The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-01-05
Sealed Orders.

government yard it not infrequently happens
that no person on board knows its errand or
ultimate destination. Its commander has en-
trusted to him sealed packet to be opened
upon reaching given latitude and longitude,
or upon arrival at some designated port, when
the terminus and purpose of the expedition
VIII be disclosed to him. He may be simply
ordered to proceed to a second or third point
In his voyage before he can be permitted TO
learn its final object. 1t is his duty, as it is
that OF every subordinate in his command
simply TO obey the successive orders as thew
reach him from his superiors without anv in
curry as to the end of the chain of which
these directions constitute the links.
So, in the life-voyage of every individual.
He must perform that duty which lies near
est to him nor inquiring as to those which the
remote future may have in store for him. 1t
Is not worth while to waste valuabl Zine in
specializing what one would do in a -en
contingency until it become probable, at
least, That the emergency will arise Those
obilgations which time and fate impose upon
us should be promptly and manfully met and
faithfully discharged, without any attempt to
eVade them or to seek cowardly refuge from
The / is and labors of life in suicide or retire.
ment from the world
Inc analogy holds good of that aggrega-
tion OF individuals which constitutes nolit.
1cal party In its origin the Democratic party
contemplated only an extension of the rights
CT the citizen and the overthrow of certain
81,
obnoxious religious distinctions which threat
ened the organization of an established church.
supported or peculiarly favored by the State
When this object was accomplished, however,
That party took position upon subsequently
arising questions of bank, tariff, slavery, ETC.
The Republican party was originally Or
sanized upon the single issue of restricting or
permitting the extension of slavery: but
though slavery instead of being merely re-
stricted is entirely abolished, yet the EMISSION"
OF the party has not yet been fulfilled new
duties have developed, new orders from the
sovereign people have been unsealed, new d.
rection given to its course, and it has been
compelled to assume It's position upon the
question which the condition of the country
for the past ten years has presented for de-
clsion.
Having achieved the triumph of liberty
throughout the land they are now striving to
secure the acceptance of that twin doctrine
OF political ethics, the political equality of
every citizen before the law. This is but one
more step in the development of the original
purpose for which the party was organized.
Having defended and assured the territorial
integrity of the nation and indicated the
right CT the government to exist and enforce
the laws, it next devoted itself to the protec-
tlon Of the national credit assailed by the
same foes in Congress and upon the stump
that sought Tor sympathized with those who
did SEEK the national life in the field.
The recent vote upon the proposition of Mr..
Munger ofOhio, and the unanimous adoption
OF Gen. Schenek's resolution, coupled with
the declarations then made by every leading
Democratic representative in the House would
Indicate that this point also is now yielded by
our opponents-and that the price of national
life and safety will be paid according to
agreement
The party has yet duty to perform beside
tnat OF securing equality for all men before
the law. 1t must devise and secure the pa
sage Of such measures as will develop the re-
sources and reinvigorate the labor of the
country, and provide means for the prompt
payment of our debts with the least possible
burden upon the people, especially upon pro-
ductive labor. When this is accomplished
new work win probably be found to occupy
the hands of the Republicans, and if not then,
and not Till then, we shall have cause to con-
clude that its mission is ended and that it ought
to and must give way to new party organ
lied upon entirely new issues. TIL then any
attempt to make up party upon the ques-
ton Of eight hours employment or fen, or up
on the question whether or not State Con-
staoulary be necessary to enforce temperance
legislation, will be entirely futile. Enough
may possibly be drawn from the Republican
ranks in some States and certain localities 10
throw the power into the hands of the Demo-
ciats; but until the great question, of nation.
al import be satisfactorily adjusted people will
NOT take sides upon minor, and comparatively
Insignificant issues.