The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1867-12-20
REPUBLICANTSM.

While We have our own iueas no W
the meaning of the above term rs ap-
piled to II party, whenever we put them
forth we are met by the objection thai
our statements are tinctured by our
preludices, and are therefore not enti
tied to weight. We feel assured that II
the true principles of the Radical party
were submitted to a popular verdict,
they would meet with ali inglorlous de-
feat. In fact, wherever they have made
square Issues on their distinctive princi-
ples, they have been overwhelmed. In
order that our readers may know more
fully the views and aims of the Hepub-
licau party, we insert below an editori-
al on the subject, taken from the
Morning Post, a leading Philadelphia
daily. Those who do not agree to the
sentiments therein expressed, have no
business In the Republican party, and
should without delay unite themselves
with US, and endeavor to make this
"white mans government"
ait Ia q sad, but indisputable truth,
that the Republican party, despite its
apparent strength, does not really occu-
py the position 1t should-that the shad-
ow of its power Is greater than the sub
stance. We have rejoiced In triumphs
which have had little or no result; we
have celebrated victories which have
proved barren; we have possessed gold
en- opportunities, and single moments
of power that slipped unimproved from
our grasp. There have been moments
when we held the heart of the nation in
our hands, to mould for good or for
evil, and we have not made use of them.
It would be vain to deny that for the
present those times have passed away.
1t would be equally useless to seek the
cause of our weakness In any outward
circumstances. 1t is not because our
party Is so young that, before the
election of '56, it can scarcely be said to
have had an existence; for the younger
We are the stronger and healthier we
should be. 1t is not because the war.
enthusiasm, which for an instant drew
the hearts Of tho whole people to our
banners, has subsidized, and men see
things with colder eyes than before. Ii
Is not because there is not ability enough
In our ranks, for the best brain and soul
Of the country are with us. But 1t is
because the majority of our adherents
have never been as earnest us the Dem.
cratic inassea. What they willed they |
have willed and executed thoroughly |
and radically. There have been no hall
measures, and but few compromises
with them. 1t would have been well
had we learned of Our enemies. We
should not then he wrestling for pow
er we might long TO possess, but will never
gain unless Republicans become willing
to practice what they preach. For we
fear indeed that there are many who,
although they. talk of the equality and
the inmutable rights of the black man,
would still be unwilling to have him
sit beside him in the jury box, or In the
House Of Representatives. We our
selves know Of men protesting them |
selves Republicans, who say that they
would no more cat with negro at the
same table, than they would sell their
souls to Satan. There are doubtless
many who would be willing thefree linen
should have the right htofsutfrage,a and yet
dislike to ride In street car with them.
We fear that there are but few of our
Senators and Representatives, who, af
ter making very radical speeches In the
morning, would yet be ready to welcome
negroes to their splendid receptions in
the evening. They say, like Shylock,
81 will buy with you, cell with you,
talk with you, walk with you; but l
will not eat with you, drink with you,
nor pray with YOU" They are willing
to accord them all the rights of human
beings in principle, 80 long as they do
not claim them in practice. Here lies
the secret Of our weakness. We are
Radicals in mouth, II, in heart. The
arm we raise to strike falls powerless by
Our side when we remember that those
we do battle for are not to be received
into our own tents. Thus shallwe new
er conquer, but be forever beaten by
those who, though theyare our enemies,
teach u. most valuable lesson"