The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1870-02-02
The Way the Wind blows.

The Way the Wind BLOWS.
The New York Herald prints a
leador discussing tho Republican par
ty and tho Presidential succession,
the concluding paragraphs of which
are those;
Looking at the division in the
dominant party on vital questions of
public policy, at its violated promise,
and shortcomings, at its reckless ex-
travaganco, ut its want Of defined
principles in the management of pub.
lilo affairs and ut its Indifference with
regard to supporting the administra-
tion 1t has chosen, wo are naturally
led to inquire what prospect there is
for perpetuating its power, and what
chance there may be for the opposi-
tion party. There was positive is
sue on the slavery quostion-the one,
in fact, which brought tho Republic
cans into power--as there was, too,
in tho prosecution of the war; but
ncithor exists any longer. The Re,
publioaus, however, have used the
slavery agitation and the war for po.
litical capital long after the questions
were settled and until they are worn
out. The prople are tired of them,
and look for othor questions or issues
that bear upon the present and future.
In this respect tho dominant party
does not meet tho wants and expecta
tions of the country for, as was said. .
it has no positive policy, no platform
of principles, and no unity or cohe-
siveness beyond shat which the spoils
of Office give. Who, then, is to gov
ern this couutry7 What party can
take the place of the one in power D.?
Are we to drift along in this negative
way without principles or statesmen,
or shall VIC have party with defin-
cd policy, that will represent the
sentiment of the country and the liv.
ing issues Of the day2
The Democrats have good pros.
pect before them if they know how to
use their opportunity--if they will
leave the dead past and take new
departure in accordance with estab-
lished facts and the spirit ofthe times.
They may elect the next President, !,
though General Grant may DO again
the candidate Of the Republicans.
Even his popularity and glorious war
record would hardly outweigh the
failures of his administration, the
shortcomings of the Republican party
and the desire Of the people for a
change. The great State Of New
York has taken the lead already i'll a
political revolution favorable to the
Democrats. In the last election for
members Of Congress they gained
considerably, and in many local cleo
tions they have shown signs of re.
turning life. Although the Radicals
have made extraordinary efforts to,
establish their power in the South.
ern States they have evidently over.
reached themselves, and there is little
doubt that these States will he Demo.
cratic. A large part Of the negroes
will 60 with tho white people on po.
litical questions; for they will SEQ
that their interests arc identical, and
it requires no prophet to toll US what
party the Southerners will affiliate
with. Judging from all the signs of
the timos, the Democrats have q good
chance fou the Presidential sucoes sion
three yoans hence. But they will
lose that If they adhere to their old,
exploded dogmas, and attempt to un-
do whaS has been accomplished by and
in consequence Of the war. Our
Northern Democrats must accept the
platform and policy of the Southern
ers, with all tho concessions to the
negroes and the amend mcnts to the
constitution. They cannot 90 back
and succeed for the mass of the peo-
pie arc opposed to counter-rovolu-
tion. However much opposed before
to some of tho changes that have been
made, they accept them now and want
peaoo. Let che Democrats, then, drop
tho dead past /; let them be progress
sive and broadly national; and let
them adopt policy suited to the pre-.
sent and looking to tho future, and
they may seouro the Presidential suo.
oession and long lease of power.