The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-11-19
\ DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE.
Baltimore Sun Urges the Wisdom of
Having Such a Gathering.
(From the Baltimore Sum-

The path of the great Democratic
victory in New York was made
straight by a meeting of party lead
ers which took place some time be-
fore the campaign began. The char
acter of the men who composed thatN
meeting and the sentiments express
ed by them inspired confidence in
the party. 1t had its effect upon the
State Convention and largely brought
about the wise nominations made by
that body and the excellent pIatfornS
it adopted
1t is believed that a SIMILAR confer
ence here in Baltimore Of Democrat.
from ali sections of the country would
be in the same manner helpful in
strengthening the party. in mapping
cut It's present course and determin- 4
ing its future policies This is a crjti-
cal moment for the Democratic party
and it needs the united wisdom of
al its leaders. If they Will come to-
gether in the spirit Of true Denoc-
racy and with an earnest desire to
carry out the pledges of the campaign
platforms and to promote the inter-5
csts of the people, there will be lit
tie difficulty in agreeing upon a po-
litical programme that will mean
not only success but well-deserved
popular confidence. Last weeks election
Democratic party as the victory of 4
the people. and the people will hold
the party to a strict accountab bility in
the exercise of the authority with
which it has been invested 1t has
promised certain definite Things, tariff
reform and the economical admins
tration of public affairs in particular.
and it will fail to redeem these prom
ises at its peril. The people must
be convinced that the party is pro-
gressive as well as conservative
| that it will progress in advocating
good government and in advancing
the material welfare Of the country, q
and that it will he conservative ia
maintaining the Constitution and
form of government and in the eX-
penditure Of the public money
The proposed Baltimore confer
ence to which. it has been suggest
ed, formal invitations should he is
sued by the Governor. the two Mary \
! land Senators and the two Demo-
cratic members of the present House
Messrs Talbot and Covington-wilI
be composed in the main, probably
of members of the two houses Of
Congress. 1t cannot fail TO be help
fun to members of Congress to con-
suit with wise and patriotic rhen of
their party who are not in Congress.
The idea in calling the conference is
not TO have it usurp the legislative
functions of Congress. The Demo- q,
cratic members of that body are
doubtless entirely competent TO take
care Of the party's interests there. %
But much good can come from
II li'HulS anu palrlOuc conference OF
Democratic leaders at time when
the party should have the benefit Of
all the suggestions and advice NhichN
t can get from those who love it
and desire to see it restored to COM
pletc supremacy.
The general attitude Of the party
toward the popular demands for re-
form, as well as toward the business
interests of the country. should be
made plain, just as the attitude of
the party in New York was made
plain by the conference of Demo-
cratic leaders in that State. A strong.
ringing, straightforward declaration
of faith purpose by the leading
Democrats of the country Just at this
juncture, with the statement of a
definite general programme. would
strengthen it immeasurably in every
section and with all classes of peo-
pie, and would pave the way to fur
ther and enduring triumphs.