Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-06-22

lima. one of the big men of the South,
has issued an address TO the young men
to become Democrats. In this address
Governor Jarvis says:
Every young man should desire to
start life right. and have fixed pur
pose to do the right. and this is true
in all the activities of life. 1t is true in
business, in politics. in religion. and
in all things with which men have to
do. "As man thinks. so is he" II IS
important thereof that young man
should think right. If he thinks right
and acts right. his life will be right. and
he will make useful and honorable cit
Iizen.
The plain. simple, fundamental prin-
lciples of the Democratic party should
commend themselves. il scenes to me.
to men who will take the time to
examine them and fully inform them
selves as to how nearly these funda-
mental principles are akin to the basic
principles of the American system of
Government. will mention few of
them. The Democratic party was
founded upon the idea that the people
are the sovereign, and the Office hold
ers are the servants. and that is the
very foundation principle of our system
of government. When this funda-
mental democratic doctrine has pre-
vailed we have had peace years. under
Republican policies. there has been
sad departure from this fundamental
principle. The result of it is that
certain class of men assume to be bosses
and regard the people as servants.
1t is this condition that has culmi-
mated in the present conflict, unrest
and political agitation in many of the
States of this Union. Had we stead
fastly adhered to this principle of the
Democratic party. we would have es-
capped the present agitation, and would
have heard nothing of the "referen-
DUN" and the recall" !" A departure
from this fundamental principle under
Republican policies has led to the con-
fusion in which we see men in high
places denouncing each other in bitter
and shameful terms.
The Democratic party from its be-
ginning until now has held. as one of
its cardinal doctrines. that every man
is entitled to an equal opportunity to
make the most of himself. II has de-
clared in unmistakable terms, and upon
all occasions, against special privileges.
and in favor of equal opportunities.
| A man who does not hold sacred
this principle cannot be a true Demo-
crat, and it seems to me that it must
commend itself to all men who do
not seek some undue advantage of
their fellow-men. A departure from
this fundamental teaching of the Demo-
cratic party has led to men seeking by
Legislation, privileges which will help
few at the expense of the many.
Under the special privileges acquired
by special legislation. few men have
been enabled to organize systems by
which they control large properties. and
under which they have organized great
associations by which they unduly do
inmate and control policies and admins
trations of the country to the detriment
Of the great mass of the people. Andif
we had kept the legislation and admins
tration of the State and National govern
ments true to this fundamental princi-
pie of the Democratic party. the men
who accumulate wealth and have political
and social influence would have been
exempt from the vile assaults now made
upon them charging them with having
risen to their present position through
unlawful and vicious means. The sooner
we can get back to this fundamental
principle Of the Democratic party. and
put it in operation to its full extent in
the legislation and administration of
the government, the sooner our country.
will be what its fathers intend it to be-
the land of equal opportunity. and no
special privileges.
The taxing power in all governments.
under all systems. is power that may
be abused and when Congress levies
this tax. it has no authority to levy IT
for the purpose of enriching one man.
or class of men at the expense of all
other men. 1t is true that now and then,
here and there, few men who call
themselves Democrats have departed
from this cardinal principal of their par
ty. but when they have done so, it has
almost universally brought trouble to
them and their party.
We see notable examples of this in
the present tariff agitation. There is.
in my judgment. no safe grounds for
the party to occupy. except a steadfast
adherence To this fundamental principle