The union Democrat., 1871-01-07
The End Approaching.

Every day it becomes more and more ap-
parent that the Radical party is fast ap,
preaching stages Of dissolution. The leaders
Of j. are divided in their opinions on many Of
the heretofore prominent and vital policies.
Some Of them who mean if possible to be on
the winning side, know not which way to
shape their course so as to keep themselves
in favor with the people. The press of tina,
party have ceased rronouucing the Democrat
ic party dead, it shows such healthy signs OF
vitality that they have tired of writing
lengthy obituaries on its demise. They have
sent out their feelers for the organization OF
new rarty, it promises no success. Some
of them are urging that party lines may not
be drawn in the future, as they enforced them
in the past; others commence at the bedrock
and charge the managers aud leaders of the
party with being deficient in the requisites
necessary for success. That party in Califor-
MIA is now beating about waiting for some
thing to turn up to change their forlorn hopes.
The San Francisco Chronicle. one of their
sheets goes after them in this manner:
"There is no better evidence ofthe strength
of party organization than the character
and standing of its leaders. The leaders OF
the Democratic party in California are pre-
eminent for political skrewdness and sagaci-
ty-are men of ability. ranking high among
the lawyers, and followers Of other learned
professions. Senator Casserlv, who is natur-
ally regarded as the head of the party, is re-
markahly long-headed and calculating. and
as politician he is not to be moderated
! Henry II. Uaight is more honest in his con-
victions than politic in his administration
William 7. Wallace, another leader among
the Chiefs, possesses extraordinary qualifiea-
tons political manager, and commands
general respect for his talents. The Demo
cratic State Central Committee i COMPOSED
of me1 of the caliber of Joseph p. Hoge.
Thomas n Cazneau. John H. Baird, James
| IL Hardy. III F. Williams. S F. Rutterworth,
J. w. Vaudeville j. w Coffroth john
Roggs. William Watt and john G.. Downev.
Samuel NJ. Wilson. the Mavnards. Frank
McCopnin. and other we'll known citizens,
are in their councils. and they are enabled to
make M programmes to command success
before the people The Republicans want
leaders badly. Senator Cole is necessarily
absent. attending to his duties at Washing
ton. Sargent is hardly up to the mark and
in addition to these there is no man or set of
men, now protesting to he leaders, who pos
sess the qualifications 20 lead the party, par
ticulatly when the prospect for success is rot
bright. While the Democratic party bur len
their ablest men with the responsibilities of
party management. the Republicans are re-
presented in State Central Committees bv
men who do not. bv reason Of their talents or
abilities, rise above mediocrity.
Looking over the names of the parties COM
prising the Republican organization, we do
not note n single individual who is pre-em-
nent as party leader. Petty politicians
have crept into and usnrped the place which
should he occupied hv their superlors, and in
consequence the Republican party is an inert
mass of matter. seemingly Invested of life ard
motion. The Democrats led or by the men
we have named, are enthusiastic and coufi-
dent, ana promise themselves an easy vcto-
ry. The Republicans are slumhering, heed
less Of how fast time is passing sway, occu-
pied with nothing better than an investiga-
ton into the malpractices of individual mem
bers of their State Central Committe. who
are reputed to levy assessments the en-
ployes at Mare Island for purposes foreign to
those of party, and who are charged with be-
ing brokers for the sale of positions At the same
place. The Republican party needs recon
struction if it proposes an earnest canvass for
the State cficers in 1871. How is it to be
effected? Selfish ward politicians must give
way to men of recognized standing in the
community, who will be able t. effect thor
o1gh reorganization of scattered elements.
and re-establish confidence among the mass
es.n