Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-08-17
tUatuhman s. Journal.
The Republican Address.

We present our readers this week with the
campaign address issued by the Republican
Congressional Committee.
The address is, on the whole, an eminent
" satisfactory document and while it would
be- idle to assert that the record Of the party
has been perfect in every respect there are
ample causes for congratulation upon its past
history and probable future.
During the rebellion the duty Of the party
was identical with that Of the loyal States.
To put down armed rebellion with every ap-
pliancc at its command, was the clear and
unmistakable duty Of both but with the
close Of the war new issues growing out Of
the disturbed relations between different Sec
tious Of the country the immense war debt,
internal taxation, and the rival propositions
of protection aud free trade, divided the party,
crippled its power for good, md rendered it
impossible to realize att the expectation. Of
the people.
No charge ever brought by our opponents
against the Republican party, has so seriously
injured it, as the charge of lavish aud uneall.
ed for expenditures Of the peoples money,
and the loose enforcement Of our revenue
laws and more, we regret to say, has ever
had so much iustifci ton We are thorough
ly convinced that retrenchment and reform
must characterize the action Of that party
which is, in the future to have the admins
tration Of our government.
1t is in this view therefore that we cordial
ly endorse the prompt aud efficient collection
of the revenues inauguratod under the adj
minstratiou Of Gen Grant, and the persistent
and audable efforts which have recently been
made toward economy in the expense, Of the
government. With these principles fully un-
dorstood as being the controlling principles
of the Republican party, it will be speedily
recognized as the party Of the people and
acquire lease Of power, which can only be
wrestcd from it when it shall become faith
less to them
Another point on (which the Republican
party has sadly stumbled is the matter of 9
uniform reconstruction policy throughout tn,
South, which, while it shall protect every citi
zen, white or black, in the enjoyment Of al
their legal rights, shall work more harmo
niously and with less friction and special leg
islaton than any yet devised. This, as i
seems to US, is the only way in which SCUM,
aud permanent Republican ascoudency can b.
secured in those States, for it is impossible h
secure any solid basis or respect there b.
special or class legislation.
We write this, not for the purpose of findinl
fault with the Republican party, but for tn
purpose of pointing out some Of the stun
, bling blocks which lie directly in its path.
No party can live solely upon its pas
traditions, however noble and good they ma
be, and certainly no party ever had graude
record than the Republican party. But ther
/ must be a growth to a party the same as t
an individual.
We see no danger of defeat to the Re
r publicans from any existing party. A
its worst the Republican party is infinitely
be preferred to the Democratic party at il
best estate.
: The principal danger we apprehend is
possible failure on its part to recogniz
the demands which the people have a RICH
to make upon it, and which if neglected ma
work its overthrow for some new party NOR
cognizant of their wants