The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1869-06-22

ureS and different Dcn-neaSurcS and
men of moro moderation, more conserv-
atism, more peaceful in their drift, more
i'll harmony with past constitutional
policy, rather than the wild, wayward,
fierce, and utterly partisan and unna-
tional policy now pursued. There is q
strong .undercarrent Of feeling Of this
sort, which is ready to go at FEAST =
way TO meet with any party and work
with them on platform of Union, con-
stitutional obedience, conservatism and
peace. 1t is very common thing to
hear kuots of Republicans, and of men
even called Radical, and under no cloak
or cover Of secresy, discussing the course
Of their party, for its infractions upon
law, its contempt of precedents, and its
general dangerous tendencies, words
anything but soft and geutle-words, in
deed, of bitter and profane complaint.
We believe it to be the firm conviction
Of the majority of the people Of this
country That Radicalism, past and pres
ent, is an evil-working and dangerous
thing; that it is ininical to the best inter
ests of the country, and menacing to
safety and unity in the future; that its
teachings and purposes tend to under
mine and destroy, rather than consoli-
date and strengthen, American iustitu-
tions; and that unless different and better
councils prevail, and more conservative
influence is brought effectually to bear,
we shall either lose our form of govern.
ment, descending step by step through
anarchy towards something else, or pos
sess it only in name.
That the Radical organizations, State
and National, are rotten to the core, and
the party generally tester and a run
Mug sore on the body polite, is truth
that has long since impressed itself with
power upon the consciousness of the
country. Even the party journals them
selves have from time time, and in in.
Auential quarters, confessed as much, land
have put forth their expressions of dread,
lest the dishonesty, corruption, and de-
moralization that prevail among them
may prove the cause,as they surely must
at time not far distant, of their destruc-
ton. In the State of Pennsylvania, for
instance, showing what the Radical party
is there, and the sort of Radical officials
that feed upon while they disgrace the
State, we quote from Radical journal,
published at the capital, as follows:
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEGIsLATURE--ITs COR
RUPTIoN ACKNOWLEDGED By A RADICAL
JOURNAL.
From the Harrisburg State Guard (Radical)
April II.
Yesterday at twelve o'clock, both
branches of the Legislature adjourned
sine die,after what is popularity supposed
to have been session of three months
and sixteen days, but what was really
one of not more than sixty days, count
ing eight hours as days work. Adj
jourument over from Friday to Mon
day or Tuesday, and short sessions,
we're always in order, precious time hay
ing been wasted in useless debate, so we
will have another ponderous volume of
the Record when the contractor chooses
to finish 1t at his leisure during the sum-
mer and fall of this year, which will cost
the State forty or fifty thousand dollars
for printing ,and at least an equal amount
for packing and postage.
"Oa all sides, by men Of aUparties, and
IN all circles, IL is freely admitted that the
Legislature Of 1869 aoas the most renal
and corrupt body Of men that ecer sat in
deliberatioa in the State Capitol. We
do not pretend to say that there are not
Senators and Representatives who are
above and beyond the influence Of bribes
for votes for filthy and dishonest legisla-
ton, but we do assert it, feeling it to be
our solemn duty to give the people warn
ing on the dangers OF sending ignorant
and dishonest men to the Legislature,
and IL ,riU not require fire gears Of re-
pcated sessions like the one just closed to
bankrupt the Commonwealth, bind its Ia
boring energy at the feet of tyrannica,
corporations, invest individuals with
special privileges to hold and control the
resources of the Commonwealth against
the welfare and interest of the great
mass. 1AayMing that had money in it,
ho,cerer Untdir, disgraceful, and destrec-
tire it might be, could be embodied in the
shape Of Dill and passed ,,c1tilc anything
whicA could not be manipulated and
money made out Of it, ho,ceeer .tair or
absolutely necessary ii 'cas, for the csta6-
hshment Of justice and the ciad,cation Of
rlght, ras ignored and treated srih con-
tempt, unless, indeed, The ring ,rhich con-
roiled both Houses coRdescended to let 1t
become lar. Dirorce bills ,cerc openly
sold in TIE lob6ies and the rotgRdd. Di-
rorce bills once killed could be rerired al
though tie proceeding scas in direct op-
position to positise rule, jast rhenerer the
parties Were aclling TO pay. For .fce
thousand dollars any man could dieorce
hts rife; for q protect, any rolnptuous
gife Of easy ei,tue could fling her hus-
band a,opy by The ait Of the Diuorce
Cdmmiaee Of the House, ,chich committee
,cns fercely accused, IN open session Of The
House, Of tftiny Lribes. The tax on pc
trolcum and coal was brought through
the House, and rhent rc1ched lie Sen
ute $4,000 rotc ,cos offered tor lis pass
age. The moecy to Lay The cattle bW
through ,oqs exposed as felly IN both bran
ches, as are tie finds Of u sheep drocer
,chea he is IN The market 10 pafchose stock
or course our declarations will excite
rancor and resentment among the guilty;
but we disregard their hate and indigna-
ton if we can convince the people of
the necessity Of eleeting honest men to
.ilc Legislature, What we thus make
.@ - - tnt-s ,,ss,s,