Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1902-03-27

Editor The Gazette: A few thoughts |
HON an old-line Delaware Democrat may |
not be inopportune, when personal and fac |
honal differences conceded incompetency |
Or lack OF confidence in certain would bef' |
leaders-are sdisturbing and tending to fur |
ther disturb the party, whose prestige is |
one OF unity, strength and success
The writer began his political life in the |
ranks OF the Democratic party more than 40 |
years ago. He has watched it with Jealous |
and loving eye ever since, and even now in |
aulges the fond hope that something may he
done to assure its success in the approach
ing contest. The opportunity is with us. II
depends, however, not upon ourselves us in
1ividuals, but upon the united and har-
monious action of us alias a whole. Non
l'lbl sed omnibus (''Not for ourselves
l.ht for all. - We must act together 10 nc
sompiish the one common object of success.
In this connection my mind reveris to the
1000 ola hines, when Democratic nominal
aons were reckoned as good ms elections
when We all actively and heartily co.
labored and co-operated in the cause. Good
men from Sussex, good men from Kent and
good men from New Caste-men of hiph
character and standing honest and able in
1udgment-al acting together. and whose
united advice and action were ALWAYS nc
ceptable to the whole party, and had its
warmest confidence and approval The sole
object and purpose in those days was party
strength and party success. Whatever OBJ
structed or interfered with these teither in
men or measures), was destined TO be rele
gated to the rear; and if men, they went to
the rear cheerfully without bicker, No
one wanted to stand in the way of marty
success. In those days office seekers" kent
IN the background, and thus personal con
hlrts IN the party was avoided. For in
stance; 10 those who aspired to n Legislative
appointment, the counsel was: wait until
the members of the Legislature are elected:
then light all you please The ambition.
fitness or availability of no one man as
against another was seriously considered
until the time of the election or nppoint-
ment to the office he desired approached
linen the question WIS first considered latter
his qualifications had been conceded):
VINO should the party select as the most
available and satisfactory man to the party
and the people?" Whatever name fully an
swereu that question was the name of the
person chosen; and to his honor went
forth the united cheers of the party.
with this unity and harmony of action
ana the unseltishness and good Judgment of
the party leaders in those days, victory ut
the poils. was always certain. There were
no DIVISIONS IN the party then, and there
would be none now if hot-headed, impulsiye,
selfish men-men of only average intelli.
gence and inhuence-who seek to advance
their individual interests. would pause, re-
Meet, heafken and give heed to the Impair
tial voice and Judgment of the party ms n
whole, instead of blndly and injuriously Ito
the party endeavoring to enforce their own
What an Illustration of party unity and
personal sacrifice (as Democrats) we had
under the leadership of the men of 1865.
when United States soldiers were stationed
at the polls and the Democrats of the State
all but about SKI refused to vote in about
qo hours notice. Why should not the same
spirit and unity of purpose prevail now?
Simply for the want of little sacrifice of
personal interest to party principles and
success. Simply because selfish and narrow
views and political trickery have largely
taken the place OF broad, liberal and unset
fish motives and honest convictions
In those days, delegates to conventions
and members of the Legislature were elected
without pledges TO support any particular
candidate. 1t was not until the convention
or Legislature met that the candidates were
seriously considered. All stood upon an
equal footing, and those who were consid-
cred the most competent, most worthy and
most satisfactory and available to the party.
under all circumstances, we're selected, And
the party worked on, satisfied with the re-
suit, and with no bitter grumbinrs or
threats. Would that il were so today.
10 again illustrate the truth of the then
state OF party affairs, | well recolect tho
convention which nominated Charles G.
Stoekley for governor, in 1882. 1t was a
bitter fight. Personal feeling was aroused
and excited. He had much opposition. The
night before the convention met l. with
others, was in consultation as to what was
best to do. We looked solely to the interest
OF the party. Men were there both for and
against his nomination. The question wa,
tairly'and squarely put Whose nomina
ton will best subserve the party's INTEREST,"
It was fully discussed deliberately, honestly
thoughtfully, and the conclusion was n
favor OF Stockley. He was nominated ant
elected, to the JOY and general satisfaction
of the party.
The office then sought the man. How
sadly different are all these things now
Men calling themselves Democrats iant
they are( and protesting TO work only TO
the good of the party, seem to arrogate I,
themselves exclusive authority to lead It
md to lead it for the advancement of thei
own selfish desires, regardless of the exten
OF their following. This is impossible.
y not human nature and much less politics
Only few personal friends will follow sucl
leaders. Its only effect is 10 weaken an,
disintegrate the party. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
suitable or unsuitable mot saying anythini
of compentencyl, rise up,and long before
campaign has begun, begin TO lay thei
plans and schemes and insist upon the mart
falling in line and supporting and UNFOLD
ing them. They affiliate and advise onl
with those who are friendly to them, an
who favor their candidacy. Indeed, the
ruther repulse all others. They cali ,neet
lngs; call them State or county meetings
to suit their purposes; then publish an
proclaim them in the press as largely
attended and enthusiastic meetings. vii
perfect unity and harmony of action of III
ssbarty voice.
But what is the real fact. which IL is nj
surd to attempt to deny? A meeting is hel
without advertisement or general invitl
tion event of the personal and factioni
followers of one man. He is called upon
preside, and ex-officio, becomes the leade
Three of his devoted friends and admire
are chosen TO organize for the campaign.
single resolution is passed. And what is il
Simply in vindication Of the public Inc
oriyatel acts of he leader. Nothing Ella
Why this attempted vindication? Beniami
Franklin said years ago: Where n relipio
is good, conceive it will support itsel
and when it cannot support itself and
Obliged to call for help, it is a sign, al
prehend, Of its being bad one. - Wi
should not this simple common sense ID,
apply in this case? Then follows the cs
sheaf of ii all. The resolution ks the hear
and united cooperation of all the Dem
Gratis OF the State to assist them in the
efforts to restore harmony. unity and pea,
in the party. Aye, 1.-THE old story provide
they get the largest piece.
am reminded of an incident in co
yention years ago, of which Samu
Townsend, the war horse of Appoauin
mink, was member. In speaking in d
risionSf certain talked-of candidates,
conclusion he exclaimed: For poyerno
- -; for Representative in Congres
- -; well, by God!"
As long as these selfish, would be leade
and aspirants TO office seek to control I
party in their own way. party success
doomed. Such is the history of part
everywhere. We must all act together, wit
OUT thought OF any particular man. Eve
man has his friends. But the party is abo
them all. Let five men from each coun
who are honest in their motives and ha
the success of the party nj heart, and