The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1905-08-17
John Sharp Williams Appeal.
Wilmington Messenger, 9th.

John Sharp Williams Appeal.
Wilmington Messenger, 9th.
Hon. John Sharp Williams, of Mis-
sissippi, leader of the democratic side
of the house of representatives, was
banqueted by the citizens of Asheville
last Saturday. The chief subject of
his speech was union in the demo-
cratic party. From the Asheville
Citizen we take this account of his
speech:
When Mr.. Williams arose he was
greeted with viceferous applause.
His opening remarks were confined
to his deep appreciation OF the honor
conferred upon him by the local dem
ocracy. "The democrats of western
North Carolina" said the speaker,
"must appreciate little things if | am
to judge by the reception accorded
me. | am a southerner Of southern
ers, and the real southerner loves the
south as a schoolboy loves his sweet
heart" Mr.. Williams then dwelt
upon the necessity OF unity in the
democratic ranks. "All over the
world he said, "the democratic idea
seems to have struck reaction. The
Hon. William Jennings Bryan recent
ly remarked that the woods are full
of democrats. say that is just the
trouble with the democratic party.
1t has taken to the woods, and it's
time to come out. am tired of all
the frills and embroideries which seem
to designate the different wings of
our party. have no sympathy with
divisions. Let us drop the idea OF
Cleveland democrats, Bryan demo-
Gratis and Parker democrats and let
us return to the principles of Jeffer-
sonian democracy. The nineteenth
century was featured by struggle
for popular wealth, and the twentieth
century reveals to us a struggle for
popular rights"
Touching upon the future course
of the south, Mr.. Williams declared
that it's policy would be the roofing
up of whatever smelled ofcOrporative
power. "The spirit of genuine democ
racy will survive" said the speaker.
GAS long as the spirit Of the belief in
eternal justice exists the spirit OF de-
mocracy will live. True democracy
found it's root in JeffersOn's inaugu-
raj address,"
The speaker next took up the refa-
tion of railroads to the government,
declaring that the people had the
right to make them deal with the
shippers which they served. 'Every
business" he said, (Which owes its
existence to government favor must
expect government restriction"
Dwelling upon the future OF the
democratic party, Mr.. Williams said
it was divided into two elements
optimistic and pessimistic. The
former looked forward to- a glorious
resurre-action, while the latter think
that the rainbow OF hope has disap'
peared for all time. ''Your real dem
ocrat knows" he said, "that no mat
ter how long it rains the sun will
shine sooner or later. l hope for re-
union. Our future policy must be
unity and in that shall we be tri
umphant." In closing Mr.. Williams
declared that the life of the republican
party was graft and special privi
leges.
That appeal to drop the idea o'
cleveland democrats" Bryan demo
Gratis" and "Parker democrats" viii
be needed, we hope, by those faction
leaders and editors in this state who
wish to drive out of the party any
; good democrat who does not accept
their dictations on every minor ques
t tion as to party or policy action
There are a good many such demo
Gratis in this state, and they have OF
several occasions come near causing
. the defeat of the party. In fact i
was due more to their overbearin!
: conduct than to anything else tha
: Butler and Russell got control OF tn
! state in 1894 and 1896. These me
, should heed Mr.. Williams appea
, and stop this foolish classification
t democrats. Many of them have bee1
less loyal to the party in times pas
, than the men they criticise.