Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1904-03-21
THOS. JEFFERSON |
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF TODAY
MUST STAND WITH HIM.
The Following Letter Was Addressed 10 the
Democrats Who Met at a Banquet in Des
Moines Iowa. to Celebrate the Birthday OF
Thomas jefferson.

tee Of Arrangements, Des Moines, Ia.
Dear Sir :-Pressing duties which can.
not be postponed, make it impossible to
accept your kind invitation.
greatly regret that cannot attend
your Jefferson banquet tonight, for be.
lieve that of all the great citizens Of this
republic whose memories we revere
none deserve greater honor, for none has
contributed so much to the development
OF true democracy and the expression of
true AmericanisM.
Jefferson not only founded the demo-
cratic party, but he formulated most of
that which is considered distinctively
American in our system of government.
While the Federalists were patterning
after other existing governments, Jeffer-
son WIS developing that then new
idea OF popular government which has
become now SO universally accepted as to
constitute no longer a party plan, but
th& American principle. Consider those
American ideas upon which we pride our
selves as a people. Is there one OF them
that is large and distinctive which was
not inspiringly expressed by Thomas
Jefferson in word and act? Is there one
OF them he did not strive to have en-
bodied in our laws and politics?
Hamilton and his associates-men of
brains, character and patriotism though
fI,nvy ,J,f To Sou
upon European models particularly the
English model.
Jefferson contended for new start
for mankind in the new worlu. a demo-
cratic republic divorced from privilege.
The radical reforms which he worked in
the constitution and laws of his own
state Of Virginia were all along the line
Of our high and characteristic national
trend. In reviewing them We cannot
fail to see that they constitute the fun.
damentally democratic and distinctivoly
American features OF our governmental
system.
Abolition OF primogeniture and entail,
the establishment Of an elaborate sys-
tenn Of popular education, freedom OF re-
ligion, the prompt naturalization Of for.
egners, the elimination OF hereditary
aristocracy and caste lines, ard the Sc
curing Of equality OF opportunity for all
men-these were among Jefferson's
grand purposes.
Though man of considerable wealth,
OF excellent family connection, and OF
unparalleled political position, Jefferson
always taught by precept and example
the superior dignity Of simplicity over
pomp. Though no man ever suffered
more than he from printed malice, JefIer
son understood and proclaimed the
necessity Of free press as the guardian
of republican liberty.
Jefferson anticipated the Monroe Doc
thine, and expressed the spirit and
essence Of that great American principle
during his first term as president.
Jefferson was the first and most splen-
did expansionst. The Louisiana pur-
chase demonstrated his foreknowledge
of the greatness that awaited his ccun-
try; but imperialism had no place in his
scheme.
Jefferson opposed special privilege and
class legislation and fought those who
made merchandise Of their connection
with the government.
Jefferson foresaw that the curse OF
slavery must produce the national con.
vulsion which came long after be was in
his grave. He prophesied that nothing
is more certainly written in the book of
fate than that these people shall be free."
He predicted, too, the race problem that
troubles the South today-a burden
heavy enough at best, but which politi-
clans, designedly and for selfish reasons,
or in the ignorant zeal of narrow
craftsmanship, make heavier still.
There is no broad problem confronting
us that in its essence Jefferson did not
encounter in his time or foresee for the
future. There is no difficulty OF our day
that cannot he solved by return to JEFF
fersonian principles. Jefferson, though
a man of his time and a practical states
man graphing with practical problems,
was in his philosophy ia: in advance OF
his time. He was in advance of ours.
All real progress in this republic is and
must be toward his democratic ideal OF
oqudi TikHts tut aIi anu speclai privileges
for none. The American people have yet
long journey to- go before they shall
attain to the complete supremacy of rea-
son and justice in government to which
his earnest and noble hope aspred.
No work OF patriotism can be more
fruitful than that which keeps alive
among us the spirit OF Jefferson by
spreading knowledge OF his deeds and
teachings. Money and privilege assert
ed their right to rule in his day quite as
arrogantly as they do in ours. Jefferson
stood for the right Of the republics man.
hood, and not its wealth, to govern, and
what Jefferson stood for in his day the
democratic party must stand for now if it
is to Re loyal to its mission and Of service
to the republic.
WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST.