Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-11-18
rrrR THE BATTLE.

since the fierce battle between Rad
;calism and Democracy has been fought
in most of the States of this Union 1t has
left food for thought and, before another
shall take place, time sufficient to form
such iudcious plans as may be deemed
sufficient for the downfall of one of these
great political parties. Those belonging
TO the Democratic party naturally feel
an interest an its future success greater
than that which has crowned our efforts
within the past few weeks. 1t is the
policy Of the Radical party to cry ont
rebel when the banner of our party is
about to triumph. They have for four
years stopped the ears of the Northern
masses against the appeals of those who
loved the Constitution and felt an abid-
ing interest in the perpetuity of repubh-
can institutions in this country. The
people are beginning to wake up, as is
evidenced by the numerous successes
gained at the late elections by this party
of the Constitution. 1t is sure indlca-
ton of the revolution now going on IN
uubl;o sentiment, and will reach eli
max. too terrible for Radicalism, be-
fore the Presidential election OF
1872. Already some of the proml-
nent leaders of the party can feel
a change in the political atmos-
phere that forebodes the coming storm,
and are casting about for additional
buoys to keep them above the dark Hood
that threatens death TO the Republican
party. Ben Butler observes the dangers
ahead, and counsels precautionary mea-
sures to prevent the same. The next
thought Of relief is through new
party, or the old party by a new name.
The political doctors will meet in New
York, so say the late dispatches, to re-
construct the old corrupt fossil of Re
publicanism, and, if possible breathe
anew into it the breath of existence.
This is in order to accommodate a goodly
number who have become Disguised with
the party and threaten to bolt to the
other side, into the arms ofthe Democracy.
They would prefer halfway house,
sort of resting place, where they might
find shelter from the storm that IS
coming. The signs indicate a speedy
dissolution of the Republican party, and
the coming in power again of the Demo
cratic party that has only grown stronger
and more enduring in the years which it
has laid underfoot We propose to dis
card old issues-to live in the living
present, and not in the dead past, where
every victim is marked by decay. Ii is
not found necessary with us to change
our name, or adopt new principles; we
have but to 60 straight ahead to succeed.
1t might be asked, Where are the trophies
we have won that we should be so jubil-
ant over the result2 We point to our
triumphs in Oregon, Indiana, West Vir-
ginia, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennes-
see, Florida, New York, Illinois, Arkan-
sas, and Missouri. These States have
signed the Democratic pledge and an
alliance, offensive and defensive, against
Radicalism. They have borne the Dem
ocratic standard through the conflict that
has Just ended with noble degree Of
bravery that has brought with il the sub
stantial fruits of victory. If Radicalism
would further doubt the change that is
going on in the public mind Of this coun-
try, let them examine the complexion Of
the nex. House Of Representatives
and see the seats filled last session by
Radicals now occupied by Democrats
The extreme measures of the party and
its corruption, have disguised the honest
yeomanry of the country, and they have
signifed their disapprobation at the bal
lot-box. We should be careful, among
ourselves, to keep down internal dissen-
sion and jealousies, and adhere straight
forwardly to the Democratic platform;
and in 1872, when President Grants
successor is to be elected, he may be a
Democrat. Who knows2 We believe
the doom Of Radicalism has been sealed
in this Government