The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1906-03-22

let the South Lead II Il VIII.

An eloquent tribute to the steadfast-
ness Of the southern democracy was
that paid by Judge Parker in the Char
lotte address. Sinking no RESPONSE
bility, seeking no national rewards,
said he, promoting no special move
ments, they have neither been trucu-
lent in victory nor discouraged in de-
feat. Going ON their way, regulating
their own affairs, without hope of com
handing subsidy, paying cheeriully to
carry out the policies in which they
could have no part, they have so inn
pressed themselves upon their time
that the one special problem coming to
them from the past has been solved in
such way that the whole country has
not only been forced to approve and
applaud, but to initiate as the only way
to deal with it.
And not moro eloquent than true,
but eloquent because of its truth, the
Judges declarations find response in
the hearts of democrats the length and
breadth of the land. AS the Republic
some two months ago in commenting
upon the movement of southern demo-
Gratis centering at Richmond to agree
upon and promote the nomination of
some distinctively southern man for
the presidency in 1908, the time is ripe
for recognizing the justice of the
south's political claims so long defer
red, so patiently pleaded. In its pa
tient steadfastness to principle through
out generations of variable and turbu-
lent politics, whether in defeat or in
victory, the south has been rock Of
fidelity, aud upon that rock as its foun-
dation the democratic party of 1905
might well build. To the leadership
, of the south the party might we'll turn
for the solution of its difficulties, the
, amalgamation of all its forces.
In urging consideration of the soutl
as the nucleus of democratic power
and motive for 1908, account is takeI
of national sentiment as we'll as the so
Der wisdom of the democratic mind il
many sections. The suggestion ha
been fairly we'll tested by discussion
not noisily, as the subject Of mucl
platform or public utterance, or of gen
eral editorial expression, but quietly
y in the informal intercourse and chanc
c conferences of party mel widely; an
}, there is general assent to the practices
/ wisdom of encouraging southern lead
o ership. From the standpoint of th
e south, the opportunity to come into il
2 own and reap the thrice earned rewar
u Of constancy and courage is worth a
D earnest and dignifed effort. II it wi
81 concentrate upon man of caliber, {
IS parts and character, upon whom res
lie the distinctive nobility of stanch an
te fine grained democracy, it will turtle
l. impress consideration of the south
e. claims and the eminent availability
le its leadership under the condition
as which presently confront the part
r Assuredly the democracy of the sout
20 stands now in the happiest relation
re the party generally, and Its claims fir
I'd peculiar appeal and strong sympath
1e but it is for the south itself to con
re forward with the convincing presen
O. ment which shall carry the day
ed must itself solve the great problem in
as way to enlist unqualified cooperate
I'D and national enthusiasm. Encourag
~ ment, even eager encouragement,
1T may hope to find in the democracy
ut other sections; the initiative must
'll its own, the action and the force
80 must supply. In word, if the sou
il would have followers it must lead. IS
I'd Louis Republic.