Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1904-03-10
CONGRESSMAN BURGESS
Strikes DEMO
CRATIC KEYNOTE.


tions that have recently been delivered it
seems that Congressman Burgess of Texas
has more clearly defined and outlined the
national issues than any one else. We
publish below part of his remarks made
at the Americas Club banquet at Camden
two weeks ago, outlining policy for the
Democracy to follow on national questions
in the coming campaign Mr.. Burgess
says -
1.-THE vital question that now confronts
us, in the light of the bitter experience Of
the last eight years is: can there be, upon
fundamental principle, a coherent, fOrceful
reunion Of the partially divided Democratic
voters Of this country? Republicans can,
and do continually cooperate, by surren-
dering individual convictions, which with
khem constitute mere policies; but among
Democrats, this is practically impossible,
and we can attain success in no other way,
shan by a candid, frank acceptance of sunda-
mentals, to which we agree.
''The great question, upon which for
eight years, Democrats have divided has,
by conditions over which neither view
had any control, been removed, and as a
matter of fact, there has never been, in the
history of the party, more opportune time
for a complete and irresistible reunion Of
real Democrats, than now.
.'It is my Judgment, and my hope, that
the patriotic Democrats all over this
country, are determined that no man or
men shall stand in the way of a necessary,
patriotic reunion in Democratic, as well as
the country's interest That thousands
respect Cleveland and Bryan, is undoubt-
ssi hess ses great cat EasE
nor both, can stand in the way of Demo-
cratic opportunity, and Democratic neces-
sity. Certainly it must be apparent that
present conditions incline, aye, impel
Democratic reunion. For with the pass
ing Of this issue of coinage from the do
main Of national politics. is accentuated the
great questions of the tariff, the trusts,
economic government, and colonialism, upon
al of which, Democrats must agree. That
monopoly has grown stronger, more and
more oppressive since 1897, is practically
conceded by thoughtful men in all parties
One Of the chief factors in producing this
condition, is the fact that excessive pro-
tection, coupled with production above the
home market demand, has suggested and
made possible, combinations under the
shelter Of protection, to milk the home
market, while selling abroad to foreigners
lower than to the American consumer. in
word, the trust question, and the tariff
question present Siamese- twin issue, upon
the right side of which Democracy stands
without dissent in her ranks, to battle as
she ever has, for the cause Of the people.
Certainly the conditions under which our
great victory was achieved in 1892 are now
infinitely more favorable upon this same
issue than they were then, aud the principle
which then brought reunion and triumph
ought to be therefore more potent now.
Certainly the issue Of economic and honest
administration invites Democratic reunion.
That national extravaganza, and much
official corruption exists, only emphasizes
this issue, as the hand-maiden to lower and
more equal taxation.
ssLet us, as Democrats, unite upon these
for great issues; the tariff, the trusts, eco
nomic government, and constitutional
expansion. And let us not suffer oul
enemy, upon any issue, whether that Of
coinage or canal, to divert our efforts and
the public mind from these vital funda
mental questions which involve the rea
welfare of the Republic
ssI.et us see to, it In the coming cam
paign, that our ancient enemy shall moi
succeed in posing us before the country
on either Of these great issues in falst
light That strenuous effort will be
made along this line cannot be double d
The effort will be made in the discussion
Of the trust question, to put us in tht
position Of an enemy to the possessors d
wealth, aud the old cry Of communist
and 'populist' will be raised. The Demo
cratic party is not the enemy Of wealth
purse, whether possessed by the individual
or an organization. 1t only proposes tina
whenever man or men uses wealth t.
monopolze markets, whether Of material
labor or products, that the strong hand o
the law on both the civil and criminal side
Of the docket, shall interfere and maintain
our ancient doctrine Of equal rights to al
and special privileges to none.'
ssUpon the tariff question the Demo
) cratic party cannot be under existing con
ditions free trade party. The Republican