The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1902-10-30
LETTER FROM MORGAN
STATEMENT OF HIS POSITION AS
TO DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS.
Says the South Should Elect a Solid
Delegation-R. D. Coffman
Served With Warrant
Alleging Robbery.

cunningham, Oct. 29.-(Special. )-United
States Senator John T. Morgan has writ
ten the editor of The Birmingham News,
the following letter showing the tmport-
ance Of the South electing a solid Demo-
cratc oeiegation to Congress for the
reason that the representatives Of the
south will be imbued with sound Demo-
cratic principles:
EDITOR The Birmingham News:
SIT ieel Indebted to the courtesy of
Inc News for its vindication of my
Iarhtuiness to the principles of the
democratic party against aspersions that
nave not seen. They grow out Of an
answer TO question asked me by a
newspaper CLEANER, who did me the honor
to denounce my opinion in answer to this
question: What advantage do you think
Twill De to the Democratic party, or the
republican party, to elect a majority in
the House of Representatives in the Fifty
eighth Congress?"
replied: II do not see that it will
De real advantage to either party. If
the Republicans win, they will have
responsibility on questions Of tariff, trusts,
government in the Philippines and
national expenditures, as to which they
are already divided. that In likely to re-
Gratis win, they will relieve the Repub-
iican party Of that responsibility, with
out making Roadway for their own prin-
ciples, or uniting their scattered forces
IN solid line Of battle" This, of course,
Is magnifed into an expression of indif-
Terence as to the success of the Demo-
cratic party.
On our part, and on the part of the
National Republican party, the election,
In November, Is no real test of party
principles or party strength, and might
De safely Indifferent now to the success
of either party If it was not my most
abiding conviction that no party has
existed, or will ever exist, In the United
States, that can be safely entrusted with
the application of the true principles of
the constitution to the rghs. liberties and
the permanent prosperity of our people,
except the Democratic party.
II knew Of better party, l would
join 1t; but 1 am convinced that none
better has existed or can exist because
we are welded to the constitution.
am not enthused as to political results,
every time Bull Run victory is In sight
prefer to wait until our forces are all
up and In solid array so that, when we
gain battle, we can march on the
capitol. They are gathering now in
great force and will increase in num-
bers and in the strength Of organization.
And II we will, only for once, wait until
the enemy has developed the weak spot
in his lines Of defense a complete victory
will be achieved. do not counsel delay,
inaction or surrender, but I do not see
that we improve our chances of ultimate
success by winning an election that means
nothing as to any great issue, or any
great leader now before the country.
II we lose the majority in the House,
It does not follow that any great Demo-
cratic principle has been overthrow. Or.
If we gain the control Of the House, II
does not follow that any great Demo
cratic principle or policy, has been es-
tablished. because we are not all agreed
as to what are those principles or policies.
In fact, the real battle between the great
parties Is not on and to bring 1t on now
may mean our virtual destruction. The
election in November, at most is only a
slSirmish, and we are not prepared for
decisive work, even IL we could now de-
feat the enemy. 1t Is. therefore. inconse-
quential to the Democracy. as "a body.
. whether we win or lose in November; and
this is the only point on which convers-
ed with the reporter There Is, how
ever a more serious view of the situa-
\ ton that Is worthy of our careful atten-
4 ton.
All the districts of the South are likely
& to be represented by Democrats. and this
is a matter of tne%greatest Importance.
We are not in fact. divided on any prin-
ciple of government. and are scarcely at
81 variance on any measure Of national
policy. This solidity means great deal
Fl TO the National Democracy. 1t furnishes
the pivotal points around which the re-
4 fractory material of the Northern De-
& mocracy will gather. whenever there is a
real prospect of national success. Our
policy and. still more conspicuously. our
n duty is to plant our feet on the old creed
of the Democratic party. to which no
Democrat can object. and demand that all
factions that propose to train with us
Il shall line up with us in solid front The
South will stand on these old foundations,
under all circumstances, and we should
announce the fact. and demand their
abortion by the National Democracy.
II we are to be avoided like political
Icpers, by the Northern Democracy, when
II comes to enjoying the honors of the
party. we are under no obligation to con-
sort with them. in political action, unless
8 upon terms that perfectly accord with
8 our party faith and sense Of duty, as we
understand them.
Until we have settled. in our own coun-
sells what course we should take In
national affairs, am not consumed with
anxiety that the supporters of Mr.. Bry-
an. Mr.. Hill. Mr.. Olney or Mr.. Cleveland
should get the control of the House of
representatives in the Fffty-eighth Con-