The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1901-01-02
THE PERILS OF THE PARTY
Grover Cleveland's Explanation of
Democratic Defeat.

Democratic Defeat.
EX-Prcsidont Cleveland i'm a copy-
rlghted article for the Saturday Even
ing Post has given his political views,
IN which he reviews the history of the
Democratic party and discusses its de-
iccts since 1864 in detail.
In taking up the question of the
present condition of the Democracy he
says that the success of the party in
1892 was so decisive and ovcrwhclm-
ing that long continuance of its su.
premacy was anticipated. Then came
the fallacy of free silver and Popu-
lism." lie continues as follows:
The elimination of Democratic
woe was reached when its compact
with these undemocratic forces was
complete, and when our rank and file
were summoned to do battle under
banners which bore strange symbols
and were held aloft IN unfamiliar hands.
The result of such BETRAYAL was fore
doomed. The abandonment of the prin-
clplcs OIL true Democracy, this cOntcmp-
tuous dlsobcdicnce of its traditions,
ana TINS deliberate violation of the law
oil It's strength and vigor were by de-
cree as lneNorablc as those of fate fol
lowed by the inevitable punishment of
stunning, staggering defeat.
" The disaster of 1872, invited bv
similar adventure, was quickly follow
cd by a return TO the professions and
practices of sane Democracy. But the
extent and pcrsistcncy of our wander
ings in 1886 is illustrated in most as
founding way by the command, issued
on the day of our rout and discomfit-
urc, that second battle should be
fought on the same field, with the same
false war cries and the same leadership
THAT had brought to us the surrounding
gloom of defeat
" Thus, in 1900, the lesson of 1896
was contemptuously rejected, and every
hope of Democratic success was viii
fully cast aside. Again our long suf-
fcring rank and file, whose LOYALTY and
obedience deserved better things, were
sacriilcd IN a cause theirs only in name !;
and again ii was demonstrated. but
more clearly than ever before, that the
only forces that can win Democratic
| success are adherence to recognized
Democratic principles and reliance
| upon Democratic councils and leader
ship.
Why should we not return to these
and IN their name again achieve vic.
tories no less glorious and renowned
than were ours in the days of courage
Gus advocacy of our tlmc-hon0red
faith ? Are our principles so shop
worn or antiQuatcd rs TO require reno
Vation, or their displacement by others
more fashionable ? There is not an
honest Democrat in this broad land
that will concedc these things, nor is
there one who would not hail the pro-
clamation of the old faith with that
| lighting enthusiasm that foret okcns
Democratic triumph. AS new condit-
lions arise, our principles must be ap-
piled to them but in the creed that
has guided us through century of
party existence we shall find the KEY
to every such application; nor shall we
need the lexicon of Populism TO aid us
in interpreting this creed"
Mr.. Cleveland touches i'm turn on
free silver and the Federal courts, and
believes that all true Democrats are
against condcmning I" the general gov
crnment for protecting itself in the en-
crcisc of its function against violent
obstruction within State" lie then
says :
81 believe no Democrat will have
the hardhood to deny that we have
fought our last two campaigns in al
lance with undcmOcratic forces, and
that this alliance was immensely costly
in defeat. Is there not good reason
to suppose that even in success such
an alliance would have proved un-
profitable and dangerous
Sincere Democrats of every condi-
ton and i'll every part of the land
realize that the situation Of the PARTY
needs repair. Reorganization is not
necessary. but q return from our wan
dering is absolutely essential. Le. us
be frank with ourselves and candiily
acknowledge the futility Of attempting
TO gain Democratic victories except in
the Democratic cause and through De.
mocratic methods. Reorganization is
worse than useless, and the arrogatior
OF superior party virtue will breed only
mischief. This is n time for sober
thought, tolerant language and frater
nal counscls. We are dealing with the
condition of party that cannot be de-
stoycd by external foes, and since its
: ruin can be wrought only from within
it should be impcrishablc. Above al
+ things, there should be manly lenun
ciation and avoidance of undue sec
tional control. Democracy will not op
crate efficiently in sectional lines.
"Thcrc is much for us to do, ant
the future is full of Democratic dut,
and opportunity. Our fighting forces
!. will respond listlessly and faltcrlugly i
: summoned to third defeat III ,
: strange cause, but if they hear th,
rallying call of true Democracy, the,
will gather for battle with old-tim,
Democratic enthusiasm and courage.
{" If l should attempt to cpitomlz
what | have written by suggesting
plan for the rehabilitation and rcstora
ton of true Democracy, 1 should EN-
body it in these words: 'Give the ran
and file O chance.'n