The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-08-04
A NEW POLITICAL MO VENENT.

The unpopularity of a certain portion of the
Republican ticket has inspired the Democracy
with hope that they will be able to create a
division in the Republican party, which will
enable them to seize the prize next October
without much difficulty. 1t is calculated that
in spite of the notorious frauds perpetrated
at the Democratic conventions, and the bad
character of their candidates, they will be
able to poll nearly the full strength of their
party, whereas many Republicans will
probably not vote at all,
and an easy victory can be gained
if split can be made. To this end the
Democratic managers are now working, and
we seriously urge the Republicans of this city
to consider cautiously the new reform move
ment inaugurated to-day at Concert Hall. In
another column will be found the proceedings
of a meeting at that place to start a new in
dependent ticket on temperance platform,
which will be presented for the acceptance of
both Republicans and Democrats. Now we
will cordially support any proper effort to rid
the Republican ticket of the black sheep,
OIessrs. Houseman, Stokes, Davis, Bum,
Adaire, Cloud, and Hong and we would
much prefer advocating Democrats of good
character rather than these men.
party, however, that goes into the can
vass with temperance platform will not have
the ghost of chance. This has been abun-
dainty proved by experience, and the reasons
are entirely independent of the merits of the
temperance cause itself. We will give all the
aid in our power to the legitimate efforts of
the temperance men, but we deprecate making
temperance question of politics. We depre-
cate this movement particularly because we
know that it has been naugurated by Demo-
Gratis the funds to start it have been supplied
by Democrats, and they hope by means Of it
to create division in the Republican ranks.
Let any candid Republican who may be
disposed to aid this temperance movement
consider for moment what will be its conse-
quences. 1t will present a few Democratic
names on its ticket, men who feel strongly on
the temperance question, and who would be
willing on that account to ''go back" on the
party, and it might gain few Democratic
voters who are of the same way of thinking.
But does any one suppose that it would make
any serious impression in the Democratic rank
and file? Every intelligent man in the CON-
munity knows perfectly we'll that nine-tenths
of the voters on the temperance ticket would
be Republicans, and the whole responsibility
of the movement would be thrown upon the
Republican party. Although we know that
the whole thing has its origin in the Demo-
cracy, it will not be difficult matter for the
Democratic managers to throw the whole
onus of it on their opponents. Not only will
the Democrats themselves vote solid against
1t, but many week-kneed Republicans will, in
all probability, be induced to do so likewise,
thus giving the opposition a double advan-
tage.
If the persons who have started this new
movement desire to create a REFORM they can
do SO much more effectually by assembling in
their respective districts, and, if possible,
make a choice between the Republican and
Democratic candidates, orif there is no choice,
Then put up new men that will be entitled to
the regards of both parties. This temperance
movement, however, can accomplish
nothing whatever for the cause of tenn
perance, and it therefore cannot
claim the support Of those practical men who
really desire to see the evils Of intoxication
abated, while it will introduce an element of
discord that ought not to be brought into the
present canvass, while honest men of all par
ties are earnestly working for great political
reform that has paramount claims to the con
sideration of every citizen who has the vel