The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1868-10-17

larity has not been worth to the republicans
| of Pennsylvania half of the meagre majority
| by which they have carried the state. Put
half of that small majority on the other
aide, and the two parties would be equal. II
that small number Of votes are due 70 the
popularity Of Gen. Grant-and ii would be
ridiculous 70 suppose the contrary-the cleo
ton, had it been decided on the issues,
would have been ia favor Of the democratic
party. The same remark will apply to 9th.
or states. On the democratic principles,
pure and simple, we should have succeeded.
We have been beaten by reasons quite ex'
trAneous to the questions in issue. We
| could easily have overcome the popularity
Of Gen. Grant, il another had been raised 70
divert attention from the issues The posi-.
ton of Gen. Blair and some of the southern
leaders has been perverted and misrepresen'
ted, and an impression induced that the
democratic party is virtually pledged 10
overthrow the new state governments by
force. This SANDER has repealed more than
enough votes le have turned the question in
our favor. The narrow escape Of the repub.
licans from a great defeat is not due 10 their
principles, but 20 the military prestige Of
Grant and the Aspersion cast on Blair. In
simple contest Of prnciple,we should have
succeeded and we may succeed yet, if we
can remove or neutralize these adverse in,
huences, which have really nothing to do
with the question.
Can this be done? II is a grave question,
fraught with the most momentous cousequen.
ces We commend It TO the attention, to
the most earnest reflection, of the recogniz-
ed leaders Of the party. We have still near
" three weeks for action and where so slight
counterpose would suffice TO turn the
scale, prompt action, If It isjudiciousa as well
as prompt, will accomplish wonders. II, IN
review Of the whole situation, it shall be
concluded that mistakes have been made, it
Is better that they should be corrected now
than that the country be dragged through
four more weary years of strife, to be re.
deemed then by measures of the same kind
that might, by magnificent exercise of
pluck, be as easily adopted now Whatever,
by sagacious foresight, may be perceived
to be the proper course for the democratic
party four years hence, If it should be beaten
nov, had better be pursued at once.
"The time has come, the hour has struck,
when we must turn our faces resolutely 70
the future. This is great country, with a
great career before it, which no imagination
| can grasp. A majority Of our voters are
young, Astounding in hope and activity aud
| the country being in the dawn Of q new era,
when all minds are filed with expectation
aud excitement, that party has the best
chance of q great future which is most in
sympathy with the youthful irrepresslbIe en-
ergy Of the nation. A growing nation, like
an improving individual, has always some.
thing to learn. Apolitcal party which does
not advance with the nation, and enter into
the fullness Of its expanding, eIuberant life,
| is on the declivity which descends to deca.
dence and decrepitude. The democratic
party is full Of vigorous, youthful, aspiring
elements. Similar elements III the other
party are yearning to join it, if we have but
the boldness to build bridge on which they
can cross. The democratic party cannot
die. Its vitality, its invineibe, tenacious
| life, the sanguine confidence with which it
| gathers energy from defeat, bespesk great
destiny in reserve.
"If our leaders should be convinced by the
result OF the late elections, that some mis-.
takes were made by not following their orig.
nal Judgment if those who disagreed with
them in opinion now see they misjudged
if there is any impediment to success which
can be removed by noble daring, or self sac
Gcing virtue, or bold stroke OF polioy--now
is the hour for action. 1t would be an inf
mite pity it, when we are SO very near sue
cess, we should fail to win by a lack Of a lit
tie boldness. Eduddce, rduGdce, tO4OlpS
raudace! Our principles have not been re
jected in these elections. There is no cal
to change them. All other elements of the
; canvass are trivial compared to the success
of our principles. 1t requires some great
ness of soul to act 4 bold part in an unex
pected crisis, when everything hangs on {
swift and courageous decision. In this hour
when the party stands with one foot over tn,
r brink of peril and the edge of victory, tn,
capacity of a few men to form q great reso
. luton may shape the destiny OF the country
we speak as unto wise men. Judge y,
what we say.