Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 November 1908 — THE DEMOCRACY ON GUARD. [ARTICLE]

THE DEMOCRACY ON GUARD.

Writers In various journals are now indulging in the jmcient and useless work of writing obituary notices of the Democratic partyft has, long been a favorite theme, after defeat, with the timid and faint-hearted though loyal ones| as v ell as with those whose wish is father to the thought, of the demise of the constitutional party of the country. The Democratic party never was so strong before the people as It is today. Leaders may be misguided, lack power of organization, or fail to grasp current conditions. Candidates may be weak before the entire electorate while strong in action for themselves. Four successive defeats have not impaired the faith of the Democratic voters in the creed of their party nor instilled a doubt in the ultimate and final success of their principles and of their party organization. Cleveland’s victory in 1882 was more destructive than all the defeats. If Mr. Bryan’s numerous candidacies have classed him but as a “peacemaker” for the Republican party the Democrats have seen with pleasure the G. O. P. striking into a Democratic stride occasionally in obedience to popular opinion. If Mr. Bryan has fully demonstrated his unavailability, as a can-

didate, that does not destroy or ruin the Democratic party. While eliminating the Nebraskan as it does from future candidates, neither he nor his followers can any slighting of his merits by the Democracy of the republic. The party existed before the birth of Mr. Bryan and will continue to oppose, contend and struggle against governmental wrongs and abuses as long as the republic lives. It was not organized for protection of privileges but protection of rights of the masses. It does not live for the advancement of a man, or a special class of men, but for the Interests of the majority of the citizens of the United States. Defeat does not dismay its members, but upon the contrary renders them more determined to fight op. It is dependent upon no commissary train for its support and fights best and accomplishes most when its opposition has fattened upon the flesh pots and is gorged with the substance of the people. Writers can file their obituary notices by the thousands, opposition orators can preach funeral sermons by the hundreds, third party chiefs can prophesy of dissolution. It is all labor lost; all hopes that are vain. The cry of the gallant officer at Waterloo, “The-old guard dies, but never surrenders,” was a glorious response, but. the Democratic party has a nobler one. It neither dies nor surrenders. It Is immortal.—Cincinnati JBnquirer (Ind.)