New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-01-17
Nrtu1lork Dailu Gribn,re
FROM WASHINGTON.
POSITION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.
Corsspondence Of The N. Y. Tribune.


recall the Republicans to consideration Of their
principles. He assumed that portion Of the
party we're disposed to retreat from some Of the
position hitherto taken by II, and he uttered an
eloquent warning against any such backward steps.
j have heard, since / have been in Wssbingttn n,
good deal Of uneasiness expressed against The
TRIBUNE as favoring this class. If AIN not mia
taken, this impression has grown out Of some edi-
torisl suggestions as 20 the propriety of offering,
hereafter some sort Of accommodation TO other
branches OF the Opposition in making up Presi-
dental ticket Whether these suggestions need
have been made so far in advance Of the time when
it was necessary 10 consider them, do not stop to
inquire.
But, that there is any intention on the part of
The TRIBUNE, or of Republicans having any
responsible position in the party, to recede from
any position taken by it in the Philadelphia Plat
FORM or what legitmately flows therefrom. have
never seen sny evidence.
The creed Of the Republican parry was promul-
gated at the Philadelphia Convention in 13j6, and
it has never been authoritAtively changed, in any
manner, from that day to this. The creed was
satisfactory then, has worked admirably in prar-
tee, and is, doubtless perfectly satisfactory now 70
the entire party
Yet, Mr.. Wsshburn complains that some Repub-
lcans are shaking in their shoes, or are considering
the idea of retreat from some of the positions Of
the parry, for the purpose Of winning acces.ions
from some other branch Of opposition to the party
ia power. And the idea expressed by THE
TRIBUNE, Of the necessity OF cooperation among
the various elements of the Opposition in order TO
triumph over the parts in power, is, i presume,
looked upon by him, as it is by Others, as afford.
ing ground for this suspicion.
Letus see, if we Can, what is the precise posi-
ton of the Republican party. 1t sands upon the
Philadelphia Platform. SO much is clear. 1t s
great party that has, Oh lis own distinctive praci
pies, laid down in that platform, clear prepoDder
anee in all the Free States but four. The excep.
tions are New-Yorh, New-Jersey Pennsylvania,
and Indiana. Illinois may be considered on
pose, with the likelihood of being won by the
Republicans in any event, and with almost the GER
tainty of it, if they should sppear to be coming
into power in the Federal Government. Indiana
is similarly situated, only little harder for the
Republicans. In the other States mentioned, 10
wit, New. York, Pennsylvania, and New.Jersey,
the Republicans are in a minority, but in each
there is powerful body of voters opposed to the
existing Administration, which, when active, in
conjunction with the Republicans, form a force
sufficient to carry those S.a,es; combination that
was formed in the late ngressonalelections with
iignal success.
1t is the great aim of the Republican party to
get ile control of the Federal Government 1t
wishes to do this in order to carry out its pIinci-
pies. 1t certainly does not wish to put men in
power who viii not carry out those principles.
How shall it accomplish its purposes What
course shall it pursue And, principally, how
shall it deport itself toward the other branches of
the Opposition III the three States referred to,
the cooperation with which, at the recent elections,
was OF such signal utuity in the composition of the
next Congress. Two courses are open to it; 1t
may decline future cooperation With other elements
of the Opposition, on any basis Whatever, and,
urging its own clear, distinctive principles against
every other party and every other organization,
go on and male what accessions it can 10 IFS own
ranks and trust 10 its principles for the result This
course is plain and distinct, and everybody can un-
derstand ii.
The other course is TO offer to cooperate with
the other branch or branches of the Opposition TO
the ruling dynasty, and finding basis OF such CO
operation, TO fight the Presidential battle agslnst
the common enemy in alliance with them. The
precise modes and methods of dong this are dlfh.
cult to prescribe in advance, and no. easy to settle
at any tine. Real difficulties beset all such a.
hances. Beside these, there are suspicious and
ealousies on the one side and the other even more
embarrassing than the real dfcutins in the settle
pent.
Nov, it is far less perplex King to adopt tue former
than the latter course. IL saves trouble, saves
thought saves the expenditure Of a vast deal OF
effort of every sort. To do 1t best suits the mental
habits and most grati6es the feelings OF every
person of strong opinions. Besides, II is the most
natural method of carrying any controversy to
conclusion No party cares for ally that it feels
strong enough to fight its battles without.
But, where there is little or no cba0cs Of success
without an alliance, and certainty of It with that
alliance, party aiming at success IN an election
as a means Of advancing its principles, may well
pause and reflect before il decides against such AID.
TIE question then arises, Can the Republican
party succeed in the election of Presidential
ticket in 1850. on its own strength 10 the States
Of New-York, Pennsylvania aud Neg-Jertey' II
this question be answered sfirmatsely, it puts an
end 10 sll considerations of the proprety OF pro-
posiug TO cooperate with, or OF entertaining
proportions Of cooperation from, elements Of op.