Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-07-11
Pdrty Drill.

UFt0 1PftOs
In combination of men, having GER
tain objects to accomplish, there is great
power in concert Of action, to secure
which certain amount OF conference
and dehberation is necessary. Nor is
there any improrriety in this, where due
regard is paid to the Intelligence and
rights of ALL Leaders are necessary. TO
organize forces and carry ont the move.
ments agreed upon-but when they ex.
ceed their authority and treat men rs
puppets, over awning and eowing them,
so that their manhood is destroyed. then
The true basis OF republican govern
ment is perverted and destroyed. Per-
suasion may be used upon our elector, to
any extent, bat when intimidation ana
undue influences, in the nature OF
threats. are reSorted 10. then all indie
pendence is lost. and party drill becomes
a bye word and reproach.
In times Of high political excitement,
even in our own State, scenes have been
witnessed at the Capital where Senators
and representatives, otherwise high
minded and upright, have been worked
upon and magnetized So by party lead
crs as to pledge themselves on both sides
OF q controversy; and in one instance
one honorable Senator was locked up in
committee room all night to prevent
the other side from getting access to him.
such occurrences ought to cause the blush
Of shame to tinge the countenance OF ev-
eIy freeman.
The leaders OF the democratic forces in
the New Hampshire legislature seem 10
have their men well under control, tho,
at the first, they had to number and label
them, like cattle. VI the election for
speaker. the ballots used by that party,
were numbered, conSecutivcly, from one
upwards. and each member furnished
with one which was charged against his
name on book. Ii the vote appeared
in the ballot box, it was carried 10 the
credit of the person to whom it was
given; and it did not appear, the re-
cusant would be subjected to the lash OF
party drill. What serrilay does resort
TO such means, on the part of leaders,
imply. How bcliltling and demeauing
10 The voter. How man OF any spirit or
independence, would spurn such dicIa-
ton, 1t would not do to put such 4
collar on the necks Of republicaus--nOne
but democrats could endure such shame
Harry Bingham, democratic lawyer and
leader in the legislature, originated this
neat device, to bring the noses Of the
democratic members OF the legislature to
the I,Oliticu griudStonc. Hereafter, lei
these dupes Of his wear collar with
this iuscriptiou''--Im Mr.. Bingham
dog, whose dog aye you2"
Since the party is under such discipline
and Is comprised OF such men, now that
they have GOT power, it is not TO be Won
dered at that they ale giving Vent to their
political animosities, by all kinds OF pro-
scription, such Is trying to unseat repub-
Leans in different districts on most friyi-
lous grounds, a, foI instance, counting
up the population OF wards in cities, and
irving to show that the inhabitants are
less ,aan the number require to enlitle
to member; and they are even going SO
tar rs to unseat Judges, Sherifis, and
other public officers Their high.handed
proceedings will doubtless react upon
them.
The republicans made 4 great mistake
before the organization OF the Legisla'
ture, in couce ding to them 50 much
Disposed to be fair, they compromised
with them, and agreed to a list OF mem
hers rs reported by one Of the newspa-
pers. instead of the rol, which the CLERK
OF the House OF Representatives hat
prepared, according To usage. BY ihi:
course the democrats effected an olgant
cation ol the Legislature. filled their VA
,ancics. and to make themselves strong
er. aud be independent OF their allies, the
labor.relormerS. they want to mscat {
tew mole republicans.
The republicans have learned lesson
however. which will be worth something
to them hereafter. The acquisition o
power in such u manner a the democrat!
have obtained it in New Hampshire, vii
be short lived
II is quite probable that Mr.. Blaci
would have received handsome supper