The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-01-28
A New Political Era.


entered upon q new era in the politicai
existence of the country. Whether we
lcok forward in anticipation with hope
and confidence, or with fear and doubling,
or whether we look upon ourselves in the
light Of history. we are forcibly impressed
with the idea that the present year COM
mences n new era In the governmental
and political concerns Of the nation. Those
questions aud issues which have divided
the country, now lie sleeping in the past
either abandoned and absolute. or eSecut-
ed. New issues in form and substance
must and viii arise some upon mere
matters Of policy. having perhaps but little
influence upon the future; others involv-
Ing grave questions Of governmental duty
obligation and economy. The world in-
decd moves, and the man who closes his
ewes to the great fact. deceives himself
and will surely reap the fruits OF such
sowing.
How important. then. Mt this time, that
wa look about us and observe the substan-
tial realities in our political conditions,
rather than be cling:ng to the formal and
unsubstantial cognomen Of old political
divisions. Those old organizations have
served their purpose. They existed with
reference to the questions then pending
and long since settled. The issues Of to-
day were born Of the events Of the great
rebellion through which we have passed.
The great absorbing questions of the next
half century must be such rs arise from
the new and altered condition of the
country.
Upon all these questions former politi-
cal alliances and associations cannot en-
bsrrass the citizen in his election. Hence
we shall find some who have been acting
together In former party divisions, now
acting in different organizations. None
Of the supposed obloquy of change of
politics. can attach to this change OF asso-
citation. because the questions are new and
cnrcnucrcu Dl 'hO PsSs hO"'
All political parties have certain high
sounding gencralities in their creeds. The
masses" the "dear people," and free
institutions" figure largely in both. Each
is the peculiar guardian Of the peoples
rights. and each is especially sound upon
the question of economy. The substan-
,ial points of difference are few, and in
deed in some cases are of very little prac-
teal importance.
The political condition Of the country
is such that new divisions will be formed
and old n.nes will not delude the think
ing and reasoning citizen. The term
Democratic Party" as applied to party
organizations. has now really no more POI
litical Specification than that of "WhiS."
Great numbers of that old party opposed
the war for the suppression of the rebel
lion from its inception until its close; a
great many of that party fought the rebels
in the fold; while still larger number
supported his arm at home. Upon that
great and most important Of all questions
they were very far from an unit. Some
of those who have become attached to the
name, have endcayored to use 1t rs the
watchword Of n party who oppose the
prcscnt Administration. and claim TO APP
propriate to the new party all that was
glorious in the old name. To the even
casual observer ii is apparent rs sunlight,
that Il bears no resemblance, either in form
or substance. to the old party which so
long managed the affairs of the govern
ment. What were the virtues Of the old
Democratic party. or wherein 1t failed is
not now of the least importance. Thegreat
oycrshadowing fact now is that the ques-
tons OF the hour are nec. and men who
think alike upon them, may act alike
without 'changing their politics" and
without embarrassment Of former associa-
tions.
There are many individuals who have
witnessed the acts Of the present admins
,ration with satisfaction, and indeed with
a sort Of national pride; yet their former
connection with the old Democratic party
has restrained them from making nm open
ayowal of the fact. This is all wrong
and should not be, because there Is no &C.
casiou for it.. To such we say, If you
were Of those who espoused your coun-
try's cause, and helped, by word or deed,
TO sustain the federal government in its
conflict with rebels, you are still in senti-
ment with those with whom you acted in
those dark hours when the help of every
hand was needed. If you were Of those
who were wanting in the faith that the
rebellion would and could be crushed. you
have seen that your hopes were better
grounded than your fears. The rebellion
has been crushed. and you with the rest Of
u, must reap its fruits. Interest rs well
as duty calls upon you now to aid in turn
ing The result TO the best advantage.
1t is unmanly to let the phantom OF a
thing Of the past. even though 1t once
were thing Of life. prevent an honest.
independent action now. The true course
is to disregard all former appcllations. &C
ton and names, and support those meas
urcs best adapted to the welfare Of the
country.
To the young men Of the country we
especially commend these considerations.
In the ordinary course Of human affairs
wo s,asi conclude that upon them win be
cast the duty and responsibility Of the set
Element Of these questions. They are
worthy the consideration of all. but more
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