The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-05-14
THE PARTY OF PROGRESS.
From the N. Y. Times.

.
The whole civilized world is making
marked progress in political affairs $50
marked, that our era will be memorable one
in history for the popular reforms which have
been and still being wrought out Within
the last twenty years, Europe has been stirred
to the acceptance of radical changes in almost
every quarter; while in our own country, and
within decade, we have moved in that direc-
ton with rapidity which is astonishing to
all observers. We can only ascribe this pro-
gress, in a few words, to the wholesome
growth and activity of public opinion, which
has been able to overcome the resistance of
conservatism and intrenched prescription. In
England, again, constant struggle has been
going on by progressive men in behalf of
reforms for half a century; but it is only re-
Gently that substantial success has been
achieved. In our own country, the struggle
has been going on longer, and has but just
eliminated. Both nations are in the very
midst of their reform achievements, and both
rely for success upon progressive men.
With us, those men constitute the Republi-
can party, and render it the party of true
progress. We do not mean to allude to
wild theories, which are the fruit of mere i'm
pulse, or as it has been defined, Ignorance
inhamed by prejudice;" we refer to thought
full and cautious acceptance of well-proved
necessities. The past record of our party
brief as it has been-has afforded q marked
illustration of steady growth of ideas and
purposes. The standards of policy which
it adopted in 1856 were feeble and uncertain
compared with those which were asserted in
the campaign of 1860 When we recall the
platform upon which Lincoln was first
elected, the sentiments of conciliation ex-
pressed by him in his inaugural, and the
subsequent timid action of the Republican
majority in Congress-we find a marked con-
trast with the declared policy of the party in
1864, as well as with the temper of the whole
people of the North. The party had grown
not only in purpose but in power, and had
reached point when it dared avow its pur-
pose and call its power into exercise. The
campaign of 1868 found the party occupying
still more advanced position. 1t had
broader mission and more affirmative policy
than before, and could hardly be recognized
as the same which carried the campaign of
1860.
The same growth and development which
have hitherto marked the brief life of the
Republican party, will attend it in the future.
The idea that such party, composed of such
elements, can have already com pleted its
mission is preposterous. Changed as the
political situation of 1872 will be, the party
will easily conform itself to it, as it re-
sponded to similar requirements in the past.
The process is already going on. We are
clearing away the debris of the Rebellion,
and letting it drift from us. The fact that
old issues have been decided does not neces-
sarily affect the vitality of the party. New
issues are supplying their places, and new
ideas and new measures are urging us for
ward.
We have faith that the party will adapt
itself to the requirements of the time, and
develop policy which will be productive of
harmony IN its ranks. We cannot cling to
the past, but must move on in obedience to
our destiny, and to the spirit of progress
which controls our age.