The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1862-11-22


Ifsny one thing has characterized the
present. administration, it is its liberality to
Political opponents. From the first acces-
sion Of Mr.. Lincoln to power, it has been a
marked feature ofhis policy to discard party,
and try and satisfy the country that loyalty
and merit alone would be considered in dis
pensing office. SO soon as it had become
certain that war was inevitable, this rule
was adopted, and has been strictly adhered
to, In all branches of the public service. In
the Cabinet, in the army and elsewhere,
Democrats have been continued in office,
and thousands from that party have been
the recipients of executive favors and patro-
mage. In the army has this been the case
to the extent of filling all the highest offices,
With only one or two exceptions, with men,-
bers Of politics opposite to the party in pow
er. And not only was this done but Repub.
licans in most OF the States voluntarily gave
upthcir organization, and invited and sought
the CO. operation of members of all other par
ties, in an honest support Of the government
while engaged in the war for the preserva-
ton ofthe Republic.
The recent elections exhibit the result Of
this honest effort to concil,ate opposition,
and unite the country in support of the war
With the exception Of the masses, upon
whom no doubt this policy has exerted the
desired effect, it has been failure. SO far
as the politicians and leaders of the opposi-
ton are concerned, no effect whatever. has
been produced. They have not only refused
oil overtures to unite, but they have mads
use Of the disposition Of Republicans to do
50 as q means Of their own SUCCESS. =
Finding Republicans off their guard, with.
out organization, and exposed at every point
to attack, they marshalled their forces in
regular battle array, and moved on in solid
e1Au'Rn, the same as in ordinary times =
The consequence of this we have before ns
Ithas been defeat, and defeat under such
rcumstances ought to have been cxpe ,ted
It has only been avoided where, as in Iowa
and one or two other States, the plans Of
the Democracy were foreseen and thwarted
by the only way it could be done, by organ.
ization a regular ,litical q sht, and party
canvass. fa@'~ lt1s2 so go.
VIII the administration and the country
profit by this experience In full view Of
the fact that all attempts to concileate the
opposition has resulted in giving them an
advantages, and in injury to the Union cause,
will the same policy be longer followed p
We hope not. 1t is evident to us that if
this government is saved, it must be through
the agency Of Union Party, as contradis.
ting',ished from party ofopposite principles;
disunion party, which the Democracy, as
now led and controlled, arc. The Union
party must be organized, drilled, and in ev.
cry way encouraged and sustained. The
administration must at once cease fostering
and protecting its enemies and the enemies
OF the country cease putting weapons and
means INTO the hands of its bitter and deadly
foes, to cut its own throat. IF this policy
had been pursued from the commencement
ofthe rcbellion. il would have saved us New
York, Ohio. Illinois, and every other State.
Nothing will be gained by any further delay
The Unconditional Union men of the coun
try have great work TO do. Let them 90
abou. it ct once, and all win yet be well. aas.