Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1904-11-18
{ He S EN- TIN Ell.
ROCKVILLE. MD
Friday Morning ....-Hovembsr Is. 1904
DEFEAT.

1t would not be difficult TO fill many
columns with reasons and surmises, more OF
less plausible, for the recent overwhelming
defeat Of the Democratic party, and 10 the
speculative mind the task would be 8 pleas
ing one. We are inclined TO believe that
the most potent cause will be found In the
fact that the unhappy divisions which arose
10 1896 had not fully run their course, and
that the dstrust OF factions, nursed up 10
the time Of the convention, was too deep.
seated 10 be eradicated In q single cam
paign Strangely enough, those who en-.
tertained this feeling kept their purpose
secret, and while the Republicans may have
had solid grounds for their expressions oil
confidence In the result Of the election, they
did not dream Of the great majority by
which they are retained in power.
The magnitude Of the victory lays upon
Mr.. Roosevelt and his party new and IN
expected weight Of responsibility, and By
multiplying the number Of those who have
direct right TO call him TO account, multi
plies also the chances Of criticism upon
slight provocation, and vastly increases the
delicacy Of his position. Every patriotic
citizen will hope that the President may
measure up 10 the duties that await him, and
none will more gladly acclaim his success
than those who have cause 70 fear that in
some directions his conduct may lead 10 IN.
rest and disaster II he is just TO the South,
whose problems are vital and go to the root
of the social order and the productive energy
Of great and growing section Of the Union
and surely Mr.. Roosevelt can afford TO be
magnanimous now-his place 10 history will
be glorious one. 1t is hardly conceivable
that man OF sense and patriotism should
miss an opportunity 50 foil Of the promise
Of benefcent results.
But we have to deal chiefly with the
lessons which the election teaches 10 the
Democratic party. The fret impulse is 10
blame some one for the disaster and TO say
unkindIy things, and that is the worst blum
der that could be made. The thing 10 re.
member and To keep constantly In mind is,
that the future, not the past, lie the field Of
operation. Whatever we may have thought
In other days, 1t is true that the questions
which then divided US are not vital ques.
lions now, and that upon the fundamental,
historic doctrines OF the party-which are
vital now and will remain 90 until the end
Of lime-all are agreed. In the rebound
from the radical theories and the radical
practices which are In the ascendant at this
time, the conservative thought Of the coun.
try will concentrate around those funda.
mental, historic doctrines Of the Democratic
party, because there is no other refuge for
it,in our Constitutional republic. And there.
fore the first duty Of the defeated Democ-
racy is to recruit its strength for the future
battles that must be fought Tor the old cause
There must be no gathering about men, for
that leads to factions which are the bane Of
party life. With principles sustained and
proclaimed day by day, there need be no
fear about leadership when the hour for
action arrives. Great principles, believed
In and lived up to, breed brave and earnest
men in whom the spirit Of seli-sacrifice is
strong enough TO overcome the love Of gain
and ease, for the sake Of great cause.
We ioresee that 10 the immediate future
there will be-
A continuance OF the trusts, with probably
more Of arrogance than ever before;
That Republican legislation will continue
10 foster this spirit and TO lay heavier bur.
dens OF taxation upon the people of the
country;
That the program OF exIravagance result
ing from policies that will receive q new i'm.
petus from an unprecedented party victory,
will soon awaken the sober sense OF the ma.
ton 10 is danger aud wrong;
That encroAchments upon local sefg
eminent will continue until the people
arouse to the fact-too often disregarded-
that their rights are more precious than their
temporary material interests;
That from these combined causes period
OF gloom will follow, with hardship for the
masses and trouble for the millionaire.
Then the demand will come for statesmen,
not politicians, and the party which has op
posed all OF these things will come 10 It's
own.
II, 10 the meantime, it rank aud file can
lay aside the spirit OF faction, and, taught
by bitter experience, grid up their loins for
the great task that lies before the party, lie
great defeat will be a blessing In disguise
Darker days than these have passed over 1t.
We believe that, with patience and patriot
Ism. day OF permanent triumph awaits it,