The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1867-11-21
The Future.

ulsLlncV, pOSlIlVe pollcy lor lno
future. After sitting tho whole
situation, can any of our leaders tell |
us what clearly defined object, that
engages tho sy ympathies Of the peo-
pie, the party has in view? We
occupied a defensive attitude, which
is fatal to any party which profes
scs q progressive spirit, The Re-
publican party must resume its
aggressive and progressive eharac-
ter, or surrender Unqucstionably
We have in view the best interests
of the country, but is it not plain
that the people demand to know
h0w we propose TO promote their
interests?
1t answers no purpose TO reply
that the Democracy are in the same
situation. They occupy the COM
manding vantage ground of at
tacking US, and they have shown
that they possess the ability to
make voters believe that We, as the
governing party have not much
that is tangible, proposed for their
benefit.
We wero an aggressive party
until 1867. Wo told the people,
what we intended to do, and how
we we're going todo it. They were
satisfied, and elected Mr.. Lincoln
President They sustained the Re-
publican party immovably through
tho most tremendous civil conflict
that ever shook the foundations of
a nation, because they clearly saw
that it was for the public welfare.
They did not faltar in their adhe-
reucc TO the Republican party,
while their support was essential
to the reconstruction Of the Union
They only gave way when recon
struction was put in the way of
adjustment, and when they needed
other policies touching their inter
csts, which were not provided.
There seemed to be one com
manding interest, governing all
others upon which tho present
fate Of the party dopondCd, the
adjustment Of tho financial affairs
of tho public, These were neglect
ed by Congress. The enomy found
us not united upon a prominent
policy, and attacked us successful
ly. We should bo thankful for the
lesson we havo received, for if we
are wise, VIC will prolitby it against
the approaching Presidential cam
paign.
Congress must devise some salts,
factory mode of taxation, and
make some clear, readily undor-
stood disposition Of the public debt,
We are carrying an enormous load
Of taXation-forced upon us, it is
true, by the Democratic rebellion,
but Of which we must quit ourselves
to tho satisfaction Of the people, or
suffer the consequences.
Granted that it is unjust to hold
the Republican party responsible
for the barthens of the Nation, and
tho rascality Of Revenue officers
appointed by traitor Presidcut,
it is nevertheless fact that ICE are
held responsible, and we must got
out of u defensive into an aggres-
sivo position. Those who consider
public questions in all their bear
ings, are well satisfied that the best
interests CT the Nation depended
upon the success of the Republican
party, but unfortunately this class
does not hold the balance Of power,
What We must havo for success is,
such acts Of policy and declarations
of principle that the plain people
can easily comprehend, and with
which they will thoroughly sym.
pathize.
We have comparatively nothing
to fear from the question of recon
struction il we retain power, but
TO retain power, Congress must dc
something with our financial af,
fairs that will quiet tho .uneasiness
Of tho pooplc. Tho currency qucs.
ton, the tariff, and the whole sys'
tenn of federal taxation must be
revised anircciifcd, so as to relieve
business and industry from the
pressure that is upon them, and our
nd jlstment and distribution oI
taxation madc, so that il mdy Jt
seen to fall cquitably upon all prop,
crty and all interests aIko.
Tho notion of the speedy resump
tion of spooic payment, the swift
payment the public debt, and the
protective system TO such n degree
as to amount to prohibitory tariff
must be given mp. The debt musl
be paid, but the people will not
submit to impoveris hment that il
may be instantly swept from the
books; specie payment must be re-
sumed, but it is worse than folly to
lOrco it; industry must bo protec.
ted, but to protect it, Congress neod
not prohibit foreign traffic; ade-
quato revenue must bo provided,
but production and trade need not
therefore DO taxed out of existence.
Tho people do not condemn us
for what wo havo done, but for
what we have not done. No matter
whether they arc unreasonable or
not, IL is sufficient to know, rs we
do know by tho ballot box, that
they are not satisfied and not sat.
isfed chiefly upon tho points we
have indicated,
Let Congress go to work on the
| Goth November to considering the
situation, and devising remedies for
public ills, and the close of the
ca,npaipn of 1863 will find the