The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-11-09
evening State Soarnal.
THE LESSONS OF THE CANVASS.

1t is always easy, after defeat, to make
an order of battle which would have given
decisive victory. Criticism upon adverses
in war is frequently thus forestaled, but it
is nevertheless true that most great and sue
cessful soldiers have learned from defeat
how to win victories.
In the recent contest we were compelled
to fight under some disadvantages of posi-
ton, wholly beyond our control.
The unjust and wicked gerrymandering
of the State was one of the most prominent
Of these. BY system of districting, which
made the representative basis vastly larger
in the Republican than in the Democratic
districts, and disregarded all contiguity of
territory, nearly one-ffth of the Republi-
can strength was lost. This loss was as
real, and as much in violation of every
principle of justice, ,as if twenty thousand Re-
publican voters had been excluded from the
polls by force. We have before shown at
length the iniquitous character of this trans
action, and how completely the State was
placed in the power Of the dominant party
under it. We trust that means will be
supplied by Congress at its next session to
prevent the recurrence of such an outrage
upon the people Of any State.
1t is useless for us to talk about minor
matters, if State, by such system of
gerrymandering, can destroy the representa-
tive value of any portion Of its population.
Political parties have only to get once in
power, and redistrict, to retain permanent
control. We care not which party seeks
advantage from this source, IL is dangerous
to liberty and must beremedied.
Then, again, we were compelled in great
measure to submit to registration rules,
which worked hardship with the poor men
of which our party is largely composed.
The election boards were to great extent
partizan, and ruled often with great rgor
against US.
These and other unfavorablc conditions
were practically beyond our control. We
can see, however, other disadvantages not
thus arbitrarily forced upon us. Promi-
nent among these was a short and hurried
canvass. The work of organization was
postponed till the last moment, and then
undertaken with wholly inadequate means,
and in the face of an opponent, whose
sagacity had secured early organization,
and the tremendous advantages which come
oft. If our principles will bear the test Of
discussion, and our men are fitting repre-
sentatives, we gain strength every day.
The longer, the stronger, the hotter the
canvass, the better. Fraud and corrup-
ton seek the concealment of short, sly
canvass. Ihatglorious Republicanism which
has swept the North, which has illustrated
its history with triumphs for God and man.
and carries with it everywhere abounding
prosperity Republcanism loves the
light. 1t was born of free discussion, and
has thriven and grown strong in mighty
contests with error and falsehood and OPP
preston. It's grand inspirations cannot be
repressed by party drill sergeants, OF
strapped down by the small tactics of ward
politicians. Give time, and full, free, fair
canvassing Of the merits Of its principles,
and it will steadily grow in favor with all
good men. tNt
But, again, we have to connect with these
principles, men as candidates. The candi-
date ought to illustrate the principle. Are
there no lessons for us here? Have we
always selected the best man, all things
considered 4? Men desiring to use the
party for personal ends, blindly conceitcd,
have in some cases forced themselves upon
the party as candidates. The party has
been embarrassed by their personal uil-
popularity of some candidates, and so the
cause has suffered, and defeat in this case
has no compensations.
The lesson is clear, and emphatically en-
forced in the late canvass. We cannot af-
ford to carry the weight of any mans per-
sonal lnadequacy as candidate. The man
who aspires to leadership should be able to
aid the cause by bright example of ener-
gy, wisdom, patriotism, and devotion to
the guod of all.
Such men should be sought, and brought
from the tasks where they faithfully labor
as citizens, and put forward as our leaders
in the work of political regeneration.
With such men we shall commend Repub-
licanism to the people. and conquer misrep-
resentation and prejudice. With such men
we can suffer temporary defeat with digni-
ty, sure that in every contest we gain
something, and.that ultimate triumphis not
only sure, but lasting in its benefits.