The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-05-16
Letters to the Editor.
RETURN TO SOUND DEMOCRACY
Hope and Courage Will Be Revived
 and Success Made Possible.
Editor The Advertiser.

Editor The Advertiser.
 It would be folly to assume that any man can present new thing pertaining 10 matters political, changed conditions and unusual and remarkable circum- stances, may call for a modification in views and policies, but the essential prin- ctples of government so far as our Re- public is concerned cannot be altered without peril to its unity and perpetua- tlon. Everywhere and always 1t is the people who must be recognized This gov ernment is by them, for them and to the great end of their universal betterment
 It was Bancroft who wisely declared:
 But true political science does indeed
 venerate the masses. It maintains not as has been perversely asserted that the people can make right but that the peo- pie can discern right" Herein is the es sence of Democracy. It involves a fun damental principle which has always beel and always will be the corner stonC
 whereon the republic stands. Any de
 parture therefrom means danger. an,
 hence the warning which must be sound
 ed to the great political parties that havc gone astray from the straight and mar row way of political truth and rectitude
 Tn propounding some simple questions, and attempting to give thereto plain an
 swers. it is the principle of the true De
 mocracy, as just defined, that will con- stantly be kept in view in what follows. How can the problems now confronting the government be best solved? By return to the principles and poli- cies of sound and untrammeled Democ- racy.
 To this end what must the Democratic party do?
 It must become united. It must discard all of the heresies and fal- lacies of the last two campaigns. It must refuse absolutely to be governed or guid- ed by the theories embodied in the Chi cago and Kansas City platforms. It must return to the doctrines which made the party a saving power as expounded by Jefferson. Ttlden and Cleveland. Only by abandoning the worship of false gods can 1t be restored to that influence and confl- dence which will make it the peoples hope and salvation.
 Why are the restored principles of the Democracy the only saving means against the evils of the times?
 Because no other remedy is offered. The Republican party Is no longer the friend of the people. 1t Is the party of the
 aristocrat' the plutocrats the trust mag nate, the money king. These rule every government department with a rod of gold. Congress, Legislatures, the courts. cabinet officers. the Presdent-all are more or less subservient to the will of the great commercial combines created t. enrich the few, regardless of the welfare 1 of the many.
 What are some of the reasons why the application of true Democratic principles can give relief from Republican misrule? Because the theory and practice in Democratic government is to consider the greatest good of the greatest number of
 the people. The carrying out of this the
 ory and practice calls for courage. hon
 esty conservatism, justice, foresight and lofty moral purpose in dealing with public questions and interests. All these
 the Democratic party has or may have as its legitimate birthright. Who Is the greatest exponent of the
 true Democracy in the United States to day and why?
 Grover Cleveland, because he above all Nth hoo Cor he foik
 fathers, unmoved by false opinions. har- rassing doubts. unequal strife, bitter de- nunciation and party disoyalty. Like a safe lighthouse he looms up amidst the
 fogs and gales of the political ocean. an
 unerring guide to every Democratic mar lner. From his national intelligence not false light has been emitted and his voice has given out never an uncertain sound on any question of national policy. What do all these eminent qualities sug- gest at this time?
 That Mr. Cleveland should be accepted as the leader of the Democratic party in the approx ching presidential campaign, if the true Democracy is to prevail and the party of the people be restored to power,
 What do the political lessons of the past ten years teach?
 everything bearing the imprint of Bryan ism.
 How should Bryan's present attitude as to future of the Democratic party be re- garded?
 As opposed to harmony unity and the successful survival of a sound and con- sistent Democracy. Having proven dis maj failure he has become bitter, jeal- ous back number in the political series. whose judgment Is so warped by his per- sonal egotism and ambition as to be no longer worthy of consideration. Would the Democratic party again triumph 1t must abandon Bryanism and every polit- teal dogma tarred by the Bryan stick.
 Why should the people of the South be especially concerned for the restoration of the Democratic party? Because 1t can only receive from that party under the guidance of such a leader as Grover Cleveland, just recog- milton of Its rights. It is through this party alone that the race problem can se- cure proper solution. and who has given out wiser or more encouraging words on this subject in many a year than MT. Cleveland in recent addresses. The con tinuance in power of the party of Roose-