Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1899-02-24
THE TIME TO PREPARE IS NON

THE TIME TO PREPARE IS NOW
Slowly but surely most momentous pc
litical campaign is approaching the Democ'
racy of Maryland-one in which the featy
and loyalty Of every Democrat will be seri-
ously and impressivey tested. The most
important officers of the State are TO be
voted for in November, and that election
will determine, in part, whether Democratic
Ascendency is TO be perpetuated, or whether
it lie 10 be lost and the State TO remain under
the shame and burdens of Republican rule.
II am loyal Democrat" is neither of the
house OF the Montagues or the Capulets,
neither does it wear white or red rose, but
is an humble member of that great house
hold Of patriotic, loyal Democrats who for
get all minor differences and disputes when
the tocsin of battle is sounded, and the com
mon enemy lie at our gates.
The time was in the halcyon days of the
past 10 this State, and in this very county,
when the power of argument and rhetoric
might be invoked to do its proper aud legit'
sympathy might be struck, and every heart
tremble responsive TO the melody OF its touch.
These days and hours seem TO have gone,
link after link OF the magic chain that once
bound the Democracy Of this old common
wealth so closely has been ruthlessly and
recklessy rent asunder. The very land.
marks of that good old government which
80 long guided and controlled our destiny, if
not oblIterated, are seemingly forgotten.
The very contemplation OF such state OF
things existing in a State that ia thoroughly
Democratic should arouse the Democrats
from Garrett TO the tide water Counties
The safety OF the people and the material
walfare OF the State, in no small degree, de.
ponds upon the restoration Of the suprema-
cy OF the Democratic party In the State. A
high appreciation of duty, an unshaken
faith, untaltering courage and iron will 10
contest every inch OF ground in the ap
preaching campsign-should not only be
the determination but the conspicuous char
acteristic OF every Democrat.
The time TO prepare is at once-now. The
identity OF every Democrat throughout the
State should be clearly manifest-a thorough
organization of the forces in every locality
should at once be entered upon, and all
factional and personal antsgonisms should
be buried.
1t has been eloquently said, and expert
ence has demonstrated its truth, shat there
is no delicate sentimentality in politics, nor
is II possible for ii to have place in 30 vital
and so serious problem" Politics means
the application of sound principles to popu.
lar government, and an honest and intelli-
gent appreciation of the civil and material
needs of the people. theoretically, there
fore, there must be leaders OF parties. But
parties and leaders of parties must move on
the street lines OF conscientious and patriotic
duty II they would inspire public confidence
and win public approval.
Through all periods of Ill repute and good
repute, through the severest trials aud un-
founded accusations, through triumphs and
disasters, the Democratic party has pre-
served its identity and integrity aud been
true to its mission since the days Of its i'm
mortal founder, Thomas Jefferson, nearly
hundred years ago. Parties have risen, and
parties have fallen, but the Democratic
psrty--the party of the people, the bulwark
of constitutional government-stil exists,
ever ready for patriotic duty.
Probably at no time in its history in this
State has this great party had more serious
obstacles in It's way or been 30 envroned
with enemies and perls as now The Re
publican party, which now has iul control
of the State and our leading municipality,
is concentrating Its every available element
Ia order to secure its further degradation
aud ruin, and is bold and proud in its boasts
that II will be able 10 do so
We are among those who believe that
there Ia "stil life in the old land" and a
brilliant future Tor our party in the State.
We believe the Democracy of Maryland will
rise in It's mighty and united majesty and
be able TO avert any such awful calamity To
beiall our people as the continued supremacy
al the Republican party in Maryland-that
1t can and will. united and fully equipped
march TO the field of battle in November
next conscious OF the justice of its cause and
with the assurance Of victory.