Year: 1875

The Democracy of Tennessee.


The Nashville American, in view
of recent developments, has thought
it advisable to republish the plat
form of principles adopted by the
last State Democratic Convention.
We think this action well timed and
appropriate. It is safe to occasion
ally consult the political log-book,
else we may drift into unknown
waters. The Democracy of Ten
nessee has always been (at least
since 1s70) a wiIful, and at times,
wayward creature, scouting preee-
dent in many instances, and allow
ing the most inconsistent and un-
warrantable liberty with its prin
ciples and platform. The result is
a want of conference and strength
of organization, that in the pres
ence of a respectable opponent,
would be fatal. We have always
tried to be Democratic. and true to
the principles adopted in Conven-
ton. In 1870 when the Zndepen-
dent movement, which had much to
commend it to popular favor, was
making such headway in the State,
we fought for organization, and the
strict integrity of the party in obe-
dience to it's declaration of princi-
pies. And yet in our own party
there were those tolerated and even
honored by the party and press,
whose sole purpose was the disrup
tion of the party, and destruction of
its integrity. In 1872, when the
question of finance was the all-im-
portant issue of our State canvass,
we fought for State credit, for pay.
ment of interest upon our bonded
debt, and the preservation of our
public faith and honor. The plat
form of the Democratic party was
outspoken and emphatic upon this
matter, and hence we cried aloud
and spared not In our efforts to pre-
sent it to public favor. And yet, at
that very time, the Democracy of
Tennessee was nursing and fostering
in its ranks Loqo tar men and repat-
diGtiOn5StS, and allowing them to
SOW the seeds Of public dishonor
and discredit broad cast over the
State.


The Convention of 1874 came on
and reiterated in no uncertain terms
the principles of State and national
finance, which had already been
solemnly pronounced upon two sim
liar occasions, and yet, after the re
sumption of interest payments in
furtherance of this policy, we saw
Legislature, elected under this plat
form, at the most critical period of
our history as a State and party,
desert these principles and thrice
repeated tenets OF Democratic faith,
and wantonly and recklessly stab
the credit and faith of the State in
the halls of her own capitol. Nay
more, we saw candidate for Gov
ernOr, entering upon a canvass which
was certain, in any event, to result
in his overwhelming election over a
man, socially, personally and politi-
cally unpopular, who did not have
the moral courage and statesman


ship to advocate this the only ques-
tion of Importance in our State
policy. We saw him afterwards as
listless as his Legislature was in
different, upon this vital question.


Upon. a mere tcchnicality, we af-
terward saw a shameful default in
the payment Of our July interest,
and now, to crown this remarkable
chapter of mishaps and inconsis-
tencies, We find that we are blessed
with a Senator appointed by a Dem
ocraUic Governor to represent a
Democratic State and constituency,
at the most critical period of our
national history, who ignores the
platform of the party, and approves
what that platform so severely de


nounces. Any man of ordinary in
telligence must know that the
finance question is the one of
greatest practical Importance now
pending before the people, and upon
this question the Democracy of Ten
nessee are misrepresented in the
councils of the nation. "The query
comes up here" was Senator Key
appointed because of his views OF
finance and love of National Banks,
or upon what particular feature Of
his faith was his appointment based?


One thing is evident, if we desire
to retain the respect OF the masses
and the integrity Of our party, we
must have leaders in our State and
national Offices who prefer the sup


port Of our principles to their own
advancement, and who have the
moral courage to face the difficult
issues of the day without fear. Let
us have no more vaeillation upon
our State and National finances
/ Let US have no more trimming and
seeking for personal preferment,


but let us support the principles


which we have adopted as q party,
and put n place men who have the
capacity and courage, yea, If need
| be, the self-sacrifce. 70 be cur lead
ers. This Is no time for eompro-
misses, but for earnest action; no
occasion for negative characteTs in


high places, but for live meh of


broad views and moral courage. =