A child ought to be able to see the profound policy which underlies the extravagance of the Federal Government.
The Tariff must not be lowered; the Public Debt must not be paid off; the reign of the Trusts must not be threatened:
“Stand Pat!”
That’s the watchword of heartless Plutocracy which has erected its powers upon the three bed-rock measures of Alexander Hamilton.
“Stand Pat!”—blares the bugle-note of Class-law leaders, for they know that a system depends upon all of its component parts. If there should be a leak in the dike, anywhere, the angry ocean might come pouring in.
Where are the Democrats, and the Democratic Party?
What soldiers are pitching their tents upon the historic fields of Democracy?
What lines of battle are forming under the time-honored banners of Jefferson and Jackson?
Alas! The mighty strain and struggle of the Democratic Party during these degenerate days, has been to imitate every bad habit of the Republicans. Democrats vote with the Republicans to continue the National banks, to continue the Public Debt, to continue the Protective system, to embark upon an imperial colonial system, to perpetuate the rule of the Trust, to multiply objects and amounts of National extravagance.
Where do I see signs of life and hope?