Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1867-12-05

great victories, their peculiar position
as a party must not be overlooked
1t is the only great political organiza-
tion which has survived the shock of
the war. OF the parties in existence
in 1860, il alone now lives What
was the Union party in 1860 after
wards became the Republican, and
even that exists only in name, so
changed are its sentiments. The Con-
stitutional Union party, or Bell Ever
EFT organization, with its good inten-
tions, is extinct. Alone the rock of
Democracy
Lifts its awful form,
Swells from the vale and midway breasts the storm.
The Democratic organization, pre-
served through years of darkness,
doubt, and despair, by few brave,
bold souls, is, therefore, at present.,
the only refuge for those flying from
the horrors of Radicalism. 1t is the
sole, safe harbor and asylum for the
many good men who start back ap-
palled from the goal which Phillips,
Stevens, and Greeley point out TO
them. By the fact, however, of its
being the only existing opposition to
Radicalism, its ultimate success though
no less inevitable, is in some measure
retarded. 1t cannot be denied that
many now remain within the Repub-
lican pale, merely because there is no
other fold to receive them if they left
than the Democracy. There is a large
class of temperaments, of whom we
wish to speak respectfully, who can
not stand strong food and bright lights
Of any kind. To such the Democratic
party is at present distasteful They
recoil from Radicalism, but they can't
duest Democracy. They would will
lingly leave the former, but they are
not hardy enough yet for the latter.
So they stand trembling within the
Republican lines, either not voting at
all, or else hesitatingly and from the
force of habit supporting a policy
whose results they dare not look in
the face. The Bell-Everett party was
q congenial fold for this large class, for
such we believe it TO be. There they
could air their conservatism, without
bringing it in contact with the dreaded
Democracy.
Its tint was neutral 1t abhorred
positive colors. 1t was neither for nor
against slavery The territorial ques-
ton it preferred not to be aware Of
Stdbene was its motto. And its request
TO anxious enquirers-the race of
"earnest men had not in those DAYS
arisen-was, "do not tell us anything
disagreeable. Itsrange was not very
distinct or sharply defined, but il had
generally the Constitution and the
Union and the Flag, and all those
conventionalities, and in it one could |
lie down and sleep and be happy, nor
dread the rude alarms of its more pro
nouneed antagonists. OF course the /
quiyering, fitful light which this col
orless flame gave forth was soon blown
out by the fierce blasts of the war
Its component parts went according
to their atfinities. A few OF the bravest |
came over TO the Democracy, but a
large mass fed shivering back, under
cover of loyalty, to the Republicans.
During the hot passions of the strife,
all elements were sublimated into the
patriotic gas. No precipitates of con-
sorvatism were permitted TO form.
Now the heat is dead or dying. Con-
densation is taking place, and all the
little crystals of conservatism, of dread
of Radicalism, and Of humanity, are
beginning TO appear in the social cru
cible.
The furnace of war being out, there
is no longer any power to keep to.
gether these diverse temperaments,
and the Conservative element, which
can only combine with Radicahsm at
high temperature, is slowly but
surely depositing itself. To drop the
chemical metaphor, that portion of
the Republican party which respects
law, order, and the white race, is try
ing to get away from its uncongenial
past without exactly knowing how
best to do it. The duty, then, Of the
Democracyis very plain one. While
1t adheres unhinchingly to every plank
in its time-honored platform, il must
respect this tenderness ard these scru-
pies, and assist them out of their
dilemma. 1t must not frighten them
of. A tone Of ferte, which was prop }
or enough not long ago, in repelling
the insolent aggressions, would be
much ont Of place now. A flippant
caustioity or contempt for those who !
have not yet mounted to the braoing
atmosphere in which we breathe. will
not attract them up to our altitude.
We are thoroughly confdant that We
are right, and it is impossible that we
cannot make our position every day
more approachable to these reluctant
party-less but party-seeking souls. \
W hiie we cannot descend 10 them, we
certainly can smooth their path and
remove obstacles from their track
Every day their own allies will devel-
op to them such traits as will be more !,
md more repulsive. In the meantime. :
we, without offending their pride Of
opinion, or rubbing up their prejudice, /
nay, by judicious behavior and accom-.
notation, educate them gradually ont
If their weaknesses, until finally they
will come not only TO eat, but to rel. in
sh the olive Of Democracy whilom so
'epugnant.-Age
General Mcclellan has decided 10
'emain in Europe for some months
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