The Elk advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa.) 186?-1868, 1866-05-31
The .T6r: CongreSSnUn.

Somo weeks ago We published com.
municatiou over the initials Of L. 7. l..
in reference to the next Congressman,
in which the writer reppdiated the
course o. the radicals, os subversive of
the best interests of the Union, and pro-
claimed his own convictions to be in fa-
vor OF the restoration policy of Presi-
dent JOHNSON. The ability with
which he handled the great issue Of the
day, and the candor Of his conclusions,
must have had a favorable effect on the
minds of candid Republicans, and con-
WINGED US that large proportion of the
thinking men of the Republican party
we're with the President in their convic-
tions, but whether they would stand by
their convictions rather than suceumb
TO the radical whip, remained to be seen.
We believed with the writer that the
contest was really between the conserva-
'tivcs and the radicals, and that such
course ought to be pursued as would
marshal the whole conservative strength
Of this Congressional district in the sup
port Of d conservative candidate. L. T.
T.. thinks that " the Democrats are too
far in the minority to afford a reasona.
BILE hope of success, should they make a
regular nomination" In this the Erie
Observer, Brookville Herald, and Clear
field Republican, coincide. This was
also our own opinion. L. 7. L. there
fore recommends, as the only hope of
success, the nomination of a johnson
Republican. The Democratic papers
above. named thought that such candi-
date wonld be unanimously supported
BY the Democratic party. The Warren
Ledger however objects, and it this OBJ
lection which leads US to recur to the
subject.
We apprehend that there is really no
difference 10 sentiment on this question
between us,-that all the Democratic
papers, as we'll as the whole Democratic
party would much prefer to support an
out and out Democrat but if the sue
cess of such candidate is impossible,
that then, and only then, they are vii.
li1g to support the candidate of the con.
servatiye Republicans, who agree with
us on the paramount issue before the
people, but differ with us on other mi
nor issues. IF we cannot Go what we
wish, We will do the next best thing and
of two evils choose the least. The
Ledger views the question from diff
terent standpoint. 1t believes in the
availability of Democrats candidate
otherwise We agree. If, as the Ledger
informs us, Col. Curtis has not seen fit
to declare his position on Ac subject Of
restoration then we cannot support him
Only an honest, outspoken advocate ol
Immediate restoration, without 4" ifs OF
ands" can receive our suffrages. Nc
man who is of doubtful convictions, Of
who is quietly considering the respec
tive chances for his own elevation, de-
pendent upon the decision of this ques
ton, can receive any consideration a
our hands. James B. Graham. the 9th
er candidate mentioned by L. T. L. il
endorsed as sound on the question b,
the Clearfeld Republican. He would
therefore be proper candidate for tn,
johnson wing of the Republican party
But it is not for US to make their can
didates. We are with the Ledger il
opposition to q mixed convention. LIE
the johnson Republicans nominate thei
man. Let the Democrats hold thei
conference, and if we can elect Demo
crat let us nominate and elect him. ]
we cannot, then it will be time enoug
TO support their candidate, if he is
proper man.