acy we did
see awful consequences.
The whole country was thrown into a
state OF panic; confidence was destroyed;
business suspended; and the advocates OF
a high protective tarin were installed in
power-upon the ruins OF a party whose
ancient principles were the rules Of con-
duct which have most surely brought
peace and prosperity. and the creates,
good 20 the greatest number OF our peo-
pie.
The Chicago branch OF the Democratic
party not only forfeited the confidence OF
those who faithfully and fearlessly main.
tanned the great truths which that party
has always advanced, but II incurred ths
distrust and fear OF a great body OF citi.
rens who were ready TO leave the cor
rupting influence OF Republican practices
and to throw their weight on the side O.