The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-07-20

with loud, swelling WOruS IHe nails
where once true eloquence was wont to
ring. The children of the State We're
uutaught in order that scoundrcis might
hold high carnival upon their ill-gotten
wealth. BY Herculean effort and by the
providence of God, who was unwilling
that virtue intelligence and character
should altogether perish, we conquered
and snatched from them the reins of gov
eminent We cleaned out the Augean
stables. purified the fountains of justice,
snd substituted integrity for thievery.
honor for treachery, morality for vice,
intelligence instead of barbaric igno-
rance and statesmen in the place OF cum
ming demagogues and their empty-headed
dupes. / pray God that my heart may
never become so callous, that / should
cease to honor the men who wrought that
victory From the humblest patriotic
worker to the magnificent leaders of the
fight, let US engrave their memory upon
the enduring tablets of our hearts. They
fought a bloodless battle, amid discour-
agements and criticisms possibly from
Democrats themselves; the men who or
eanized the forces for the battle were
doubtless called the machine, but thew
served we'll their beloved State and
worked a miracle. Under the party's
fostering care, the State arose and Cir
ded herself. She repaired the waste
places, replanted the barren fields, re-
built the; burned homes, and redeemed
her lost credit. In the midst of her
dire poverty, she established schools for
both races, and gave an exhibition of
magnanimity unexampled in the history
of the world. She climbed slowly at
first but with increasing speed, she toiled
patiently and reaped sure reward. She
fostered education, assisted the orphan,
trained and supported the deaf dumb and
blind and with the tenderness OF a
mother nursed and soothed those who
dwelt in mental darkness. No scandals
marred the administration of the party
during all those years, for men of char
acter and honor were at the helm.
Finally, however, there was disaffection
in the ranks. Demagogues stole away the
affections Of some of the sturdy yeoman-
ry, and by an unholy alliance swept from
power the party which had for so long
preserved the State from disgrace. The
old leaders were set aside, and the rest
is familiar history. Only too well do we
remember when as a little band, saved
to the party as brands from the burning.
we sat in the legislative halls and heard
the chief beneficiary in his inaugural ad-
dress gloating over what he, in his short
sightedness, thought was the grave of
the Democratic party. Whom the gods
destroy, they first make mad Drunk
with excess of power, leaders and I'M
derstrappers alike abandoned all re-
straint. Scandals became the order of
the day: extravaganza and iobbery were
only too frequent; cities were turned over
to negroes and incompetents, and again
the State hung her head in shame. Then
it was the old State looked around for
a strong man to lead her out of her
confusions and troubles. All predicted
defeat, and success did indeed seem far
away. 1t required a genius for organiza-
ton, a matchless skill and tact. a brave
heart, an inflexible will, a keen vision,
and a cool head to lead the defeated but
unterrifled Democracy to victory, but
such man was found, and the fight was
won. He was slandered and abused by
the enemy and he became the best hated
man in the State but with sledge ham,
mer blows he drove them to the wall. 1
car wish no higher honor for F. NJ Sim
mons than the enmity and fear of those
the seas are calm and the winds are
fair. Our progress along all lines Of in
dustry is wonderful. We rejoice in our
factories, and mills, our farms and mines.
The Democratic party believes in fos-
tering and encouraging them all. cam
paign of education is in progress. led by
our eloquent Governor. How different
his administration from that of his i'm
mediate predecessor. The latter marred
by scandals and vacillations. and con-
trolled by whims and caprices; the for
mer noted for it's purity, ability and the
steadiness of the purpose to advance the
States best interests.
"Of such a party every Democrat may
well be proud. For such a party we
may we'll make concessions for the sake
of harmony. Let us present in State and
Nation a solid front to the enemy and
fight for the enduring principles of the
party. Though the thoughtless
NAV now ~ your motives. and the
enemy crop Il backbite with their
tongues. tho people will rejoice and vow
claldren will rise up and call you blessed.