New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-11-29
TWO PARTIES NECESSARY.

tended to convey the idea that the gov.
eminent could be properly conducted
without at least two great parties. If the
Democratic party, in the exercise Of
patriotic wisdom, should see fit to disband
its organization, there is not doubt but
that another party would at once take its
place to contend for proper administra-
ton Of the government, and strict ad-
herence to republican principles. As in
the prosecution Of lawsuits before courts
of justice, there are always two sides to
be represented in the matter at issue. so
there must, as long as the people Of this
country remain free, be at least two par
ties to discuss before the people all ques-
tons Of government
We have not advocated the disband-
men: Of the Democratic party because
We did not believe in the existence of two
great parties in our country, but because
We have become convinced that the Dem
ocratic party is in bad odor with the peo-
pie, and the quickest way for the men
who have run that party to set themselves
right with the people, in our opinion, is
to form new party. Just as soon as it
is known that the Democratic organiza-
ton has been dissolved and its members
are free to act with the new party that
will inevitably spring up in its place,
there will be concentration in favor of
such reforms in the civil service as are
actually necessary. No doubt there has
been very serious departure from the
good old-fashioned way our govern
ment was administered IN its prim-
tive days. Innovations have been in
troduced by those high in official life
that are not consistent with Republican
administrative simplicity and honesty
There is growing tendency to build up
individual and family interest at the pub
lie expense. We regret to have to ac-
knowledge that this tendency has strongly
developed itself under Republican ad-
minist-ation. We can think most highly
OF the man who, having the means to
assist his relatives, does not hesitate to
use them literally for that purpose In
that case he would display goodness Of |
heart that would commend him not only |
to those who were the sharers of that |
which actually belonged to him, but to
all who should become cognizant of his
good acts. But it becomes quite differ
ent matter when man who has been
temporarily clothed with high official sta
ton uses his position to build up family
interest. that has no just claims upon
government, to the exclusion Of fair dis
tribution Of public favors among all
classes Of citizens who have labored for
the success Of Republican principles and
are every way worthy and deserving of
the confidence of the Republican party
and its chosen administrators of the gov
The offices OF the government
10 more belong to the President than does
he treasure that finds lis way into the
vaults Of the Treasury Department at
and it mag well be conceded
hat the Presidents right 70 confer offices
Upon his relatives and special friends is
10 better than his right to thrust his hand
n:o the public treasury and supply each
me with what money be wanted II has
been the custom Of the country to have
he federal appointments that come
through the President made to suit the
communities in which each official was to
ct; and these appointments were sought
trough members OF Congress. 10 whom
he people usually refer their petitions
md make known their wishes. It is true
be war somewhat interfered with this
custom.
The Southern States were fer some time
without representatives in Congress after
he war was over, and during that time
he President made appointments with :
ut the advice Of representatives. from tie
districts where federal Offices were to be
lied; but even then he endeavored to
ind out what the people wanted, and
.cted accordingly. It was an unusual ;
hing previous to Grant administration, ;
or President to appoint a relative to
,ffce. The early Presidents were all op-
posed to nepotism; and, in fact, there has {
,een little or no complaint Of favoritism ;
Until now. It is true President johnson
ppointed brother Of his to very small
position somewhere out in Texas but this
lid not excite notice or cause public COM ;
nent. Any President might DO this with
ut being censured; but when Presi-
ent devotes the public service in large
egree to family benefits, and helps to
uild up other families than his own by
he aid of lucrative appointments, he
hows gross favoritism for special
riends that must always be considered ,
ncompatible with republicanism and an
ajustice to the people at large.
President Grant may not have given
his matter much thought in the great
of business that comes before |
i'm, and he may not actually be aware to
hat extent his Kindness for friends ,
as led him to depart from much hon {
red custom, yet the fact that he has done ,
0 will tell with the people against the {
republican party unless they make an !
fort to correct it. And while it is quite ;
pparent that the people will not be sutfi- !