The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1868-05-06
Democratic Chances for Success.

Democratic Chances for Success.
Unless, as the elections of last fall and
this spring have indicated, there has been
within the past year great change of senti-
ment among the people-popularly termed q
ing the ascendency of the party in power, the
democracy cannot elect their candidate in
November next. Unless there has been
such change, Farragut, in opposition to
Grant, would come no nearer winning the
election than would Mr.. Pendleton, or Gov
ernor Seymour, of New York, or Governor
Seymour, of Connecticut, in taking the field
against Grant.
There are many members of the repabh-
can party who would rather vote for Farra-
gut than Pendleton or either of the Sey-
mours and they would rather vote for Grant
than for either of the other gentlemen nam
ed. The men who, since the commencement
of the war, have voted with the party in pow
er, aud are now considering the propriety
and duty Of Withdrawing form that party.
have been led to such consideration by the
evil results of the policies adopted by con-
gress within the last three or four years, and
enforced against the opposition of the presi-
dent, and by conviction that the party, in
consequence of its immense strength, has
become so corrupt as TO be unworthy of
trust.
The democracy must largely depend on
the prevalence of this conviction in the pres
idential campaign. In addition, it must
propose measures of reform which will com
mend themselves to the intelligence, and pa
triotism, and spirit Of justice of the people.
1t is not unfrequently asserted By timid dem.
ocratic politicians that the democracy should
take no affirmative ground. They say, Let
us profit by the blunders of our opponents,
and assail their corruption and incompetent
cy but not commit the democratic party 10
doctrines which, in turn, may be fercely as
sailed, and thus rendered unpopular. Such
a course would be inconsistent with the histo.
ry of the democratic party. 1t is the boast
of our organization that it plainly presents
the issues to the people upon which it asks
their support.
Let US go into the canvass proclaiming
that the present Ubiquitous tariff laws shall
be modified that the national-bank circula
tion shall be abolished that the expenses o.
the government shall be reduced that the
military despotism now governing ten states
shall be extinguished, and the reign of civil
law restored through the voice of majority
of the lawful electors of those states tha
the national debt shall be paid according t.
its terms and that the authority of the con
stitution, as the supreme law of the land
shall be vindieated. This proclamation the
people can understand and viii approve, and
it will not interfere with assaults upon oul
adversaries.
We can say to the voters of the country
These are the principles and policies upon
which the democracy will conduct the gov.
eminent, If 1t shall be successful in the
campaign of this year; and we present, as
the most able representative of those prinei
pies and policies, and the one who will mos,
judiciously and fairly enforce them, Mr.
Pendleton as our presidential candidate
What will be the reply ? From politicians
and strict party men among republicans, i
will be "Mr. Pendleton opposed the war
He is copperhead. We cannot vote fo
him." We're Farragut or Hancock nomina
ted. the same strict party men would say
HE ID the candidate of the comprehend
party, and in sympathy with traitors, anc
we cannot vote for him
The democracy can gain no votes from
such men. They would vote the Congo tick
ct against Washington, could he be ressur
rected and made the nominee of the democ
racy. We must look for accessions from
the republican ranks among the candid an
liberal men of the party who are seriousl
alarmed by the periious condition of tn
country, aud are willing to Danish partisa
hatred and prejudices, if thereby the nstio
can be rescued from the profigacy and Law
lessness which threaten its destruction. Sucl
men will acknowledge that Mr.. Pendletor
in congress, steadily supported the wal
while opposing many measures connecte
with its prosecution which were of doubtft
nolicy apd oDpoa of rbicb 1nast 49,
has proven to be wrong. The dignity ant
probity of Mr.. Pendletons character pre-
clude assault upon his motives and repul
licans wagering between adhesion to thei
party, and condemnation of it because of it
reckIessness and criminal mismanagemeni
will concede the propriety of action in thu
democratic party which selects a candidat
truly representing its principles.
That there is q great deal of disaffectio
in the republican ranks, and that large nun
beers of men are daily leaving them, ar
ia cts which the elections of last fall and th
spring have placed beyond dispute. Wi
the nomination of Mr.. Peudleton drive thos
men back again? If Grants supposed an
alleged popularity cannot hold them to the
party allegiance, must it not be assume
that they have determined that their part
ought TO be defeated Having thus dete
mined, would they vote for Farragut on
Pendleton platform, and not vote for Per
dleton on the same platform {?
Thus much with regard to winning vote
from the opposing party. A much more i'm
portant consideration is that of nominatin
q candidate who will awaken enthusiasm i
the dc mocratic party, and bring out its full
strength. Let Ms do this, and say to candi
men among republicans, We present yo
an honest man ard statesman, and q plat
form which your judgments approve. How
then, can you refuse to join us for the res
cue of the nation from the hands of viciou
and incompetent men - Chicago Times.