Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1870-10-04
REPUBLICANS AND THE PARTY

too much when we say that probably
no party has ever been governed so
much by its principles and so little
by selfishness as the party that has
ruled during the past decade. We
do not deny that there have been
Republicans who have loved it's pat
ronage more than its faith neither
do we deny that there are, and have
been, Republicans true in the main
principle, but tickle and spasmodic
in their action. 1t is, perhaps, to
these two classes that we owe many
OF the recent efforts to sap and mine
the party. Some who have had an
inadequate idea of its purposes and
duties think it has accomplished its
mission, and, eager for change, and
thrsting TO be leaders in new move
ments, make haste to pull down the
pillars Of the temple to clear the way
for their new creeds. The principles
of the Republican party have be-
come history. The platforms Of
parties are not always true test of
them. When great faith is in the
soul it shows itself, as opportunity
offers, in works, and the Republican
party has to offer the country a Re
public preserved, slavery abolished,
the Republic reconstructed in peace,
great highways of commerce built
across the country, Homestead law,
and many other measures OF justice
and progress.
Nor have the commercial interests
of the country much actual reason
to complain. A new currency has
been created, which has had to strug-
gle under the disadvantages Of a
credit sunk by q great war, but
which has, even under these adverse
circumstances, offered the country
what it never had before-a uniform
currency. When the public credit
has risen to par, SO will the currency
based on it rise. We have no longer
wretched system of local and State
banks, whose notes, when taken at
all at the other end Of the country
from that which issued them, were
taken at tremendous discount
Money was scarce, and public and
private enterprises were incapable
of the great efforts they now exhibit.
The recent great development Of
many portions Of the country was
simply impossible under the old sys-
tenn.
At the close Of wasting war, 8
tariff, which in no inconsiderable de-
gree met the approval of the con-
stituent elements of the party, rails
ed for the Government revenue
unprecedently great, and afforded
incidentally moderate protection.
No mode Of meeting the public bur
dens was so free from objections,
whether the question of economy or
efficiency be considered. 1t is posi-
BILE that some branches Of manufac-
ture might have profited by greater
protection, and the country been, in
the long run, benefited by their pros
perity but the ground chosen seem
ed to be the most suitable to meet
the conflicting views Of the different
portions of the party. By the re-
duction of as much Of the internal
revenue system as those who were
at the helm thought could at this
time be spared without injuring the
national credit, the party gave an
implied assurance to the country
that as fast as practicable its entire
machinery would be abolished.
Is there, then, any party in the
country prepared for free trade, the
abolition Of revenue from that source,
and saddling all the public burdens
on direct taxation !? We do not be-
lieve it. Neither do we believe that
any very large element in the Re
publican party has made up its mind
to any such purpose. What then !?
Are the efforts to divide and break
the party in power on this issue
merely efforts Of the enemy 10 sow
discord on point on which there is
known to be some difference of opin-
ion ? We will neither be so harsh
or uncandid as to charge any per-
sons or organs of the party with
such a motive. We do not think
the most determined of them has
matured system of opinion on the
subject, much less that this was
done in malevolent spirit. At the
same time we believe that there has
been an unwise recklessness, and
that indiscreet friends have attempt
| ed TO SOW within the party the seeds
of mischief.
1t has been doubted by the enc
mics of Republican Governments
whether parties could be made the
custodian of a Governmental policy.
The Government is really a creature
or exponent of the party which
placed it in power; and in all Gov
ernments there must be careful
and wise balancing Of conflicting
opinions. Are parties capable of
making these judgments and sacri-
fees We think they are. We
think so far the Republican party has
doue it, and done it wisely. Nay,
we fear the chief reason for picking
bones of contention is the erroneous
idea that the party has closed its
work. Yet there is no party to-day
which has task so important or
principles so coherent. But half of
the mighty work of organizing the
Republic on a basis of freedom is
done. Can its completion be safely
left to the enemies of the system ?
The iippant enemies of the Republi-
can party talk mysteriously of fl
nance; but they are neither explicit
in their own views nor Ineligible
in their criticism Of ours. If we
wish to fund our debt at lower
rate of interest, the most sensible
course is to prove that we are able
and willing to pay our debts. That
is just what Grant and the Republl-
can Congress are doing.