Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1904-03-02
THE DBMOCRACY'S OPPORTUNITY

The above is the heading given
by cx-President Cleveland to re-
cent article written 10y the Demo
cratic ex-President, in his usual
forceful vet pleasing style, for the
Saturday Evening Post, of Phila-
dclphia.
Whatever this distinguished cit
izen writes or speaks Is read with
sincere interest and pleasure by all
admirers of his great ability and
the graceful lucidity which digni-
fies every thought emanating from
him on all important subjects.
Therefore any attempt at criti-
cism of what he has to say appears
somewhat like supererogation, if
not liable to a charge of efrontery.
That portion of the public press
which has offered comment upon
MIR. Cleveland's latest expression
The Democracy's Opportuni-
ty''-has generally commended Its
expressions. and SO far we have
not learned that any fault has been
found with what he says. at least
nowhere outside of Republican
lines. We are not of those who
would rush in where angels fear
to tread but under the 0giS of
our institutions il is the right of
every American citizen TO give 4
fair expression of opinion upon
matters of public interest, and more
especially so when we do not step
outside of our own household of
faith but mingle with Democrats
who are in council.
Had the COURIER the space at
command ii would gladly repro
duce here this message to the
party vet As that cannot be at
present we must be content with
such extracts as lead onward to
the conclusion that this year of
1904 Is THE Democracy's Oppor-
nifty under certain contingencies,
of rescuing the control of the Gov
eminent from Republican hands,
and a restoration of a truly repub-
lican form of government to our
country. We think. and certainly
feel that we know, how this can
be done. for in some respects Mr..
Cleveland points out the mode of
its accomplishment.
In making extracts from his
words we desire to afford him. As
far as we can, opportunity to tell
his own story. while we may add
ours afterwards.
Mr.. Cleveland'S language clearly
indicates that in his view the party
has fallen into some disgrace by
its apparent association with pop
ulistic and heterogeneous elements
in the two last national campaigns,
and his views in this regard he
clearly states: Another incident
that supports a belief in Demo-
cratic opportunity is found in the
apparent determination of our par
ty organization to recover the har-
mony in council and the unity of
action that in times past have so
often presaged Democratic success.
The conditions thus presented
certainly Justify the assertion of
Democracy's opportunity. 1t
should be remembered, that OPP
pOrtunity may be only distantly re-
lated TO actual accomplishment,
and that it does not of itself. un-
aided and alone, warrant the eX-
pectation of reaching successful
results. Beyond all doubt, in re-
viewing the Democratic situation,
the vital question is whether our
opportunity shall be so supple
mented that it may grow to con-
tident hope or anticipation of party
success. A reassuring answer to
this question is contingent upon
the patriotism and wisdom of the
Democratic behavior
The above is too plain to be mis-
understood, and is the only discord-
ant language he employs in his
pleasing recital. Next he takes up
and handles in his masterful way
the great question of Tariff Reform.
and as usual, when dilating on this
subject, is at his best. In this in
stance, however, his remarks are
brief. He very concisely says:
Democracy seems to open to
the plain people of our land the
freest opportunity and the widest
field for the enjoyment of thrift
and comfort in their homes. Ii
loves equality of benefits under orr