The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-08-17
For the Standard.


But while such are our views, we put on
record our solemn conviction, that the grant
ing of universal suffrage and the right of
holding civil office, irrespective of qualifica-
ton or merit, is fraught with nothing but
danger to the country. Sentinel, Cd Aug.
A decisive majority of the 5000, 600 peo-
ple who inhabit the United States of Amer
lea are devoted to the asnity Of the Amer
ican Repu6lic." And as a guaranty to the
unity and perpetuity of the national gov
eminent they believe in the God-ordained
necessity of establishing, for all time to come,
the Equality of men before the law"
Fidelity to these two grand ideas is at
once the bond that unites, and the badge
that marks the great Republican party
Men, who feel not the bond and wear not the
badge, are not Republicans. And while
such men may honestly think themselves
friends of the Republic, they will awake
some day to the consciousness that they are
its enemies.
Much is being said daily, publicly and
privately, orally and editorially, concerning
the different grades of Republicanism.-
such terms as g Ultra Radical Radical"
" Conservative Republican" -" Moderate Re-
publican &c Republican" &C., sc.
Now, the truth is, that all men in these
different denominations, or grades, or wings
Cor whatever else they may be calleD who
put the unity of the Republic and Equality
of men before the law, above all other ideas
in their political creed, do really constitute
that true Republican party-worthy of the
name-the foe of despotism, monarchy and
aristocrisy which ought and which aoiU con-
troll the government until there shall be none,
in all the land, who deny its doctrine or dis
pute its authority.
Different classes of sincere Republicans
honestly differ in regard to the best and ear
Hest practicable mode of bringing the ma
ton to a universal recognition of these doc
trines. All agree that every man who went
into rebellion is criminal, found guilty by
the verdict of the nation, and Invested, by
the crime of all political privileges. But
some long-tried Republicans, like Horace
Uersal suffrage extended, and uni0ersal am
nesty, at the same time, granted to those
who have so forfeited their political rights,
would do the work most speedily. Others
equally true and tried, like Ben Wade and
Thaddeus Stevens, say that enmity to the
Republic (and to that child of Republican
ism, Equality before the law is so hot and
fierce in the breasts of many, who would be
restored to political influence and power by
a general amnesty. that the very life of the
Republic would be endangered by her far
reaching clemency.
These men are equally honest and sincere.
Their final object is is the same Whose
policy is the wiser-the better adapted to
reach the ends of Republicanism-tinae will
surely tell; and perhaps time alone can GER
tainly disclose. But one great truth the
present declares, and daily examples and H.
Illustrations powerfully enforce the Importance
Of harmony in feeling and concert of action
among Republicans.
Horace Greeley, if in Tennessee, must have
supported Brownlow to be consistent True,
the "vitriolic" Governor may wish to dis
franchise, for time, all rebels. But this ex-
ception to equality before the law in Ten
nessee, would under Brownlow's plan, dis
appear with the present generation-if not
sooner. Whereas, his opponent was under
stood to be in favor of perpetuating through
all coming generations the disfranchisement
of an innocent class of men.
The Sentinel has had much to say concern
ing the different wings" of Republicans
1t appears to feel satisfaction in a prospect of
discord. Let all true Republicans mark we'll
the extract that heads this article. 1t shows
that the Sentinel does not comprehend the
udIuIe vi hepuDilCanlSIn. NOInlnS Out
danger to the country" is what it reads in
our creed. The majority of the 35 100000
think they are themselves the safest deposito-
ry of political power. The Sentinel thinks
that power should be deposited elsewhe1e-
The majority aforesaid does not expect to
bestow office on men " irrespective of quail
fication. or merit" That majority expects
itself to decide on the qualification and merits
of those whom it makes its public servants,
and it believes itself to be more incorrup-
tible and consequently safer judge of quail
ification and merit than any possible form
of aristocrisy or monarchy.
SOUTHERNER.
Near Smithfeld, 9Th Aug. 1867.