The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1860-11-15

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bnsideratiOms for Republicans.
Fhe Importance of Political
Consistency.
1t being a settled fact that the Re-
blican party is now the majority par
in the Union, it becomes a question
Importance how the integrity and
ion Of the party shall be maintained g?
lere is but one aspect Of this subject
itch we, for the present, wish to pre-,
Mt for consideration that is, the duty
the party in its smaller organizations
lin its town, ward and county politi-
Il action. The success Of our State
i'd National organizations is intimately
ependant--nay, almost entirely upon
ur town organizations. The sources
Estate and National power are derived
'om the people in their primary assem-
lies; here are the beginnings and the
pundations Of the great supersructures.
low shall the integrity and harmony Of
he party be preserved in our town and
ity elections ? Manifestly by strict
difference to political consistency
What is essential to political consisten-
y? 1t is important that every candi>
ate put in nomination for an office,
hould have fair political record ; hon
sty and capability for the place are Of
course essential; but these are not
'nough. a man fit to represent the
Republican party for office, should
AVE a record showing that he is not a
mere nominal member-not holding
connection with it simply because he
eeks political preferment. It should
De known and generally acknowledged
hat he is attached to the party from
principle.
One Of the sources Of disaffection and
want of harmony at our elections, is, the
too common practice of putting in nom
nation, candidates for office whose an
tecedents disprove their claim to politi-
cal consistency; in other words, putting
up men for Office who are in the habit
Of boiling the regular nominations Of
the party. This practice tends to de-
stroy political confidence, weaken the
party organization, and impair its unity.
That any Republican has a right to re
fuse his support to regularly nomina>
ted candidate simply on account of
some personal pique or dislike, is pre-
posterous. Candidates are put in
nomination, not only because of their
fitness, but as the opponents OF party
principles-priuciple which are deemed
vital to the perpetuation Of orr free
institutions. To refuse to vote for, or
to vote against nominee Of the Re
publican party, is not only disorganiza,
ton, but recreancy to Republican prin-
ciples, Principles are what the party
contend for; the men elected to office
are only the instruments Of the people
for carrying out principles.
Without some organization to secure
concert Of action what could the party
accomplish Nothing at all. Howey
er sound may be the doctrine of the
party-however muchits principles may
commend themselves to the judgmen.
and approval Of the people, without an
to secure concert of action
and concentration of effort, the party
would be powerless, and fail of carrying
its principles into action. In this ace,
moral and political purposes
are achieved by organization. Ifthen,
is SO essential, it follow
that the more rigidly the party adhere
to political consistency, the more certain
it will be to accomplish Its objects and
aims 1t will not do to raise the plea
that unsuitable candidates are somtimes
or that conventions arc !
packed and unfairly consti> |
-uted. These are grievances which not |
unfrequently exist, still they do not fur |
nish an apology for refusing to support
1 party nomination. It is the business
Of the people to see to it, that no cause
for complaint of this sort shall be allow
ID to occur. There is power back Of
md antecedent to nominating conven-
ions; that power is the people in THEN
primary meetings. If the people neg>
lect these primary political gatherings,
hey ought not to find fault if their
wishes are Enthusiastically represented.
In accol dance with our form Of govern,
ment, the people have taken upon
themselves the duty to govern; if they
tail 70 give expression to their wishes in