Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1848-06-16
The HhIg Party in OhIO--Its Policy.

The principles of any political party are most
clearly displayed by the policy that governs its
administration of public affairs. If that policy
be wise, psSdent, just and benefcal-if its OBJ
iecl be to secure the greatest good to the whole
people-lhe principles of the party are pure and
worthy; but if its policy be TO lay buuhens on
the people, to derange their monetary systems,
10 destroy their commerce, to lay waste their
public improvements, TO crush their energies, TO
sap the foundations of their greatness, and to
sustain its own political existence, regardless Of
the public weal-then the principles of that par.
~ flow from a corrupt source, and gather addi-
lional corruption in its onward progress.
The professions of parIisans-thOse deusive
catch-pennies placed on the fnger-boards of
politics-thoses osesweet-sounding phrases everupon
The lips of the demagogue-lhose persuasive
unclons, learned by rote, and uttered in all pla.
,ces-may, for time, mislead the unwary, de-
Ceive the confdIng, and delude the novice, but
the delusion is ransitory, the deception shallow,
and the test Of prolessions-the official acts of
the pary-when we'll understood, is sure to
bring the errant into the right track. Political
prejudices and animosities for time may blind
our vision and sway our judgment, but truth will
triumph over error;-acIions will speak louder
than words.
We propose by this test-the measures pro-
mulgated and carried into effect-to examine
the principles of the two great political parties
now in existence, and contending for the suffra-
ges of the people Of Ohio. Both parties have
controlled the government of the State both
have had suffcienttimeto promugate, to consider,
TO adopt to carry into effect, the principles of
its creed; both have had equal facilities in ma
king its acts known to the people. Measures Of
paramount mportance,- deeply affecting the in
terest Of the people, at times, claimed the atIen-
tention of both. Their actions upon those
measures, is, therefore, the true criterion by
which we should test their principles.
In order to state the case fully, we must go
back TO the time when the opponents of Wing
policy first Obtained permanent ascendency in
our Legislature. This was in 1885. The first
and greatest public improvement in the State
was then completed; the public debt was about
five millions and a half of dollars, and the general
condition of the people was that of prosperity.
1t adbeen the policy of those no controled,ou
State affairs to protect our own institutions, 10
create markets for the convenience of the peo-
pie, to foster enterprise, to invite the investment
of capital, to encourage labor to, in word, ad-
minister the GovernmentsfOr the benefit of the
people.
From 1885 TO 1874, with single intermis-
sion, the opponents of the Whig party swayed
the legislation of the State Of Ohio. 1t is not
our purpose TO enquire by what means our op-
ponents obtain ed the power. The manner in
which that power was exercised now claims our
consideration. Was it exercised for the benefit
of the people? Was the wholesome policy for
merly exercised adhered to? On the contrary,
system Of reckless experiments, u season of
extravaganza was adopted. Millions upon mik
lions were added to the public debt. Extrava-
gance and corruption existed in every depart.
ment OF Government. Agents of the State, en-
ployed upon its public Improvements, enriched
themselves at the State Treasury. Peculation
and fraud were countenanced by the Board
of Public Works. These facts were clearly
and explicitly pointed out to the Legislature BY
the Auditor of State, in one of his annual re.
ports, and yet, that body refused to appoint
committee with power to investigate them.
The corruption and extravaganza of those in
power soon tarnished the credit of the State, and
"as' in due time, fell by the people, Our bonds
became deprecated, whilst our revenues failed
10 supply the annual demand upon them. Re.
sort was had to expedient after expedent but all
in vain. Bankruptcy and disgrace stared us in
ihe face, whilst the deeper disgrace of repudia.
sion found advocates in the Legislature. Added
20 these evils was that of uponthe banking
institutions of the State. A continued system
oi oppression and injustice was carried on a.
galnst them. Every expedient that proAigacy
could devise, or recklessness call into requsi.
son. ior 'hepurPose of rendering banks odious
TO the people, was resorted to without commune.
zion. The charters of many had expired BY
limitation, and though petition after petition, pu.
merously signed, from all quarters of the State
was presented to the Legislature, praying for the
extension Of the expiring bank charters. tho
prayer was Indignantly nsed;-members Of
the majority publicly ayOwing that they '.asked
no better llghtto lead them on TO duty, than the
burning edifce of every bank in the StateI"
- ne closing years of this dynasty is memo.
faOle epoch in the history of our State. The