The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1871-12-30
The Parties.
From the y. @. Picayuuc. I

1t appears that the division in the Re
publican party in this State is but il re-
Election of its condition throughout the
country. In every State Il strong oppo-
sition is rising up. which is maj Uly de
pendent Oh hostility to the re- election
of the President. Although differing
widely i'll the prctcxt of separation, it is
not i'm Improbable that the same antipithy
to the Federal Administration has intlu-
enccd the course of the patty in this
State, and Mr.. Sumner in the Senate
Each assign different motive for their
action. but both concur in the common
sentiment of opposition.
This antagonism has been industri-
ously cultivated until, without an ex-
ception, it pervades the Republican
party Of all the States. Whether the
opposition to the administration is in
creasipg and has already formed the nu-
cleus of an opposing element of strength
and power, it is difficult to perceive 1t
involves, however, such men as Sumner,
! Trumbull, Blair and Schurz in the Sem
ate, and some of the ablest Representa-
tives in the House. So prominent, in
deed, has it become, that the Democratic
leaders are thinking seriously of coali-
ton. Should such a.junction be formed.
it will be the first time in the history of
this country when the popular vote of
the States without distinction of party
are united, not in opposition to a princi-
pie, but in opposition to man.
| The disaffected members of the Repub-
lican organization have nothing to allege
against the theory of the Administrations:
they do not object to the party policy it
illustrates, and the practical issues it is
designed to subserve; but they object
to the p resident himself They say he
is an ambitious man, and meditates hold
| ing possession of the Presidential Office
in the party, including Mr. Wilkes, do
not hesitate to say that unless he is dis
posed Of our system of Government will
pass away under his rule. Indeed, it is
said that such is the power and patron
age of the Chief Executive, that Mr.. Lin
coin, but for the accident of his assassin
alton, would have been President as
! long as he lived. The present incum-
bent does not appreciate the advantages
of official position less, and will doubt
less use whatever means lie can employ
to prolong his lease of office.
And in this uncertainty and dismay
of tho Republican party the opposition
are seeking to discern the best course
for them to pursue. Some of the Demo-
cratic leaders advocate an open fusion
of all hostile elements others, perhaps
more discreet, are in favor of the Mis-
souri, plan, which resulted last year so
disastrously to the interests and policy
of the President. Amy way, this conflict
of party interests presents an unusual
spectacle, and is an anomalous condition
of affairs in the eyes of the American
people. 1t is, however, but the begin
ming of the fiercest political strife that
has been witnessed in this country for
many years, and in the bitter struggle to
which it will give rise it is not improba-
BILE that the true theory of Reconstruction
will be found. 1t will then be the policy
of all for every man to vote, and in the
restoration of civil rights there will no
longer be need for Federal interference
vii th the affairs of sovereign States.