The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-12-02

choice OF Cong after the census of 1870.
The Democratic party cannot afford TO rest on
its oars for a single day. If we are to reap in
harvest we must plough in seed time. Four
years hence, and even two years hence, 1t
will be too late to rev0lutionize both branches
of Congress for the beginning of q new Presi-
Dental term.
Such being the task, how shall we set about
it For the present, little can be done except
by the Democratic press. great deal de-
pends upon the forecast and discretion of our
Democratic editors. There are two systoms
on which party journals may be conducted -
that Of making converts from the oppo o,ition
and that of repelling them. Either may be
judicious, according TO circumstances. When
a party is in majority and controls all public
employments, it needs 80 recruits from the
opposition; and that system of tactics is best
which will most effectually maintain discipline
and prevent desertions. When party is thus
strong, it can afford to be intolerant, aud it
matters little how rudely it may shock the
rejudices Of opponents, so long as it pre-
serves the ascendancy over its adherents.
But this system does not answer for a party
that is in minority. Such party can sue
ceed only by inducing some of those who act
with the opposition to change sides. 1t is then
indispensable to make converts which can be
done only by such appeals as you can get mo-
derate men to listen to.
IuOb6 WHO DelleV6 LQaJ Jne democracy mas
q great future will be unwilling to see any
Democratic paper managed as if it were trying
TO appropriate the assets of q bankrupt organi-
cation. 1t is not always necessary to the sue
cess Of newspaper that its party should be in
majority, since the minority, in almost any
locality, may furnish subscribers enough to
enable journal to live. If a paper merely
aims to get these subscribers instead of to
build up and extend the party, it will take
nn YnainG IN pnalya 1rncal lutp mn tb
the administrator of dead mans es-
tate will aim to enlarge his bust
ness. 1t suffices for this selfish object that the
party does not become extinct it is not neces-
sary that it should ever gain control of the
Government. But they who have faith in the
party, and know that it can give effect to its
principles only by accessions from the other
side, will regret and deprecate any manage
ment which repels and drives away those
whom it is needful to win over from the oppo-
sition. The Democratic party needs more than
bare majority to regain control of the State
Legislatures and Congressional districts They
have been gerrymandered by the Republicans;
and II is necessary to control them within the
ensuing two years II we are TO have Demo
cratic Congress at the beginning of the admin
istration which succeeds General Grant. The
most important practical problem is, how to
make converts enough to accomplish this
object.
The Republicans bid fair to give us an ex-
cellent lit at the ensuing session of Congress.
They will probably pass a bill restricting
naturalization to the Federal courts, and pro-
pose an amendment to the Constitution for
transferring the regulation of the suffrage to
the Federal Government. Nothing could be
more opportune for the Democratic party than
the presentation of so important an issue close
upon the heelsot the Presidential election. 1t
will agitate the whole country; it is an issue
on which there will be no shade of difference
in the Democratic ranks; and, best of all, it
is an issue which is certain to bring us hosts
OF recruits. All that portion of our naturalized
citizens who have acted with the Republican
party on other questions will unite with the
Democracy on this "a the blow is aimed at the
rights OF citizens OF foreign birth. A couside-
rable part of those Republicans who, in late
elections, have voted against negro suffrage in
their own States will also be persuaded to
act with us on this question, if We do not need
lessly shock their prejudices in other respects.
In change of party relations, it is the first
step that costs; and we shall be fortunate in
having an issue which will enable us to detach
from the Republicans, before Grants inaugu.
ration, large number OF those who voted
for him.
The Democratic press needs to be very alert
IN watching the movements and seizing on the
mistakes OF the Republican party. Hundreds
| ol thoueanus Ol nonesL men voted lor Grant III
the late election with great reluctance and
many misgivings. This class of Republicans
supply hopeful recruiting ground for the
Democratic party. Congress is pretty certain
to furnish new crop of financial absurdites
this winter, and five can get one or two new
issues we'll started for next years elections
we shall easily make great gains, and lay the
foundation for signal success in recovering the
State Legislatures and electing a new Con
gress. There is no reason to fear that stauncl
Democrats, who have stood the brunt of tn,
last eight years fighting, will desert the party
now. On that side there is no danger; SO tha
the great business of the Democratic press
for the next two years, is to make proselyte
from the opposition. II any Democrats thinl
the party is strong enough already, the Worlc
does not agree with them.