Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-08-22
WORCESTER.
TUESDAY. AUGUST ee. 1871.
T,o ,.ren, nemocrnric Trouble.

The Great Democratic Trouble.
Some of the discussions going on between
the two wings of the democratic party, might
profitably be published with notes and COM
ments; and abundant materials for the com
mentary could be gathered from the copperhead
speeches and editorials put forth so abundantly
during the war and while the reconstruction
measures were under consideration. Supporters
of what is called the "new departure" aim TO
have all talk against the constitutional amend
ments suspended, during the presidential can
vass Southern democrats, meaning those lately
in rebellion, will not submit to this; and they
are supported by a very large force at the north
The "new departure" movement started off
with a flourish, and, at first, looked hope
full: but, il has received check, and fails to do
what was expected, No one, not even the most
stupid of those who desire to be cheated, be-
leves the actual position and purpose of that
party can be changed by any meditation in the
tones of its electioneering trumpet.
Those who object to this maneuver, can not
see that it will be of any use, and they are in
disposed to seem even to tride with what is
really their foremost purpose They intend to
nullify and set aside those amendments of the
constitution which guarantee civil rights to the
coored race. If they could get control of the
government, their first use Of power would be
directed to carry out this purpose. Undying
hatred of these amendments is their controlling
partizan passion; and they do not hesitate to
show this clearly. There was a curious discus
sion, not long since, between Alexander H.
Stephens twho now edits democratic paper in
Georgia., and the New York World. Mr.. Ste
phens splits foully upon the "new departure;"
he intimates p lainly that he will not support
new departure candidate for the presidency,
nor any candidate whatever who stands
on a new departure platform; and many other
democrats in that part of the country talk
in the same strain. He made this purpose visi-
BILE in reply to the Worlds assumption, that his
fierce talk would not prevent his support of the
regular nomination. Another organ of the
southern democrats, eagerly taking part in the
discussion, asked the World ;-"If the conven-
ton should nominate Mr.. Stephens, would you
support himP' OF course it would support
him; but it did not like to say so beforehand.
Therefore, it replied: "Such nomination is in
conceivable;" and said nothing more. Mr.. Ste
phens and his associates appear to regard their
support of new departure candidate as no less
inconceivable.
In this significant controversy, one side in |
sists that the democratic party shall be its old,
undisguised self; the other pleads to have it ap-
pear to be something else, until after the coming
presidential election is over. But, why should
the party seem to be something else if it has
not become ashamed of its record? Southern
democrats like Mr.. Stephens understand
that the new departure" is a confession of de-
feat on the old issues and therefore, that it might
endanger their purpose to destroy the obnoxious
amendments. He and his associates have UNI
derstoOd that the democratic party was fully com
mitted to suppot their views. Did it not fight
persstently against all attempts to conquer the
rebellion? Were not leading organs of the
party constantly demanding peace negotia-
tons with the so-called Confederate govern
ment" And have they not fought with exceed
ing ierceness against all the reconstruction acts,
and against all measures to suppress kukIux-
ISM Was not their last national platform in
the same strain? What has this meant2 1t
was not anywhere understood to be hypocrisy al
though most good citizens thought it closely akin
to treason. The northerncopperhe and their
southern allies believed it meant what it seemed
to mean; and they insist very naturally that
there shall be no departure from that meaning.
They have sustained the party on account Of
what is has seemed to be, and will not now con-
sent to have it seem TO be anything else. Those
who have made its record, mustaccept the fruit of
their doings, and make no complaint of the sit
uation.
Mr.. Stephens and his associates are, probably,
somewhat too exacting. Northern managers of
the party wish to succeed, in 1872. They pro-
pose to play sharp game of deception, in Or
der to improve their chances. Meanwhile, if
they could carry the next presidential election
the disguise would be thrown off, and they
would be ready to do whatever the copperhead
and southern lunaey might demand. Individ-
ual democrats might refuse to support their rev.
dictionary proceedings, as they did during the
war; but the whole influence of the administra-
ton would be on the side Of such measures as
Alexander H. Stephens proposes to have
adopted. The managers of the party mean
what they have always meant; but the game
they propose to play, requires that the next
national convention shall omit saying so. 1t is
foolish TO play the game. for they are sure to
lose it. Even if both wings of the party could
be persuaded to engage in it tremendously, it
would fail miseraby; for everybody under
stands why it has been proposed and what it
signifies.