Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1867-10-23

R6F Some Republican papers, which
probably supported the Constitutional
Amendment more because it was APP
proved in the platform adopted by the
State Convention, than because they
heartily endorsed the doctrine, are nov
trying to soothe their wounds by charg-
ing the more Radical element of the
party with having forced the question
upon the people before they were ready
for it, and these cautious trimmers
hope the Republican party will heed
the lesson which the election conveys
By this they doubtless mean that the
question of Manhood Suffrage should
be carefully shelYed and kept out of
politics until the 'people are ready to
accept it" How they are to be made
ready, and just when, W. are not told,
but suppose it is expected that at some
future period there will be a spontane-
Gus rising of the people, accompanied
by such an universal, persistent clam
oring for Equal Suffrage, that it will be
safe,and especially right,to incorporate
it into the Constitution of the State
Until the voting populatinn of Ohio
shall have mirsculously attained that
degree Of sublime appreciation of the
doctrine of equal and exact Justice in
governmental affairs, the impracticable
Radicals should be gagged, and the
more docile of the party should be
frightened into a patient resignation
to the present order of things, nor dare
dream of the possibility of any pro-
gress; otherwise the Republican party
may find its msjorities declining. Let
US wait, they say, until the public
mind is readyp We have observed
that the surest and quickest way to
prepare the public mind to accept any
principle, is tc agitate and discuss it,
zealously, and fearlessly, before the
people. Agitation is the great educA
tional force in American politics.
Without it, popular government would
degenerate into despotism. By it the
people have questions thoroughly dis
cussed and investigated, and are able
to arrive at intelligent conclusions.-
Questions involving change of laws of
long standing,-laws often framed in
injustice, and the offspring of palpable
moral eoEardice-cannot be expected
to force their wsy to speedy victory ov-
er long-standing prejudice, merely by
virtue of their inherent excellence
Popular liberty, of the American type.
was the slow, gradual formation Of Gen.
turtles, and its full and perfect devel-
opement, comprehending the natural
equality of men, and vindicating the
maxim that the blessings of govern
ment, like the dews of heaven, should
descend alike on the high and the low, /
the rich and the poor" may have to
struggle for ful6llment through the
turmoil of successive defeats, but if
those who have it in their power to
present arguments and truths before
the public, will not weary in well do
ing, but stand by righteous principles,
Through evil as well as good report"
they will reap their reward in witness
ing a victory of right over wrong, o.
truth oYer falsehood, of justice over in
Justice. Gods immutable decree has
rendered this result inevitable. But
it is not to be accomplished miracu-
lousy. We must pillow and SOW if We
reap. First the blade, then
the ear, and after that the full corn in
the ear"