The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-08-22
SUICIDAL COKARDICE.

The Republican State Committee met at
Altoona on the 10th, but gave no public report
about its proceedings. 1t was evidently made
as close corporation as possible, and was
manipulated in the interest of the political
desperadoes who attempted to steal the Re-
publican organization through Washington
trickery.
The Republicans had one grand opportu-
nifty to retrieve the party, to heal its dissen-
sions and reinspirit it's people Had mani
festo in favor of substantial reform within
the party, by the earnest and determined
action of the party, come from the committee,
it would have rallied the Republican ranks
with something of the old spirit that has
given us victory in the past. But
the committee was controlled other
wisely what baleful influences
we know not, but the Republicans
of the State will be likely to place the re-
sponsibility where it justly belongs. By a
resolution, the consideration of Constitu-
tional Convention to reform our legislation
was postponed until the 10th of March next,
evidently with the view of preventing action
on the subject by the next Legislature; and
if the next Legislature does not act, reform
cannot be effected until after the next Sena-
torial election.
Not a single Republican journal in the
State has ventured to oppose fundamental
reform, and a very large portion of the
ablest and truest of them have pronounced
in the most positive terms in favor of a con-
vention. So far as the expressions have been
made in the party, there has been but one
klok Id otso
of the party to inaugurate earnest reform,
and yet the State Committee, the only organ
of the party in the absence of State Con-
vention, submits to the counsels of those
who want to control the Legislature by
debauchery for few years more, and yielded
ia suicidal cowardice to the corruptionists
who have well-nigh Frustrated the noblest
party that ever existed.
This action of the committee opens the way
for the advance of the Democracy, and they
will not be slow to avail themselves of the
opportunity. They will doubtless rally
unitedly for convention and such reform
as the people, without distinction of party,
not only wish, but imperatively demand, and
they will thus array themselves in favor of
the most vital issue now before the people of
the State. Where was Hon. John Covode,
with his acknowledged sagacity? Was he
overruled? or did he, too, bow to the behest
of Cameron, who don't want reform until he
defrauds the people out of another Senatorial
term?
If the Republican party would save itself
it must do SO in spite of its leaders. 1t is in
the position of France-suffering the keenest
agony and deepest humilition because of her
ruler, who climbed to power through perjury
and infamy. The French people must save
the French nation, if it is saved at all; and
the Republican people must save the Repub-
lican party, if its salvation is possible. Let
the independent Republican press speak out,
and the Republican masses demand of their
Legislative candidates distinct pledges in
favor of reform. Such action gives hops
of success. Without it, Democratic folly will
be unequal to the task of perpetuating Re-
publican power.