The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1903-07-18

are the different expressions Of a drift
away from our early ideals, away
from genuine democracy and genuine
republicanism. They are imperialis-
tic. These tendencies are strong and
profound. There is in America to-
day surprising amount Of sentiment
really inimical to republican institu-
tions.''
Mr.. Towne said that Republicans
have developed feeling of ownership
in regard to public office, the result
of which was the steady growth of
corruption. The discovery of frauds
in the colonial administration were
bad enough, he said, but were COM
pletely overshadowed by the recent
revelations of systematized and con-
federated fraud in the postottice de-
partment. In conclusion, Mr.. TOwne
said that the thing for Democrats to
do was to draw the line, firm ana
plain, between those who would vio-
late the Declaration Of Independence
and eyade the Constitution and those
who still find noble inspiration and
an essential truth in the former and
believe in maintaining the authority Of
the latter. Among other things Senator
Bailey,who was the next speaker, said:
Il show by my presence here to-day
a friendly interest in this society. De-
spite the partisan and malevolent crit
icism to which it has been subjected,
it has been in the past and is to-day
more loyal to the principles we come
here to-day to commemorate than any
other political or social organization in
our country II those who pursue it
with such relentless bitterness had
cherished the principles of 1776 as it
has, we would not stand to-day
ashamed before the world, a country
whose cornerstone is the Declaration
of Independence, imposing its rule by
fire and sword on helpless and de-
fenseless people," In letter received
from Mr.. w. j. Bryan was the fol-
lowing: ut is especially important
that we commemorate the day at this
time when thirst for powder and
greed for gain are leading SO many
of our countrymen away from politi-
cal and private virtues. The Demo-
cratic party in it's effort to preserve
the limitations Of the Constitution
and to apply democratic principles to
each new problem, will find inspira-
ton and strength in the recollection OF
the struggles that brought our nation
into existence"
Part of Il letter sent by David b.
Hill is as follows: 1.-The Democratic
party, as the true friend Of constitu-
tional freedom, believes in the main
tenaIce of the principles Of the hui
man liberty so grandly cnunciated i'll
the Declaration of independence,
which are being largely diSregarded,
if not virtually repudiated, in the eff
fort by the present national admins
stration to fasten upon our govern
ment a British colonial system as Its
permanent policy. 10 that end, with
characteristic audacity and reckless
ness, it has packed the supreme court
of the United States with judicial
Dartsans for the securenent of decl-
sions vitality changing the nature and
form of our free institutions. These
are indeed, extraordinary times when
opposition to the doctrines of the
Declaration of Independence has be
come the political creed of the Re
publican party. The people of this
country will not be deceived by the
concerted clalnor Of the party In
power for what is termed Il splendid
government and world power;' but
they prefer to retain the plain and
simple government Of our fathers,
where trial by jury, the right of
habeas corpus, personal liberty and re-
ligious freedom shall be recognized
and preserved wherever our Amer1-
can flag shall permanently float rs
the emblem of our national jurisdic-
ton. The people may also we'll view
with alarm the corruption which has
been shown to prevail in the various
departments of the federal govern
ment, and never since the election OF
Samuel j. Tilden to the presidency
has there been demonstrated so much
need for the triumph of the cause OF
genuine reform as at the present time
The signs of the times indicatc q
growing popular dislrust of the spec
tacular performances, the selt-advef
Using methods, the contradictory pro
fessions and the tickle, demagogica
and dangerous tendencies Of the pres
ent national executive, leading
thoughtful business men everywhere
to desire change Of administrations