Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1865-11-23
The Lesson OF the Elections.

| lfioh me l. hOunu ldDle
There are circumstances connected with
the recent State elections which entitled
them to graver &C cmment than they claim as
mere party tfiumphs or defeats. La but
one instance was there any issue at stake
save which of the two contending parties
should get into Office. The Democrats of
New Jersey went into theeampaign on u,,es-
tions which divided the people three Years
ago, and we're handsomely beaten. as they
deserved. They may have learned by this
time that the world moves, and that the only
way to avoid moving with it is to 20 out of
existence. Ihcquesti0n of slavery is settled
Negroes are henceiorth free men, no matter
whether the privilege of full citizenshir be
accorded to them or not; and party that
at this late day proposes to fight over again
the battles OF years that are gone, and in the
face OF the mortal sentiment of the whole
civilized world, merits just what it has re.
celved in New Jersey--an overwhelming
defeat. The contest in New York may be
taken as the representative of the contest in
all the other States, except the one inst
mentioned, The Democratic party audaci.
ously changed front, avowcd its confidence
in man whom its orators and presses had
within year denounced in as virulent
style as the English language would admit
OF, and boldly threw down the gauntlet to
its opponents to lie with It in support of
this same man and the measures for the
reconstruction Of the Union which he, as
President, had insugurated. Never was
there an instance Of political tactics so dar-
ing. And, as if to make assurance doubly
sure, the democrats selected their most
prominent candidates for office from the
republican party, and then plunged into the
NQnVnlQ n daa hal %
ed their opponents. The latter held their
convention, adopted a platform consistent
with their previous course, and went into the
contest expeotant Of success. So identical
were the psinciples avowed by each party,
so persistently did each claim to be the chief
supporter OF President johnson, that the
only issue at stake was whether republicans
or democrats should hold certain State Off
ces, VI course, such a struggle had little
interest for the intelligent portion of the
people, aud the republicans easily retained
the supremacy which they have held in this
State, almost uninterruptedly, since the Ere.
mont campsign Of 1856 III.
The verdict of the people is, right. The
democratic party acted hypooritical part
throughout. 1t professed most abiding
confidence and a strong regard for President
John'op, despite the fact that certain fca.
tues OF his reconstruction policy were di-
rectly contrary to its previously pronounced
vIews-and for what2 Simply that it might
getinto Office. and share the patronage Of
which It has been deprived SO long. This
IS the truth OF the whole matter. Its mis-.
sion as a party is ended. No doubt many
very patriotic men acted with it during the
war, and have just voted for its candidates
from the purest motives. Still tho fact re.
mains and is patent to the country that the
predictions ofthe party that il was impossi.
Bile to conquer eight millions of people, that
the debt was so enormous that Il could ney.
or DO paid, that the republican party could
never bring the war to successful close, or
harmonize the country afterward-all these
have subsequent events proved false. And
now, notwithstanding it changed its front
and protessed tho very views which its op-
ponents held it is again defeated. Nothing
remains for it but to pass out of existence.
The election being over, it is to be hoped |
that each party will act with perfect honesty, |
without semblance or dissemblapce. Each |
owes il to itself and to the country TO deal |
fairly by the administration. To the Repub, |
lieap party has been ommitted the charge |
Of readjusting the relations between the
North aud South upon basis which IS to
endure for; all time. Never had . party a
more glorious opportunity than this. ~
The problem is TO restore the Union in such
q manner that no injustice shall be done 10
Apy section or any, class, Of, people. and no
issues be left unsettled which may, ever be
to the sword for, arbitrament. =
On the other hand, If the Democratic party
would purge itself Of the odium which Is
now so justly cast upon Il, ceasing to dis
,emble, IL must honestly approve or con.
lemn the acts Of President Johnson's ad-
according as they coiusids with
" differ from its own opinions. Thus and