The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-07-06
Evideucos Of = Progressive Denecracy-
McClellaD, Hoffman, Adams.

w Aooucb tuut uou pdsocu Jul VI pOutiCo III ~
many years after the new conditions brought
about by the close of the rebellion were
irrevocable, that when the recent ''new de-
parture" was announced the radicals derided it
as insincere, and even independent democrats
doubted whether 1t would be generally accept
able. But so many democratic conventions
have endorsed it and so many leading men
In the party are urging 1t that it would now
be more remarkable if the democracy should
60 backward instead of going forward. The
evidences of progressive spirit in the demo-
cratic party are accommodating, the latest utter
ances Of three leading men being especially
noteworthy at this time, when, If the democracy
is to succeed in the next Presidential canvass,
it must prepare the way for such standard
bearers as Chase and Hancock, with platform
as liberal as the candidates.
Tammany Hall signalized its celebration Of
the ninety-fifth anniversary of American indie
pendence by reading letters from General
Mcclellan, Governor Hoffman and John
Quincy Adams, in which this purpose was
clearly declared and the evidences of pro-
gressive democracy demonstrated. We have
already referred to the Governors letter, the
others being similar In their scope and charac-
ter, and all enforcing the policy of the "new
departure" at the same time that they insist
on the integrity of the States and of the
Union
''Let us leave behind us the dead issues of
the past" said General Mcclellan in his
Tammany letter, ''and look only to the pres
ent and the future" No Misrepresentation
can do away with the effect of this declaration
or make 1t possible that 1t should be mis-
understood. Looking little further. we
see in the letter of Governor Hoffman
what 1t is in the present and the
future to which the party purposes direct
ing Its energies. In that letter is declara-
ton that the Union can never be torn asunder,
but that 1t must be preserved with the same
wholesome principles which governed its
creation. And John Quincy Adams. writing
in the same vein, invoked kindness for the
whole American people as comprehensive as
the Union and love of local self-government
as sturdy as the foundations of the States.
In these letters are enuncated all the prin-
ciples which should animate political party
to-day-oblivion for the past, fidelity for the
present and watchfulness and wisdom for the
future. The love of that local self-government
which Mr.. Adams counses cannot be too
often incucated. That there is some ground
for the fears Governor Hoffman expresses
of tendency to Capitalization of power in the
government at Washington has confirmation in
the Galesburg speech of Senator Trumbull
which we print this morning. Trumbull is q
man capable of judging of the political ten
denotes of the Imes-a man of large legislative
experience aud great moderation on constitu-
tional questions, who never opposes issues
which do not exist or invokes fears of imagi-
nary evils. His words show the wisdom of
those whom Tammany invoked as her coun-
sellers, and the utterances Of the three men
to whom we have referred point to bright
day for the democratic party.
1t would be sad day for the people of the
United States when the imperialism which
would grow out Of Capitalization should
assert itself. To oppose all such ten
denotes in their incipient stages is a
glorious mission for the democratic party
mission which will keep both of our
great political parties alive to the living
issues Of the day. Had the republican party
gradually drifted into the exercise of too much
power, as has sometimes been the case with
Its leaders, the democracy would not have
been free from blame. The empires Of the first
and the third Napoleon would not have been
possible had not the Bourbons shown that they
were as incapable of forgetting as of learning.
A ''strong government" would sooner find
advocates in the United States if the de-
mocracy should cling tenaciously to the issues
which are dead and persistently ignore the
principles which are living. Political advance
ment is what the party needed, and we have
at last strong evidences Of progressive de-
mocracy.
In all this there is cause for congratulation.
The country needs peace and freedom from
discussions which only influence the multitude
without effecting any practical good. 1t was
difficult for the democracy to yield up ideas to
which it was welded by its traditions and it's
pride, but it will gain in vitality by the looping
away Of the dead branches and the setting of
fresh gratis in the live trunk. The republican
party, too, will gain in the life which is more
precious to the nation than perpetual political
success. and once again the country has the
prospect-Grant and Chase leading the two
great parties-of an old-fashioned presidential
campaign after the fashion of the days of JEFF
ferson and Jackson.
GOVERNOR CLAFLINs WITHDRAWAL from
the race for the candidacy of the Governorship
of Massachusetts, leaves the field open to three
strong men-Loring, Washburne and Butler
If the Gloucester fishermen, the Irish Fenians
and the strong-minded women could have
their way Butler would certainly be carried
through triumphanty; but as there are many